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Assessment and Management of Maxillary Labial Frenum-A Scoping Review
Ryan Kinney1, Richard C Burris1, Ryan Moffat1
1College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, 10920 S River Front Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Abnormal maxillary labial frenum (MLF) attachments can cause issues, but assessment and diagnosis lack standardization. Developing objective protocols for MLF evaluation and treatment is crucial to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Dental Anatomy and Physiology
- Oral Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- The maxillary labial frenum (MLF) is a fold of tissue connecting the upper lip to the alveolar process.
- Abnormal MLF attachments can lead to periodontal, functional, and esthetic complications.
- Accurate differential diagnosis is vital to prevent unnecessary interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current evidence on the assessment and management of abnormal MLF.
- To identify gaps in diagnostic protocols and treatment guidelines for MLF abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was performed across five online databases.
- Peer-reviewed human studies were screened and data extracted by two independent reviewers.
- Information on study design, participants, interventions, and outcomes was synthesized.
Main Results:
- 52 articles met the review criteria, highlighting the dynamic nature and wide morphological variation of the MLF.
- MLF assessment in infants lacks standardization; studies show changes in morphology over time in pre-adolescents.
- Adolescent and adult studies report variable diagnostic criteria, with lasers favored for frenectomy.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant need for standardized, objective diagnostic protocols for MLF abnormalities.
- Development of evidence-based treatment guidelines is required to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.
- Further research is needed to establish reliable assessment methods and management strategies for MLF.
