Labial Frenectomy: Current Clinical Practice Among a Sample of Oral Surgeons and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this study was to obtain the views of oral surgeons (OS) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in the United Kingdom on labial frenectomies regarding their indication, timing and preferred surgical techniques. Materials and Methods This was a cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study. A 20‐item online questionnaire was sent to both OS and OMFS by distribution through the British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) and British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS). It included demographics of respondents, diagnostic methods for aberrant labial frenums as well as their preferred timing, surgical techniques, and instruments for labial frenectomies. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the study sample characteristics and questionnaire responses. Results One hundred and thirty‐nine OS and 41 OMFS responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 18.3% and 3.4% respectively. 84.4% of OS and 68.3% of OMFS believed that a low and hypertrophic frenum can be an important aetiological factor in the development of a median diastema. If a labial frenectomy was to be carried out as part of orthodontic treatment, the preferred timing among OS was just before closure of the median diastema (37.0%) while the majority of OMFS felt that timing did not matter (31.7%). More than half (55.7%) of the respondents used the Archer and Kruger classical technique exclusively for frenectomies, and a large majority (94.3%) preferred the use of a scalpel over electrosurgery or lasers. Conclusions Considerable variation was found in the diagnostic approach to aberrant frenums and preferred timing of frenectomies among OS and OMFS; however, some consensus was noted in their choice of surgical technique and instrument. Further studies are required to provide more insight on the appropriate indication and timing for labial frenectomies as well as the need for adjunctive orthodontic treatment for the closure of median diastemas following frenectomy procedures.