Most people are familiar with routine dental care from regular visits. However, if your dentist recently examined your gums and suggested a frenectomy, it’s important to understand more about this procedure.
If you have never heard of the procedure before, you are not alone. Frenectomy surgery is a smile procedure that involves removing or loosening the tissue connecting gums and lips to the teeth. The surgery is aimed to improve the overall health and appearance of your smile.
Let’s examine this dental surgery in detail and understand why your dentist may recommend it.
What is a Frenectomy Procedure?
Frenectomy dental is a surgical procedure to remove the frenum when it is causing tooth misalignment or speech imperfections.
What is Frenum?
The frenum is a special type of tissue that connects our gums to the lips and helps with talking, swallowing, and even keeping the teeth in place. There are three types of frenum: lingual, labial, and buccal.
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Lingual Frenum or Tongue Tie
The tissue band directly behind the teeth is called the lingual frenum. It controls our capacity to swallow and talk by attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
However, if the frenum is abnormally thick or short, it may restrict the movement of the tongue and cause tongue tie or ankyloglossia, which results in dental issues and speech problems.
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Labial Frenum or Lip Tie
Labial frenum refers to a soft tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. A similar tissue connects the lower lip to the lower gums. This tissue governs the normal movement and growth of teeth. If, however, the frenum becomes thick or short, it may restrict the movement of lips.
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Buccal Frenum or Inner Cheek Tie
The buccal frenum is a soft tissue connecting the gums to the inner cheek. It governs normal mouth movement, including talking and chewing.
Why Would a Dentist Recommend a Frenectomy Surgery?
A dentist will recommend frenectomy treatment in the following conditions:
- An overgrowth of the frenulum tissue causes speech issues due to restricted tongue movement.
- Gaps between front teeth are caused by excessive tension on either side of the mouth.
- Gum recession along one side of the mouth due to tension created by an overgrown frenulum.
When the labial frenum is too short, it restricts the mouth from closing correctly and leads to open-mouth breathing. This is especially critical in children as it may prevent the development of nose breathing.
Similarly, a tongue tie can also cause difficulty in speaking, eating, and breathing correctly. In such a case, a frenectomy can help loosen up the tongue’s tissue movement for everyday eating and speech patterns.
How is Frenectomy Surgery Performed?
Frenectomy surgery removes unwanted frenum tissue to improve oral health. It can be done in two different ways: tongue tie and lip tie.
During the procedure, an oral surgeon numbs the area with an anesthetic, cuts the frenulum with surgical instruments, stitches the remaining tissue, and closes the incision.
Laser Frenectomy vs. Traditional Surgery
Traditional surgery involves using a scalpel or surgical scissors. Although this procedure has been in practice for a long time, it may not always be comfortable for patients.
On the other hand, a laser frenectomy is a less invasive and the best alternative to traditional surgery. It offers various benefits, including:
- Improved precision
- Less tissue damage and bleeding
- Quick clotting
- Improved healing
- No need for stitches
How Is Recovery After Frenectomy?
After the surgery, your surgeon will give simple instructions for recovery. These usually include pain relievers, mouthwashes, and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Some discomfort after the surgery is normal. It subsides within a few hours. For different types of frenectomies, specific measures—including applying ice packs or using ice chips—can help manage pain at the surgical site.
Additional steps that promote healing and recovery include:
- Applying ice for the first 24 hours after the surgery.
- Avoiding eating until the numbness from the local anesthetic wears off.
- Staying away from hard, acidic, crunchy, or spicy food until the surgical site has healed.
- Warm salt water rinses twice a day.
Takeaway
Frenectomy surgery is a simple procedure that can significantly improve oral health and functionality. It resolves tongue and lip ties, improves speech, and helps with orthodontic treatments for adults.
Get Comprehensive Dental and Frenulum Treatment With Us!
Our expert dentists and oral surgeons at Periodontal Specialists have years of expertise that allows them to provide comprehensive oral treatment and frenulum surgery. Schedule an appointment with us today to achieve your perfect smile.
