Laser Surgical Approach of Upper Labial Frenulum: A Systematic Review.

An abnormal and hypertrophied upper labial frenulum (ULF) can cause diastemas, gingival recession, eruption abnormalities, and the onset of carious and periodontal problems in the upper central incisors, as well as aesthetic and functional disorders of the upper lip. The goal of this investigation is to review the evidence on the surgical techniques that are currently available for treating ULF in order to identify the best approach. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for papers that matched our topic from 13 November 2012 up to 22 November 2022 using the following Boolean keywords: "frenulum" and "surgery*". A total of eight articles were selected for the purpose of the review. ULF can be surgically treated using either traditional scalpel surgery or laser surgery. The latter is the better option due to its intra- and post-operative benefits for both the patients and the clinicians, in terms of faster healing, fewer side effects and discomfort, and greater patient compliance. However, a higher learning curve is required for this technique, especially to calibrate the appropriate power of the laser. To date, it is not possible to identify which type of laser achieves the best clinical results for the treatment of ULF.

Labial frenectomy: current clinical practice of orthodontists in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain views of orthodontists in the United Kingdom on frenectomy in terms of its indications and timing and a recommended retention regimen after correction of median diastema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 14-item online questionnaire was sent to orthodontic specialists for completion. The questionnaire covered demographics and orthodontists' experience and views on frenectomy. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-three orthodontists with various background and experience responded to the survey. Three-quarters of respondents routinely performed a blanche test to aid diagnosis of the abnormal frenum; however, only 15% carried out radiographic investigation. Three-quarters of the orthodontists would consider frenectomy as a part of orthodontic treatment, and variation existed among the clinicians in terms of its timing. Frenectomy without orthodontic treatment was not preferred. There was much variation in the retention regimen after diastema closure regardless of frenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Complete consensus among the orthodontists was not obtained; however, some agreement was found regarding the development of a logical diagnosis and treatment approach. High-quality studies are required to produce national protocols or UK guidelines.

Safety and efficacy of maxillary labial frenectomy in children: A retrospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary frenectomy in children is a common procedure, but concerns about scar tissue affecting diastema closure prevent many clinicians from treating prior to orthodontics. OBJECTIVES: To determine if maxillary frenectomy is safe and if diastema size is affected by early treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paediatric patients with hypertrophic maxillary frena were treated under local anaesthesia with diode laser and CO2 laser. Diastema width was compared by calibrating and digitally measuring initial and postoperative intraoral photographs. RESULTS: In total, 109 patients were included: 95 patients with primary dentition (39% male; mean age 1.9 years±1.5 years) and 14 with mixed dentition (43% male; mean age 8.1±1.3 years) with a mean follow-up of 18.0±13.2 months. No adverse outcomes were noted other than minor pain and swelling. In the primary dentition, a decrease in diastema width was observed in 94.7% with a mean closure of -1.4±1.0mm (range +0.7 to -5.1mm). In the mixed dentition, a decrease in diastema width was observed in 92.9% with a mean closure of -1.8±0.8mm (range 0 to -3.5mm). 74.5% of patients in the primary dentition and 75% of patients in the mixed dentition with preoperative diastema>2mm improved to<2mm width postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Frenectomy is associated with cosmetic and oral hygiene benefits and when performed properly, does not impede diastema closure and may aid closure. Technique and case selection are critical to successful outcomes. IRB ethics approval was obtained from Solutions IRB protocol #2018/12/8, and this investigation was self-funded.

