Method: 25 patients with class II or III Miller gingival recession associated with high frenum attachment in one or more of lower anterior teeth were retrospectively reviewed for the study. Laterally sliding gingival partial thickness flap to completely cover the exposed roots was performed without eliminating the frenum pull. Oral hygiene procedures were modified and reinforced for the proper maintenance of the treated area. Measurements of both keratinized gingiva and gingival recession was taken before periodontal surgical treatment and one year afterward
Result: A minimum of one-year follow up showed an average of 75% root coverage. It also showed statistically significant increase in keratinized gingival width. Mean keratinized gingiva was significantly increased from 0.15 ± 0.38 to 3.46 ± 1.13 (p < 0.05). Mean gingival recession was significantly decreased from 4.23 ±1.59 to 1.77 ± 1.24 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The result of this retrospective study suggests that frenum pull associated gingival recession can successfully be treated with laterally sliding flap. Frenectomy should not automatically be considered in cases of frenum pull associated gingival recession cases.