What is frenectomy?
WHAT IS FRENECTOMY?
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure that is performed to remove and reattach the oral frenum. The frenum is a thin band of connective tissue membrane that attaches one part of the mouth to the other.
The primary frena of the mouth are –
The lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is attached to the backside gums of your lower front teeth.
The labial frenum attaches the lips to the gums of your upper and lower front teeth.
Buccal frenum attaches the inside of the cheeks to the gums of your back teeth.
When is frenectomy needed?
An elongated lingual frenum, especially in infants, makes it difficult to nurse or feed them through a bottle. An extended and highly attached lingual frenum is often referred to as tongue-tie. A person with a tongue-tie will not be able to extend or move their tongue freely. If left uncorrected, the condition can also cause speech impediments like a lisp. This condition can often go unrecognized until teenage years and sometimes even until adulthood.
Similarly, extended maxillary labial frenum can cause orthodontic problems like spacing between the upper two front teeth. The gap cannot be closed by braces properly until frenectomy is performed.
How is frenectomy performed?
If you or your child are suffering from any ill effects of an elongated frenum, Dr. Sanz at Southern Delaware Dental Specialist may recommend you go for frenectomy. The entire procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes. After administration of local anesthesia, Dr. Sanz will use a scalpel or a cautery to snip the frenum quickly. Once done, they will suture the wound, explain to you about post-surgical care and prescribe certain medication for pain relief. The surgical site heals within two weeks, and you are good to go.
Frenectomy performed by a skilled periodontist in Southern Delaware is a seamless procedure that greatly improves physiological and aesthetic needs. If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us, please get in touch with us, and we will be there to assist you.