Association between superior labial frenum and maxillary midline diastema - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric otolaryngologists have seen an increased focus on upper lip frenum as a possible culprit for feeding difficulties and the development of maxillary midline diastema (MMD). This increase may be encouraged by parents' exposure to medical advice over the internet about breastfeeding and potential long-term aesthetic concerns for their children. Subsequently, there has been increased pressure on pediatric otolaryngologists to perform superior labial frenectomies. There has been a reported 10-fold increase in frenectomies since the year 2000. However, there is no consensus within the literature regarding the benefit of superior labial frenectomy in preventing midline diastema. OBJECTIVE: To provide physicians and parents with the most updated information by systematically reviewing the available literature for the association between superior labial frenum and midline diastema. METHODS: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Dental and Oral Sciences Source (DOSS). Using the Covidence platform, a systematic review was conducted. The initial 314 articles identified underwent systematic review and 11 studies were included in the final review. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Available data, primarily from the dental literature, showed that two subtypes of frenum: papillary and papillary penetrating frenum, are associated with maxillary midline diastema. Superior labial frenectomy should be delayed until permanent lateral incisors have erupted, as this can spontaneously close the physiological MMD. Current literature recommends against frenectomy before addressing the diastema with orthodontics, which helps to prevent diastema relapse. It is also imperative to rule out other odontogenic and oral cavity causes of diastema, such as thumb sucking, dental agenesis, and other causes. Online information may not always be fully representative and should be interpreted in the full context of the patient's medical history before referral for surgical intervention.

Modified frenectomy technique to eliminate the aberrant labial frenum - A report of two cases.

Introduction: A modified frenal treatment for aberrant frenum is presented in this report to reduce scar tissue formation and maintain the attached gingiva. Description: The case report describes two cases in which a V-shaped incision removed the aberrant frenum and then the flaps of the frenum were sutured at the mid line. Results: The results showed reduced scar tissue in the mid line and the tissue healed with adequate attached gingiva. Take-Away Lessons: The modified frenotomy technique presented here is ideal for a large frenum that could expose the underlying connective tissue that could reduce the scar tissue formation.

Longitudinal evaluation of diastema closure in patients submitted to labial frenectomy in different phases of the mixed dentition: A historical cohort.

BACKGROUND: There is a controversy in the literature concerning the indications for frenectomy to treat interincisal diastema. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the spontaneous closure of the interincisal diastema in patients submitted to upper labial frenectomy (ULF) during the mixed dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records from patients treated between 2009 and 2014 in the course of Pediatric Dentistry Surgery at Fundecto-USP were evaluated to select those that were submitted to ULF during the mixed dentition using the Chelotti technique. Initial clinic characteristics and radiographic data related to the abnormal upper labial frenum were collected. The patients were called for a return visit to evaluate the diastema closure. The prevalence of children with diastema reduction after the frenectomy was determined by descriptive analysis. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between exposure factors and diastema reduction. Results: From 449 eligible records, 53 were selected and 25 were in a return visit. It was not possible to find association between the exposure factors and diastema closure. CONCLUSION: There is no relation between the time of surgery intervention and diastema closure. However, the intervention during the mixed dentition led to a partial diastema reduction in 80% of the cases.

Upper-lip laser frenectomy with a diode laser in a pediatric patient: a case report.

The case report aims to describe the parameters of performing upper labial frenectomy with the use of diode laser beams without infiltrated local anaesthesia. A 6-year-old patient was referred by the orthodontist for assessment of the upper anterior labial frenum. The dental treatment plan reported only the presence of caries on deciduous teeth and seals on the first permanent molars. The clinical examination reported the presence of a high attachments of labial frenum with a pathologically attachment and the presence of a diastema supports this theory. The laser used to remove the frenulum was a diode laser used with a wavelength of 980 nm with 320 microns of fiber in contact with a power of 2.0 W in continuous wave mode. The clinical examination showed an acceptable healing by secondary intention of the wound and the initial functional recovery of a physiological upper lip movements. The patient reported that the procedure was well tolerated. The diode laser can be used with good result for the removal of pathological frenum. The diode laser can be used in pediatric dentistry because of its application, adequate coagulation, no need for sutures and less inflammation and pain.

Manejo interdisciplinario para una óptima rehabilitación oral / Interdisciplinary management for optimal oral rehabilitation

Las estrategias para el éxito en la rehabilitación bucal requieren de la interrelación de varias disciplinas que en conjunto logren resultados predecibles y duraderos. La visión individualizada de cada área de especialidad puede conllevar a no ofrecer la mejor alternativa de tratamiento, es por ello que la valoración, el diagnóstico y la planificación del caso clínico debe ser realizada por un equipo interdisciplinario para evitar esta situación y crear una sinergia en donde el «todo sea mayor que la suma de sus partes¼. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso clínico en el cual intervinieron varias áreas de especialidad: periodoncia, prostodoncia, cirugía oral y patología bucal, logrando devolver la función y la estética a través del manejo interdisciplinario (AU)

