Recurrence of a Diastema Following Orthodontic Treatment Associated with the Persistence of the Upper Labial Frenum: Indication for Frenectomy in a Pediatric Patient Using an Electric Scalpel
Marcela Garcia1, Joanna Carolina Bachiega2, Fernanda Malheiro Santos3, Alexandre do Valle Wuo4, Irineu Gregnanin Pedron5*
1Undergraduation Student, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
2DDS, MSc. Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
3DDS, MSc. Professor, Department of Oral Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
4DDS, MDS, PhD. Professor, Department of Oral Surgery and Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
5DDS, MDS. Professor, Department of Periodontics and Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
*Corresponding Author: Irineu Gregnanin Pedron, DDS, MDS. Professor, Department of Periodontics, Oral Surgery and Integrated Clinic, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. 1st Lieutenant of Brazilian Air Force, Hospital de Força Aérea de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.015
Received: April 08, 2026
Published: April 23, 2026
Citation: Garcia M, Bachiega JC, Santos FM, do Valle Wuo A, Pedron IG. Recurrence of a Diastema Following Orthodontic Treatment Associated with the Persistence of the Upper Labial Frenum: Indication for Frenectomy in a Pediatric Patient Using an Electric Scalpel. SVOA Dentistry 2026, 7:2, 106-111. doi: 10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.015
Abstract
The presence of a low-insertion upper labial frenum is frequently associated with the persistence or recurrence of a maxillary mid-incisal diastema, even following successful prior orthodontic treatment. In paediatric patients, particularly during the mixed dentition phase, the choice of surgical technique for frenectomy requires careful consideration of haemostasis, post-operative comfort, behavioural management and cost-effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to present a case of frenectomy performed using the electrosurgery technique (electric scalpel) for recurrence of a diastema caused by the upper labial frenum, even after orthodontic treatment, in a 9-years-old child. The indications, contraindications, techniques, advantages and disadvantages for rational application in paediatric dentistry were discussed, as well as highlighting best practices for paediatric dental management.
Keywords: Labial Frenun; Diastema; Oral Frenectomy; Pediatric Dentistry; Electrosurgery; Orthodontics.
