A dental frenectomy is a simple procedure that treats a restrictive frenulum, the tissue connecting parts of the mouth. It helps resolve issues like speech difficulties, feeding challenges, and orthodontic concerns in infants, children, and adults.

Read on to learn about the procedure, its benefits, and how it can improve your oral health.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy involves removing or modifying the frenulum to improve oral function. It's typically done by dentists or oral surgeons to allow better movement of the lips or tongue.

Types of Frenula Treated in a Frenectomy:

• Labial Frenulum: The tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gums.
• Lingual Frenulum: Located under the tongue, this frenulum can restrict tongue movement, leading to a condition known as tongue-tie.

Why It’s Done

A dental frenectomy can help:

• Improve speech by allowing better tongue movement.
• Make feeding easier for infants.
• Support orthodontic treatments by improving tooth alignment.
• Prevent gum recession caused by a tight labial frenulum.

Common Reasons for a Dental Frenectomy

Lip Ties and Tongue Ties

Lip ties occur when the frenulum restricts lip movement, while tongue ties limit tongue mobility. Both can affect speech, eating, and oral hygiene.

Speech and Feeding Challenges

A tight frenulum can interfere with breastfeeding in infants or delay speech development in children, sometimes requiring medical intervention.

Orthodontic Needs

Before or during braces treatment, orthodontists may recommend a frenectomy to prevent the frenulum from interfering with tooth alignment.

Gum Health

A tight labial frenulum can pull on the gums, leading to recession. A frenectomy helps relieve this pressure and supports better gum health.

The Frenectomy Procedure

Preparation

Your dentist will assess the frenulum and explain the procedure. Local anaesthesia is typically used to ensure comfort.

Procedure Steps:

1. Identifying the Frenulum: The dentist locates the problematic frenulum.
2. Making the Incision: The frenulum is either released or trimmed using a scalpel or laser.
3. Post-Procedure Care: The area is cleaned, and at-home care instructions are given to ensure proper healing.

Pain and Recovery

The procedure is usually pain-free due to anaesthesia. Mild discomfort may occur during recovery, but it’s typically brief. The entire procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Benefits of a Dental Frenectomy

• Improved Speech and Feeding: It can enhance speech clarity and make feeding easier, especially for children.
• Better Oral Hygiene: Greater mobility makes it easier to brush and floss, helping to reduce plaque buildup.
• Orthodontic Advantages: A frenectomy ensures smoother tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
• Prevents Gum Recession: By releasing a tight frenulum, the procedure helps maintain gum health.
• Boosts Confidence and Comfort: After a frenectomy, many patients feel more confident in speaking, eating, and smiling.

Aftercare and Recovery

Care Instructions:

• Rinse gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean.
• Avoid hard or spicy foods for a few days.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions for medication or oral care.

Recovery Time

Most people recover in 1-2 weeks, with noticeable improvement within days.

Risks and Complications

Though rare, infections or scarring can occur. Following after care instructions and attending follow-up appointments can minimize these risks.

Is a Frenectomy Right for You?

If you're experiencing difficulty breastfeeding, speech delays, or orthodontic issues due to a restrictive frenulum, a frenectomy may be necessary. For a personalized evaluation, consult the skilled team of dentists at Dental Clinic - Smile Shapers Napanee for expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a Frenectomy be Done on Adults?

Yes, frenectomies are also effective for adults.

2. Does a Frenectomy Require Stitches?

Stitches may not be necessary, but if used, they are typically dissolvable.

3. How Long Does It Take to Recover?

Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks, feeling better within a few days.

4. Is There Any Risk of Permanent Damage?

When performed by a skilled professional, a frenectomy is a safe procedure with no permanent damage.