The thought of getting a frenectomy might make you nervous, especially if you’ve never had any surgery before. However, we’re here to put you at ease by giving you all of the information you need to be prepared. In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits of getting a frenectomy, what it involves and what types there are. We’ll also look at how much it costs and why you want to opt for the procedure.
What Is A Frenectomy?
A frenum is a strip of tissue that connects two soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the lips, gums, and tongue. There are two types of frenum: the lingual frenum and the labial frenum. A frenulum is simply a small frenum.
A frenectomy (also frenotomy) is a procedure that removes or modifies this strip of tissue. It’s a simple procedure that a dental surgeon performs quickly and relatively easily. The surgeon can use a scalpel, scissors, or a laser. Using a laser reduces the risk of blood loss and infection.
Lingual and Labial Frenectomy: What’s The Difference?
The kind of frenectomy you get all depends on which frenulum is causing the problem.
The lingual frenum connects the underside of your tongue to your mouth. You can see and feel it by touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Sometimes, though, the lingual frenum can be unnaturally short, restricting the tongue’s movement.
This condition is known as ankyloglossia, also referred to as “tongue tie,” and can cause difficulty with speech, chewing, and swallowing in people born with it. Luckily, a lingual frenectomy can treat it quickly, giving the tongue the freedom to move properly.
Your labial frenum connects your lips to your mouth. You have one that connects the upper lip to the gums of the upper front teeth and one connecting the lower lip to the gums of the lower front teeth. Sometimes, a thick or unnaturally short labial frenum can pull gum tissue away from the teeth and inadvertently cause the sensitive roots of the teeth to be exposed.
A labial frenectomy can solve this problem. It can also help with closing a gap in the front teeth.
Benefits of a Frenectomy: Freedom To Move, Speak, and Chew
There are numerous benefits to getting a frenectomy for those who need it, both adult and pediatric patients. These include:
- Improved, clearer speech, as the tongue has the freedom to move and form shapes to produce sounds.
- Improved smile appearance, as a labial frenulum will no longer produce a gap between the teeth.
- Reduction in gum recession and tooth sensitivity if a labial frenulum is pulling your gums away from your teeth.
- Easier swallowing, as the tongue can now comfortably move towards the roof of your mouth. This can also improve appetite and eating behaviors in children and infants.
- Lower incidence of cavities and tooth decay, as the tongue can move freely to clean the mouth’s interior.
- Potential reduction in mouth-breathing and sleep apnea, allowing comfortable breathing through the nasal passages.
- Improved posture and neck strain relief, as tongue-tied people tend to have a downward-facing head posture.
So, Should You Get One? Ask A Dental Surgeon
Katy Cypress Oral Surgery covers all of your oral surgery needs, with the top priority being safety, effectiveness, and patient comfort. Our qualified dental surgeons will be able to advise you on whether a frenectomy is right for you.
For any questions or concerns, or to get more information about consultations or appointments, call us at (281) 667-0607. We invite you to discover the difference a highly skilled, dedicated team can make to your surgery experience.