Abstract:
Background: This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence of the various types of Maxillary Labial Frenum (MLF) attachment and morphology in a sample of adult Egyptian Patients.
Methods: 384 subjects, both males and females aged > 18 years attended the Diagnostic Center at the Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. After obtaining a written informed consent, clinical evaluation of the MLF attachment and morphology was performed. The frenum was examined visually, classified and described for MLF attachment and morphology. Periodontal parameters as papilla presence, gingival recession, midline diastema, width of keratinized gingiva, plaque index, and bleeding on probing were further evaluated. Results: The prevalence of MLF gingival attachment was the most common (79.4%), followed by mucosal type (11.5%), and papillary penetrating type (7%), while the least prevalent was the papillary type (2.1%). Two-thirds of participants (68%) had simple frenum morphology, (12.8%) had simple frenum with appendix, and (11.5%) had simple frenum with nodules. New variant or multiple frenum, double frenum as well and persistent tectolabial were (7%) for each morphology. Bifid frenum was (1.3%) and the least prevalent was frenum with one or more variation (1%). Conclusions: Gingival frenum attachment existed with the highest percentage, while the simple frenum was the most common form. A significant association was found between the papillary penetration frenum type and both maxillary diastema and width of the keratinized gingiva. This implies a careful assessment of the MLF during routine dental examinations.