What is a Frenectomy and When is it Necessary?
What is a frenectomy? A frenectomy is a simple procedure that requires the removal of the frenum in your mouth.
If you’ve never heard of this before, don’t worry— it’s not a common phrase we use every day. The frenum is the connective tissue that attaches the surfaces in your mouth. For example, there is the:
Lingual frenum: This is the strand of tissue you will find under your tongue that connects the base of your tongue to the bottom of your mouth.
Labial frenum: This is the tissue under your top lip. It connects your gums to your lip.
When these tissues are too long or wide, they can cause speech problems, gaps in your teeth, and even gum issues.
But how do you know that you need a frenectomy instead of a normal dental procedure? We’ll break down the basics below, but you’ll need to visit our dentists at Downtown Dentist SF to get a proper recommendation!
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When is Frenectomy Needed?
If the lingual frenum is too long, it can cause speech problems that are commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied.”
This speech impediment will become more prominent in children as they get older. Adults may develop this problem as their oral cavity changes. In infants, it can make feeding difficult which can result in weight loss for the child.
A labial frenectomy is necessary if the tissue grows too far down into the gums. When that happens, it can disrupt tooth growth, which causes a gap between the two front teeth. While braces are the typical solution for these dental issues, if the gap remains after the braces have been implemented, then a frenectomy might be the solution.
What is a Frenectomy Procedure?
A frenectomy is an in-office procedure performed by an experienced dentist. It is a minimally invasive procedure that lasts anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes. Here’s how it works:
You will have a consultation with your dentist to go over the procedure details.
While lying face up, your dentist will place a topical numbing agent in the area near the frenum.
Using a scalpel or soft tissue laser, your dentist will cut and remove the frenum.
While the majority of patients have an uneventful procedure and recovery, a few cases may be associated with complications. There are some risks, which can include: bleeding, swelling, lack of improvement, etc. Your doctor will review all relevant information with you and answer all your questions. Post-op instructions are also given. We may send you home with antibiotics in case minimal swelling or irritation occurs.
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Pros and Cons
There is little to no risk for a frenectomy. However, here are is a list of the pros and cons of this type of oral procedure:
Pros
You or your child will have more mouth mobility and can eliminate the issue of being tongue-tied.
This procedure can make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for both a mother and their child.
A frenectomy can reduce adult risk of gum recession.
It requires a short, in-office appointment.
You do not need to go under anesthesia.
A frenectomy is quick and painless.
Cons
Adults have a longer healing time for this procedure than infants do.
In some instances, you may be susceptible to infection if the mouth and affected area are not treated properly after the procedure.
You may need to limit your food intake a day or so before the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
If you’re tongue-tied, have a gap in your front teeth, or if your infant is having trouble feeding, Contact Downtown Dentist SF to see if a frenectomy is right for you.