Frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of the soft tissue known as the frenum in the mouth. The frenum is a small band of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums or jaw. The purpose of this procedure is to enhance movement, improve oral function, or address issues caused by tension or restriction in the frenum.
Types of Frenum
There are two main types of frenum commonly addressed through frenectomy:
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Labial Frenum (Lip Tie):
- This tissue connects the upper or lower lip to the gums.
- When the labial frenum is too tight or prominent, it can limit lip movement, cause discomfort, and sometimes contribute to the spacing between the front teeth.
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Lingual Frenum (Tongue Tie):
- This is the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- A tight lingual frenum can restrict tongue movement, leading to difficulties in speech, eating, or maintaining oral hygiene.
Why Is Frenectomy Performed?
A frenectomy is performed for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Some common indications include:
- Improving Oral Function: Enhancing the ability to chew, speak, and perform other oral activities by addressing restricted tongue or lip movements.
- Correcting Gaps Between Teeth: A tight labial frenum can cause a gap (diastema) between the upper front teeth.
- Preventing Gum Recession: In some cases, an overactive frenum can pull on the gums, leading to recession or other periodontal problems.
- Improving Comfort: For individuals with dentures or braces, a tight frenum can cause irritation or interfere with proper fit.
How Is Frenectomy Performed?
The procedure can be performed using traditional surgical methods or modern techniques like laser surgery:
Traditional Frenectomy:
- Performed with a scalpel under local anesthesia.
- May require stitches, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Laser Frenectomy:
- A less invasive option that uses laser technology to remove or reshape the frenum.
- Offers benefits such as reduced bleeding, minimal discomfort, and faster healing.
Recovery and Healing Time
The recovery period for a frenectomy is usually quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
Some common post-operative care tips include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infection.
- Using prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers for any discomfort.
- Avoiding hard or spicy foods for a few days to promote healing.
Why DentSpa?
Choosing where to receive a frenectomy is crucial, and DentSpa stands out as a premier option for several compelling reasons:
- Top Notch Staff: something as important as frenectomy requires a high degree of skill and accuracy. Here at DentSpa, we pride ourselves on boosting highly trained, skilled, and well-respected professionals. This ensures the optimum quality of care is provided for you.
- Excellent material: as we believe that only the best should be offered to our clientele, we invest in only the highest quality dental material. Not only does this provide a pleasant experience, but also ensures good longevity of the offered care.
- State-of-the-art technology: We provide only the newest and most advanced instruments and devices in our practice. This is to facilitate the provided procedure, eventually creating a pleasant experience for you.
Looking for a solution to your lip tie? Contact us immediately at DentSpa and book your appointment to receive the care you deserve.
Conclusion
A frenectomy is a straightforward and effective procedure that can significantly improve oral function and aesthetics. Whether addressing difficulties with speech, eating, or gum health, this procedure offers lasting benefits and a relatively short recovery period. If you’re experiencing issues related to the frenum, consult with a qualified dentist to determine if a frenectomy is the right solution for you.