112 - Labial Frenulum Attachment in Pediatric Patients, new assessment and classification

Abstract:

Introduction: Throughout development there are certain processes that occur to provide harmony between different functions throughout the human body. For the oral cavity while the tongue is developing, failure of cells to degenerate will give varying levels of attachment for the lingual frenum. Attachment levels and morphology can vary greatly from one child to the next, thus understanding how to diagnose the maxillary frenum is important. An abnormal frenum can cause loss of papilla, recession, diastemas, cause difficulty with brushing, alignment of teeth and psychological disturbances. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of a labial frenulum attachment at the mucogingival junction, type 1 attachment, or greater in the pediatric population being seen at the University of Louisville dental school and determine a new method of classifying the whole frenum instead of just the attachment level.

Methods: The goal is to evaluate at least 200 patients, with each patient receiving an exam including measurement of the labial frenum. A UNC 15 probe will be used for measurement of thickness and depth. The goal is to evaluate patients before and after permanent canine eruption. Type 1: Insertion of the frenulum is near the mucogingival junction. Type 2: Insertion is along the mid attached gingiva. Type 3: Insertion is along an inferior margin at the alveolar papilla and can continue to the posterior or lingual surface. Photos of the measurements will be grouped into ages of the patient for evaluation later.

Results: Pending

Conclusion: Pending

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