The strategies for success in oral rehabilitation require the interrelation of several disciplines, which together, achieve predictable and lasting results. The individualized view of each specialty area may lead to not offering the best treatment alternative, which is why the assessment, diagnosis, and planning of the clinical case must be carried out by an interdisciplinary team to avoid this situation and create a synergy in where the «whole is greater than the sum of its parts¼. The objective of this work is to present a clinical case where several areas of specialty intervened: periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and oral pathology, thus achieving the return of function and aesthetics through interdisciplinary management (AU)

Evaluation of Pain Perception and Wound Healing After Laser-Assisted Frenectomy in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background: The maxillary labial frenulum is an attachment that connects the upper lip to the gingival tissue, and when it is too closely attached to gingival margin due to inadequate plaque control, it may put gingival health at risk. Objective: This study aimed to assess postoperative pain perception and wound healing after laser-assisted frenectomy in a pediatric population retrospectively. Methods: This study is based on the clinical records of the patients who received laser-assisted frenectomy treatment due to mucogingival problems at the pediatric dentistry department. Twenty-two patients were treated with either 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase iPlus; Biolase Technology, Irvine, CA, USA) or 940 nm diode laser (Epic10; Biolase Technology). The analyzed data included age, gender, frenulum insertion type, type of dental laser, postoperative pain perception, and wound healing. Postoperative pain evaluation was performed using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale after 3 h, 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Wound surface healing was assessed through photography. Images were uploaded to the software, and changes in the wound surface area were measured in square millimeters on the day of frenectomy and on postoperative first day, first week, and second week. Results: Er,Cr:YSGG group had statistically significant better wound healing results after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser and 940 nm diode laser groups in terms of pain perception. Conclusions: It can be concluded that both laser wavelengths are a safe and useful tool for frenectomies in pediatric patients with less pain. Er,Cr:YSGG laser achieved faster healing than 940 nm diode laser. Clinical Registration number: Clinical Trials gov ID NCT04368715.

Evaluation of upper labial frenectomy: A randomized, controlled comparative study of conventional scalpel technique and Er:YAG laser technique.

OBJECTIVES: Abnormalities in the maxillary frenum may lead to esthetic or functional limitations and need to be corrected with a surgical intervention called frenectomy. The aim of the study was to compare frenectomies performed using Er:YAG laser technology with those using a conventional scalpel technique. Comparisons were of patients' experiences, treatment times, bleeding during treatment and wound healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial was performed as a prospective, randomized and controlled, single-blind investigation. A total of 40 patients requiring frenectomy were randomly assigned to groups which underwent either conventional or Er:YAG laser treatment. Patients' experiences, treatment time, bleeding and wound healing were evaluated immediately after surgery and 5 days, 12 days and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Significant increase in time spent in surgery and bleeding was seen with conventional scalpel surgery. Directly after surgery the wound area was significantly larger in the laser group but at the 5-day evaluation no difference could be observed between the groups. Finally, patients were satisfied with both methods, giving them the same assessments. CONCLUSION: In the frenectomy procedure, laser surgery is faster and causes less bleeding and may be advantageous in frenectomies.

Utilización de láser diodo en tejidos blandos: reporte de 3 casos / Use of diode laser in soft tissue: report of 3 cases

