Frenectomy

These connective tissues can restrict mouth movements and lead to various dental and speech problems. A frenectomy is performed to alleviate these restrictions. There are two main types of frenectomy:

Lingual Frenectomy

This procedure involves cutting the frenulum under the tongue. In individuals with tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), this tissue restricts tongue movement, making it difficult to speak, swallow, and suck.

Labial Frenectomy

This involves cutting the frenulum of the upper or lower lip. The upper lip frenulum can create a wide gap between the front teeth, a condition known as diastema.

Reasons and Indications for Frenectomy

• Speech Disorders: A tongue-tie can prevent the tongue from moving freely, leading to speech disorders. A frenectomy can correct these issues. In infants, a tongue-tie can affect sucking and swallowing, causing feeding difficulties that can be resolved with a frenectomy.
• Orthodontic Issues: The upper lip frenulum can cause a gap between the teeth. During orthodontic treatments, a frenectomy might be necessary to close this gap.
• Gum Recession and Periodontal Disease: The lip frenulum can pull on the gums, causing gum recession and periodontal diseases.
• Dental Procedures: Frenulums between the teeth and lips can complicate procedures like zirconium crowns and veneers, making a frenectomy necessary.

Procedure

A frenectomy is usually a short surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. The dentist or surgeon evaluates the condition of the frenulum and determines the necessity of the procedure, considering the patient’s overall health and medical history. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, preventing pain during the procedure. The frenulum is then cut or removed using surgical scissors or a laser. Laser use can reduce bleeding and speed up the healing process. In some cases, stitches may be required. The healing process typically takes a few days to a week, during which maintaining oral hygiene is crucial.

Postoperative Care

Proper postoperative care is essential for a swift recovery and to prevent complications. Pain relievers prescribed by the dentist can be used, and ice packs can be applied during the first 24 hours. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important after the procedure. Soft and cold foods should be preferred for the first few days, avoiding hot and spicy foods. Follow-up appointments with the dentist may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and prevent any complications.

Benefits

Frenectomy is an effective method for treating conditions such as speech disorders, swallowing and sucking problems, orthodontic issues, and gum diseases. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure is usually completed quickly with a rapid recovery period. With appropriate postoperative care and follow-up, patients can experience significant improvements in oral function and an enhanced quality of life.