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 11 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.
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