Existen diversas condiciones anatómicas o alteraciones mucogingivales que pueden afectar tanto el normal funcionamiento como la estética gingival de piezas dentarias e implantes dentales. Si bien los tratamientos de estas condiciones se han realizado tradicionalmente con bisturí, el desarrollo tecnológico ha permitido que actualmente se pueden realizar con láser. Existen diferentes tipos de láser, siendo el diodo uno de los más utilizados debido a su menor tamaño, portabilidad, fácil configuración y menor costo. El láser ha adquirido mayor popularidad en cirugías de tejido blando dado sus múltiples beneficios: menor tiempo operatorio, control del sangrado y de la hemostasia, reducción de la cantidad de anestesia, posibilidad de no requerir suturas y minimización del dolor e inflamación postquirúrgica. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar la resolución de tres casos clínicos a los cuales se les realizaron los procedimientos de frenectomía labial, remoción de melanosis gingival y resección de fibroma irritativo mediante el uso de láser diodo. Para desarrollar todos los procedimientos se utilizó un equipo de láser diodo de 940 nm (Biolase®, USA) con una potencia que varió entre 2 y 2.5 W en modo continuo utilizando una pieza quirúrgica con una punta de 300 µm (E 3-4), la que fue activada antes de empezar. Posterior a la cirugía se bioestimuló para disminuir el dolor y edema postoperatorio utilizando la punta de dolor a 4 W por 30 segundos a una distancia de 1 cm directo en la zona intervenida a todos los casos. La conclusión arroja que en todos los casos, el láser de diodo permitió un resultado exitoso. El procedimiento fue seguro, la técnica fue sencilla y de tiempo clínico reducido. El postoperatorio ocurrió con ausencia de dolor o molestias, generando una mayor satisfacción del paciente. Cabe señalar que la técnica depende de la habilidad del profesional que la realiza.

There are various anatomical conditions or mucogingival alterations that can affect the normal functioning and the gingival aesthetics of teeth and dental implants. Although the treatments of these conditions have been traditionally performed with a scalpel, technological development has allowed that they can be now performed with lasers. There are different types of lasers, being the diode one of the most used due to its smaller size, portability, easy configuration, and lower cost. The laser has become more popular in soft tissue surgeries due to its multiple benefits: shorter operating time, control of bleeding and hemostasis, reduction in the amount of anesthesia, possibility of not requiring sutures, and minimization of post-surgical pain and inflammation. The purpose of this work is to present the resolution of three clinical cases which underwent labial frenectomy procedures, removal of gingival melanosis and resection of irritative fibroma using diode laser. To develop all the procedures, a 940 nm diode laser equipment (Biolase®, USA) was used with a power that varied between 2 and 2.5 W in continuous mode, using a 300 µm tip (E 3-4), which was activated before starting. After surgery, biostimulation was carried out to reduce postoperative pain and edema using the pain tip at 4 W for 30 seconds at a distance of 1 cm directly in the operated area in all cases. In all cases, the diode laser allowed a successful result. The procedure was safe, the technique was simple, and the clinical time was short. The postoperative period occurred with the absence of pain or discomfort, generating greater patient satisfaction. It should be noted that the technique depends on the skill of the professional who performs it.

Patologías del área oral en los recién nacidos e infantes: frenillos y las aportaciones de los sistemas láser / Pathologies of the oral area in newborns and infants: frenula and contributions of laser systems

El propósito de este artículo es mejorar nuestro conocimiento sobre las estructuras y función de los diferentes elementos presentes en la boca del recién nacido, ya que en ocasiones los odontólogos no recuerdan la importancia de la boca en el desarrollo general del lactante y la necesidad de una intervención temprana con láseres para ayudarles a obtener un buen estado de su sistema oral. Realizamos una exploración clínica integral del paciente con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico más preciso. Cuando la cirugía sea necesaria, recomendamos utilizar láseres de Erbio siempre que sea posible (láser de 2780nm Er, Cr: YSGG o un Er: YAG de 2940nm), ya que es una opción rápida y eficaz para tratar estas lesiones orales, especialmente los frenillos labiales o linguales que pueden poner en riesgo el acto de amamantar; Asimismo podemos utilizar láseres de diodo (810nm, 940nm, 980 nm o un láser Nd: YAG de 1064nm o de CO2 10.600- 9600 nm) con sus gafas de seguridad específicas. Estos sistemas láser utilizados por un profesional certificado, en colaboración con un personal debidamente entrenado, son un factor muy importante durante la cirugía. Al tener un conocimiento adecuado de las estructuras orales y sus patologías, podemos diagnosticar si esos trastornos deben tratarse quirúrgicamente y, de ser así, cómo proceder con los sistemas láser, ya que son procedimientos mínimamente invasivos; o si debiésemos recomendar a los padres que visiten a un terapeuta miofuncional para ayudar a recuperar la función normal. La comprensión de las estructuras orales de los recién nacidos es muy importante para promover el desarrollo del crecimiento craneofacial y para brindar un servicio importante a las madres, dándoles a sus bebés un buen comienzo en la vida desde una etapa muy temprana. Necesitamos mejorar la colaboración entre profesionales de diferentes disciplinas con el fin de mejorar nuestro conocimiento.

