Hamular frenum modification: a removable denture prosthesis retention and stability enhancement

A removable denture prosthesis, whether partial or complete, often requires preprosthetic surgery to achieve optimum stabilization and retention. While the hamular frenum may produce significant dynamic dislodging forces, a literature review did not reveal any reports dealing with this problem. A hamular frenum reduction surgical procedure using the free autogenous gingival graft procedure is described. Prosthetic function may be enhanced by eliminating the dynamic disrupting force of the hamular frenum along with improving posterior maxillary tuberosity contour and, as necessary, premaxillary form, allowing these contours to work in concert to develop a "cupping" stabilizing and retentive complex.