Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Evaluation of the Tunnelling Technique for Upper Labial Frenectomy Using ER:YAG Laser
Luis Monteiro1,2,3, Inês Álvaro1, Sara Ferreira1,2
1UNIPRO, Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS-CESPU), Gandra 4585-116, Portugal.
Background:
An abnormal upper labial frenum (ULF) can represent a potentially harmful gingival insertion located between the central incisors. Lasers, particularly the Er:YAG laser, have been described for ULF frenectomy and offer several promising advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Er:YAG laser frenectomy using the "tunnelization technique" for the elimination of an abnormal upper labial frenum.
Material And Methods:
This cohort study evaluated ULF frenectomy using the tunnelling technique with an Er:YAG laser in a cohort of 20 patients treated between January 2011 and December 2024. The ULFs were morphologically and clinically characterized before and after the procedure.
Results:
No intraoperative complications were observed during the frenectomy, apart from moderate intraoperative bleeding in 12 patients (60%), with no sutures required in any case. Postoperatively, analgesic medication was required by only 2 patients (10%) for mild pain. At the 3-month follow-up, a significant reduction was observed in both frenulum size (P<0.001) and interincisal diastema (P=0.008). All incisive papillae were preserved without any defects.
Conclusions:
Er:YAG laser frenectomy using the tunneling technique proved to be a suitable option, resulting in the immediate preservation of the incisive papilla and a reduction in ULF size and position, without significant associated complications.