The purpose of this article is to improve our knowledge about the structures and function of the different elements present in the mouth of newborns since dentists sometimes do not remember the importance of the mouth in the general development of infants and the need for an early intervention with lasers to help them obtain a good state of their Oral System. We performed a comprehensive clinical exploration of the patient in order to make a more accurate diagnosis. When surgery is necessary, we recommend to use erbium lasers when possible (2780nm Er, Cr: YSGG laser or a 2940nm Er: YAG), as they are a quick and effective option to treat these oral lesions, especially lip or tongue ties which can risk the act of breastfeeding; moreover, we can also use diode lasers (810nm, 940nm, 980nm or a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser or CO2 10.600-9600 nm.) al lof them with their specifical safety goggles. These laser systems used by a certified professional, in collaboration with a properly trained staff, are a very important factor during the surgery.By having proper knowledge of the oral structures and their pathologies, we are able to diagnose whether those disorders should be surgically treated and if so, how to proceed with laser systems as they are minimally invasive procedures; or if we should recommend parents to visit a myofunctional therapist in order to help recover the normal function.The understanding of oral structures of newborns is very important in order to improve the development of craniofacial growth and provide an important service to mothers by giving their babies a right start in life from a very early stage. We need to improve collaboration between professionals from different disciplines in order to enhance our knowledge.

Diode versus CO2 Laser Therapy in the Treatment of High Labial Frenulum Attachment: A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Background: The labial frenula are triangular plicas departing from the alveolar mucosa and attaching themselves at different heights of the gingiva. Sometimes a high attachment can determine a gingival recession. The most suitable surgical resolution is the use of laser devices. The aim of this study was to compare the labial frenulectomy through the use of Diode and CO2 laser techniques in pediatric patients with a high labial frenulum attachment, clarifying at the same time the preventive role of the surgical treatment to avoid further recession. Methods: A pilot randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted to compare both the surgical advantages and the preventive treatment of laser technology using two different wavelengths within a population of pediatric patients with a high labial frenulum attachment. Different parameters intra and post-surgery were taken into account (Bleeding, Wound Healing, Gingival Recession, Periodontal pocket and Numerical Scale Value for pain) to compare Diode versus CO2 laser therapy. Results: Although both the laser devices provide a good performance in the post-operative period, the Diode laser shows better results (p < 0.001) in three of the five parameters evaluated. Conclusions: From the results it was found that the Diode Laser device is more suitable compared to the CO2 device.

Clinical Efficacy of Conventional and Diode Laser-Assisted Frenectomy in Patients with Different Abnormal Frenulum Insertions: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess the recurrence of frenulum attachment and clinical parameters following conventional and diode laser-assisted frenectomy in patients with abnormal frenulum insertions. Material and methods: The records of 429 patients who underwent maxillary labial frenectomy between 2016 and 2018 were screened. A total of 70 records were included and evaluated based on gender, age, frenulum type, presence of diastema, periodontal disease, and surgical technique. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing depth (PD) were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks postoperatively. Recurrence was determined by assessing the alteration in the distance from the frenulum attachment to the mucogingival junction (FMGJ) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 months. Results: Out of 70 patients (female/male 47/23; age 35.24 ± 11.69 years), 32.9% presented gingival, 38.6% papillary, and 28.6% papilla-penetrating frenulum attachments. Clinical parameters and mean FMGJ values between the conventional (n = 36) and diode laser (n = 34) groups demonstrated no differences at baseline (p > 0.05). PI and GI were significantly higher in the conventional group (p < 0.001), whereas PD was similar (p > 0.05) at 6 weeks. No recurrence was observed in any of the patients at the sixth week. Moreover, 31 participants in the conventional group and 33 participants in the diode-laser group, a total of 64 patients (91.43%), did not present recurrence after 12 months. Conclusions: Within the limits of the study, considering the absence of recurrence in all types of abnormal frenulum insertions in both treatment groups, it was concluded that the diode laser could be used effectively as an alternative to the conventional frenectomy technique.

