The muscular attachment that connects the lips to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth is known as a “frenum”. This band of tissue is typically located at the midline inside of the upper and lower lips, and also at the midline under the tongue. A frenectomy is a safe and simple surgical procedure in which a thick or tight frenum is released to reduce stress and strain on the surrounding tissues.
Common Frenum Problems
In some cases, a thick, tight, or restrictive frenum can create problems within the mouth which can be easily resolved with in-office surgery and local anesthetics. The most common frenum problems are listed below:
- Speech Impediment: A very short frenum under the tongue can restrict natural tongue movements and interfere with speech.
- Receding Gums: The frenum that connects the upper or lower lips to the gums between the two front teeth can create enough stress to pull the gums away from the teeth.
- Spaces between the Teeth: A thick or strong frenum between the lip and the two front teeth can lead to a wide gap between the teeth. Even with the help of braces, the gap can be difficult to close unless the frenum is relieved.
- Poorly Fitting Denture: The position or size of the frenum can sometimes prevent a denture from fitting properly.
An Overview of the Frenectomy Procedure
A frenectomy can be performed quickly and comfortably on children and adults from the comfort of our modern and inviting surgical suites. The frenum and the surrounding tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure that your experience is as comfortable as possible. Next, Dr. Tomlin will carefully relieve the restrictive tissue with a surgical instrument or a soft-tissue laser.
Quick healing generally occurs without the need for sutures or other surgical dressings. In fact, most patients can expect healing in just a few days after surgery and the results are immediately noticeable.
Should You Consider a Frenectomy?
If you are experiencing receding gums, excessive pulling between the lips and gums, or if the frenum is preventing the front teeth from coming together, we would be happy to help you explore the benefits of a frenectomy. Learn more by contacting us today.