Are upper labial frenectomies in children aged 11 and under appropriate? Is it time to change practice and agree guidelines?

摘要

A retrospective five-year review of upper labial frenectomies in a hospital in the east of England. AIMS Determine how many patients underwent surgery; indications for surgery; assess awareness of practitioners to local guidelines; compare the results to set standards and recommend change to our practice. METHOD A sample of 41 patients has been reviewed, ranging between 3-48 years old. Female-to-male ratio is 4; 1. Children aged 1 I years or under represented 20% of the sample. RESULTS The rationale for upper labial frenectomy was varied, possibly owing to a lack of consensus among practitioners regarding the timing of frenectomy.The majority of patients (73%) were between 12-16 years old, of whom 81% were females. 59% of patients were referred for orthodontic reasons and 78% of these had an orthodontic opinion. 88% of referring practitioners were not aware of any guidelines for upper labial frenectomy. CONCLUSIONS National guidelines based on a consensus view will streamline the referral pattern.