A frenectomy is a procedure performed to treat problematic oral frenums. These small tissue folds, located under the tongue or between the upper lip and gums, can sometimes restrict normal tongue or lip movements. A frenectomy resolves these issues and improves oral function.
A lingual frenum is a band of tissue located under the tongue. It can restrict tongue mobility and lead to speech or feeding difficulties. A labial frenum, on the other hand, is located between the upper lip and gums. It can cause diastemas (spaces between teeth), particularly between the upper incisors.
You should consider a frenectomy if the lingual or labial frenum causes functional problems. These frenums can interfere with swallowing, chewing, or speech. In young children, a short lingual frenum can even interfere with breastfeeding.
The following signs may warrant a frenectomy:
Before the procedure, be sure to discuss symptoms and expectations with your dental surgeon. They will assess the impact of the frenum and recommend appropriate treatment.
A pre-operative consultation is essential. It will determine whether a frenectomy is necessary and plan the procedure. The dentist will also explain the steps to follow for a quick recovery.
Before the procedure, you will need to follow certain instructions to minimize the risk of complications:
A frenectomy is a minor and quick procedure. The use of a laser or scalpel removes the frenum and frees the movements of the tongue or lip.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. This ensures you feel no pain during the procedure. The surgeon applies a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. You will remain fully conscious throughout the procedure.
The use of a laser is common in this procedure. The laser allows for precise cutting and minimizes bleeding. It also promotes faster recovery and reduces the risk of infection. This method is often preferred due to its numerous advantages.
After the procedure, be sure to carefully follow your dental surgeon’s recommendations. This ensures rapid healing and minimizes the risk of complications.
After a frenectomy, it is important to:
To maximize the effectiveness of the procedure, perform rehabilitation exercises. These exercises aim to strengthen tongue or lip mobility and prevent the formation of restrictive scars. Ask your dentist to show you appropriate exercises.
If your lingual frenum limited your ability to articulate certain sounds, a frenectomy will allow you to speak more freely. This is particularly important for children learning to speak. If speech therapy is necessary, it will be more effective after the procedure.
In some cases, an excessively short labial frenum can cause separation between the upper incisors. After a frenectomy, it is possible to correct this diastema with orthodontic treatment. Indeed, the increased tissue mobility will facilitate tooth realignment.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a low risk of complications after a frenectomy. However, they are rare and often minor.
Slight bleeding is normal after the procedure. Use a sterile compress to apply gentle pressure to the operated area. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist. Swelling may also occur, but it generally disappears within a few days.
In rare cases, an excessively rigid scar may form after the procedure. This can again restrict tongue or lip mobility. To avoid this problem, perform rehabilitation exercises regularly. These exercises help maintain the flexibility of scar tissue.
