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A frenum is a naturally occurring band of elastic fibers that are present in every person’s mouth. They are generally seen in the area of the upper and lower front teeth, in the areas just behind the canines or “eye teeth”. Additionally, they are found in the floor of the moth attached at the base of the tongue. At the upper and lower midlines, if the frenum attached high on the gumline and is pulling on the gum margin, then gum tissue can recede resulting in tooth root exposure. Additionally, an excessively large frenum can prevent the teeth from coming together resulting in a gap between the front teeth. If pulling is seen or the frenum is too large to allow the teeth to come together, the frenum is surgically released from the gum with a frenectomy. A frenectomy procedure may also be performed with a gum grafting procedure to help with the success of the graft. Your periodontist will let you know if this is necessary.
Occasionally, an orthodontist may recommend a frenectomy during your orthodontic treatment and will refer you to Periodontal Specialists. A frenectomy may improve success and increase stability of the final orthodontic results. Our periodontists, Dr. Thomas Wolfe and Dr. Kristy Johnson will work closely with your orthodontist to ensure an optimal outcome.
Procedure:
A frenectomy is a simple and quick surgical procedure to remove the frenum. Our periodontist can typically complete this procedure in one appointment after the initial consultation appointment. Most patients are comfortable with local anesthetic or “novocaine”. The main post-operative concern would be swelling due to the frenum being composed of elastic tissue. The swelling and accompanying discomfort can be controlled with medications such as Ibuprofen. Any patient that has a frenum causing problems is a candidate for the procedure. The recovery process is quick. Patients are generally back to normal routine within a couple days. Our team will thoroughly review any post-op instructions with you before the procedure.
Give Periodontal Specialists a call today if you are interested in learning more about frenectomies and how this procedure may help you.
Before and After
A Maxillary Frenum on a child where the strong frenum is creating a gap between the teeth. The frenectomy is done to release the extra tissue, and then orthodontics are used to close the gap. The frenectomy helps ensure the teeth do not easily re-open after the gap is closed.
2 weeks later. Early healing is excellent, minimal to no scarring. Braces will now close the gap.
The mission of Periodontal Specialists is to improve the quality of life of our patients through the diagnosis and treatment of their periodontal disease and through rehabilitation with dental implants.