Resultados clínicos del tratamiento de frenillos labiales; frenectomía y frenotomía / Clinical results of the treatment of labial frenulums; frenectomy and frenotomy

OBJETIVO: El propósito de esta revisión fue evaluar sistemáticamente la literatura científica sobre los resultados clínicos que se obtienen al remover los frenillos aberrantes al utilizar los procedimientos quirúrgicos convencionales y el láser. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Búsqueda detallada en las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane y SciELO para obtener la información más actualizada los resultados clínicos (dolor posoperatorio, dolor al hablar, dolor al masticar y complicaciones posquirúrgicas) entre las técnicas convencionales (uso del escalpelo) y las técnicas de remoción con el láser (búsqueda de ensayos clínicos). RESULTADOS: De los 501 archivos identificados inicialmente, se excluyeron reportes clínicos, revisiones, estudios observacionales, comentarios, estudios con pacientes pediátricos, etc. Se incluyeron cuatro ensayos clínicos que contrastaron las variables entre la técnica convencional y las técnicas con el láser Nd: YAG y láser CO2 CONCLUSIÓN: La percepción del dolor posoperatorio, el dolor al hablar y el disconfort al masticar luego de la frenectomía es menor en las técnicas que utilizan el láser de Nd: YAG y CO2 frente a las técnicas que utilizan el escalpelo. El tiempo quirúrgico con el uso del láser es significativamente menor que al utilizar el escalpelo. La heterogeneidad de los estudios limita la realización de un metanálisis con respecto a los resultados.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to evaluate systematically the scientific literature on the clinical results obtained by removing aberrant frenulums using conventional surgical procedures and laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed search was performed in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane and SciELO databases to obtain the most up-to-date clinical results (postoperative pain, pain when speaking, pain when chewing and postoperative complications) among conventional (scalpel use) and laser removal techniques (search for clinical trials). RESULTS: Of the 501 records initially identified, clinical reports, reviews, observational studies, comments, studies with pediatric patients, etc. were excluded. We included four clinical trials that contrasted the variables between the conventional technique and the techniques with the Nd: YAG laser and CO2 laser. CONCLUSION: The perception of postoperative pain, pain when speaking and chewing discomfort after frenectomy is lower in the techniques using the Nd: YAG and CO2 laser versus the techniques using the scalpel. The surgical time when using of laser is significantly lower than when using the scalpel. The heterogeneity of the studies limits the performance of a meta-analysis with respect to the results.

Effect of preventive closure of the frenulum after endoscopic papillectomy: A prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The usefulness of preventive closure of the frenulum after endoscopic papillectomy (EP) could reduce bleeding. The feasibility and safety of clipping were evaluated in this prospective pilot study. METHODS: This study involved 40 consecutive patients who underwent preventive closure of the frenulum by clipping just after EP. The outcome data were compared with those of the previous 40 patients in whom no preemptive closure had been performed (no-closure group) (UMIN000014783). Additionally, the bleeding sites were examined. RESULTS: The clipping procedure was successful in all patients. As compared to the no-closure group, the rate of bleeding (P = 0.026) and period of hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the closure group. There was no difference in the procedure time between the two groups. Furthermore, the incidence rates of pancreatitis and perforation were comparable in the two groups. The bleeding was noted in the frenulum area rather than at any other site in 90.9% of cases. CONCLUSION: Preventive closure of the frenulum after EP is an effective, safe, rational, and economical method to reduce the incidence of delayed bleeding, without prolonging the procedure time or increasing the risk of post-procedure pancreatitis perforation.

