A frenectomy is a dental procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenum — a small fold of tissue in the mouth that connects the lip or tongue to the gum tissue. The frenum's purpose is to limit the movement of the lip or tongue. There are two types of frenums in the mouth:

• Labial Frenum: The tissue that connects the upper or lower lip to the gum tissue above or below the teeth.

• Lingual Frenum: The tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

A frenectomy is performed if the frenum causes issues with oral function, development, or appearance.

Why is a Frenectomy Performed?

A frenectomy is usually performed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. To Correct Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)

Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenum is too tight, limiting the tongue’s movement. This can make breastfeeding difficult for infants and may lead to issues with speech, eating, or oral hygiene as the child grows. A frenectomy releases the restriction, allowing for better tongue mobility.

2. To Correct Lip-Tie

A lip-tie happens when the labial frenum is too tight, restricting the upper lip's movement. This condition can interfere with breastfeeding in infants and, as the child grows, it may cause gum health issues, teeth misalignment, or oral hygiene challenges. A frenectomy helps improve lip mobility and prevents future problems.

3. To Facilitate Orthodontic Treatment

A tight frenum, especially in the upper lip, may interfere with orthodontic procedures. If the frenum pulls on the gums and affects tooth alignment, a frenectomy may be required before or during braces treatment to allow the teeth to move correctly.

4. To Improve Speech

In some cases, an overly restrictive frenum can contribute to speech difficulties. A frenectomy can release the restriction, improving pronunciation and articulation.

5. Cosmetic Reasons

If the labial frenum causes a gap between the front teeth (a “diastema”), a frenectomy may be done to prevent the gap from reopening after orthodontic treatment.

The Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. Here’s how it works:

Consultation:

Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth, evaluate the frenum’s condition, and discuss your medical history. They may also take X-rays to help with the diagnosis.

Anesthesia:

The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to numb the area. For infants or young children, a frenectomy may be performed using a topical numbing agent or sedation, depending on age and complexity.

Procedure Steps:

• Labial Frenectomy: The dentist makes a small incision to remove or release the labial frenum, which may involve cutting the tissue connecting the lip to the gum above or below the teeth.

• Lingual Frenectomy: The lingual frenum is carefully cut or removed to free the tongue. This procedure may be more complex, particularly if the frenum is very tight, and may require releasing the tissue entirely to allow better movement of the tongue.

Sutures:

For more extensive procedures, dissolvable stitches may be used to close the incision. In less invasive cases, stitches might not be required.

Duration:

A frenectomy typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on whether it involves the upper lip, lower lip, or tongue.

Recovery and Aftercare

Pain and Discomfort:

After the procedure, mild discomfort or swelling is normal, especially after a lingual frenectomy. Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your dentist, can help manage the discomfort.

Dietary Recommendations:

Eating soft foods and avoiding hot or spicy foods can aid recovery. Also, avoid sucking motions (like thumb-sucking) or putting pressure on the treated area.

Oral Hygiene:

Good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infection. Your dentist may recommend rinsing with saltwater or an antibacterial mouthwash. Be sure to clean the area gently to avoid irritation.

Healing Time:

Recovery is usually quick, with any discomfort or swelling subsiding within a few days. Full healing may take 1 to 2 weeks, and dissolvable stitches will typically dissolve on their own.

Follow-Up:

A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor healing, especially if the procedure was done to help with breastfeeding or speech development in children.

Benefits of a Frenectomy

1. Improved Functionality

For infants, a frenectomy improves breastfeeding and feeding efficiency by allowing the tongue and lips to move freely. For older children and adults, it can enhance speech, eating, and overall oral function.

2. Prevention of Future Dental Problems

A frenectomy helps prevent potential future problems like gum recession, misaligned teeth, or issues with dental restorations caused by a tight or restrictive frenum.

3. Aesthetic Improvements

By removing the frenum, a frenectomy can close gaps between teeth (such as a diastema) or prevent the gap from reopening after braces.

4. Facilitates Orthodontic Treatment

A frenectomy may be required to prevent interference with braces or other orthodontic appliances, allowing for the desired results.

Risks or Complications

Though frenectomy is a simple and safe procedure, potential risks include:

• Infection: As with any oral surgery, there’s a risk of infection, which can be minimized with proper aftercare.

• Scarring: There may be minor scarring, but it’s usually minimal and fades over time.

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common but typically stops quickly.

• Recurrence: In rare cases, the frenum may reattach or grow back, requiring a follow-up procedure.

Is a Frenectomy Right for You?

A frenectomy may be recommended if:

• You or your child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie causing feeding or speech difficulties.

• You have a gap between your teeth caused by a prominent frenum and want to close it.

• You need a frenectomy to aid in orthodontic treatment.

• You’re experiencing oral health issues like gum recession or difficulty with oral hygiene due to a restrictive frenum.

If you think you may need a frenectomy or have concerns about a tongue-tie or lip-tie, consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to explore your treatment options.

Please, call for the consultation. (425) 430 - 2029