Evaluation of the effect of the application of hyaluronic acid following laser-assisted frenectomy: an examiner-blind, randomized, controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of the hyaluronic acid (HA) on laser-assisted frenectomy wound healing has not been tested. This controlled, randomized, examiner-blinded clinical study aimed to compare the outcomes of laser-assisted frenectomy with and without an HA-containing gel application. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The study included 40 patients aged 18 to 40 years, with high labial frenulum attachment requiring frenectomy. Following laser-assisted frenectomy, HA-gel was applied topically to the wound surface at the day of frenectomy and on days 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively in the test group, and no application was made to the control group. The photographs were taken at the day of frenectomy and on days 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively. A total of 160 images were uploaded to the software. The changes in the area measurements from baseline values were calculated. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: The primary outcome variable was the change in the wound area from baseline to postoperative 3, 7 and 14 days. The area measurements and VAS scores were significantly lower in the test group than in the control group at all postoperative assessment time points (P < .001). According to the percentage changes calculated at postoperative assessment points, the highest percentage was found on day 14 in the test group, and the lowest value was identified on day 3 in the control group. CONCLUSION: HA was observed to be a viable option for decreasing the surface area of the wound and to act as a wound dressing following frenectomy. HA application also increased patient satisfaction postoperatively.

Surgical Management of Frenula: Laser Therapy Compared with Z-Frenuloplasty Technique

Abstract Objective: To compare intra- and post-operative consequences associated with Z-frenuloplasty and laser therapy for both upper labial and lingual frenulectomies. Material and Methods: Clinical data of 120 consecutive patients with a mean age of 11 years and 2 months (age range from 9 years and 1 month to 14 years and 3 months) with hypertrophic labial and lingual frenula were assembled. Of the 70 labial frenula, 35 were removed through Z-frenuloplasty (Group 1) and 35 with laser (Group 2); of 50 lingual frenula, instead, 25 were extracted through Z-frenuloplasty (Group 1A) and 25 with laser (Group 2A). The cutting device was Laser Diode Handy 10 in continuous mode. Finally, the time of the surgery, pain and swelling were measured 24-48 hours after the removal. VAS scale was used. Results: The time of the surgery, VAS score after the removal and the swelling were lesser in Group 2 and 2A. Conclusion: Both Z-frenuloplasty and Laser therapy are valid instruments to remove frenula. Moreover, laser offers more advantages like less use of anesthesia, no bleeding in the operating phase, no need for suturing, a faster tissue healing and minor limitations in speech and nutrition.

Perceptions of the Use of the Diode Laser in Dental Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective: To discover the perceptions of pediatric patients, their parents and undergraduate Dentistry students of the use of the diode laser in frenectomy surgeries. Material and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews, recorded and transcribed with subsequent content analysis. Twelve healthy children (5-8 years old) who needed a frenectomy were selected and invited, together with their parents, to undergo laser diode surgery. In addition, 28 undergraduate dentistry students were invited to attend the procedures. One week after performing the surgical procedures, the children (Group 1), their parents (Group 2) and the students who attended the procedures (Group 3) were individually interviewed for the thematic analysis. Results: The analysis of the conversations identified three emerging contents: positive thoughts on the use of diode laser; frustrations from the use of diode laser; and aspects related to professional training. Conclusion: The results pointed to the acceptance of surgical laser use in pediatric dentistry; however, the feelings of frustration indicate that its use requires guidance from the child and his/her parents, in addition to careful handling and specific training.

Upper lip frenotomy for neonatal breastfeeding problems.

OBJECTIVES: Upper lip tie, without concomitant tongue tie, can prevent proper flanging of the upper lip during breastfeeding, resulting in a poor seal and suck for the infant with nipple pain and maternal dissatisfaction. Due to the lack of published studies on this subject, we report our technique and outcomes for in-office release of isolated upper lip tie. METHODS: Using CPT Code 40,806 for 'incision of labial frenulum', 22 mother-infant dyads with infant age under 60 days with breastfeeding problems and a restrictive upper lip frenum were identified. These infants underwent in-office release of upper lip tie as detailed below. Outcomes of the procedure were assessed by a telephone survey to mothers within the 4-week period post-procedure. RESULTS: 82% of mothers reported an improved latch and 73% noted increased satisfaction with breastfeeding. Lip pain, if present, resolved within 24 h for most children. Recurrence was reported by 9% of mothers; no infection or other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Upper lip frenotomy, in properly selected infants, has favorable short-term outcomes with mild transient discomfort and a low rate of recurrence. Since our study was short-term and did not include a control group, we are unable to comment on procedure efficacy or long-term impact.