Frenectomy
At Issaquah Endodontics & Periodontics, we work with you to ensure that your oral health is a priority, performing all the necessary procedures and surgeries. Our expert team is dedicated to giving you the oral care you deserve and need. A frenectomy, also known as frenulectomy, is a type of oral surgery to help treat a lip-tie or a tongue-tie.
A frenectomy is performed by our dental specialists where the frenum is cut or modified. The frenum is a band of connective tissue that attaches the lips to your gums or your tongue to the floor of your mouth. Either one of these frena can be modified, depending on your unique situation.
When Is A Frenectomy Needed?
Sometimes, the frenum is too short or too tight in patients, and this can cause oral health and speech issues later on in life. In infants, this can cause issues with breastfeeding and swallowing.
Frenectomies are usually performed on babies or young children who are having problems with nursing, swallowing and speech. However, this procedure may also be performed on adults who are experiencing pain or discomfort since the frenum can be too tight against the lips or the tongue. In adults, this could also cause problems with gum recession and gaps. our dental specialists will examine you thoroughly to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Types of Frenectomies
There are two main types of frenectomies that we treat:
- Lingual frenectomy: the band of tissue that connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth is removed. In other words, this procedure is used to treat tongue ties.
- Labial frenectomy: this procedure is performed for removing the band of connective tissue that attaches your upper gums to your front teeth. This can also be performed on your lower gums, although this is more uncommon. Labial frenectomies treat lip ties in patients.
The Procedure
Our dental specialists will use scissors to cut or modify the frenum in infants. This is typically a very quick and simple procedure for infants. In adults and older children, a member of our team will numb the area with local anesthesia, and our dental specialists will cut the frenum using a scalpel or surgical scissors–this will only take about 30 minutes or less as well.
Contact Us Today!
A frenectomy is a standard, quick and simple procedure that is very beneficial to patients for many reasons–including comfort and speech. If you think your child may be in need of a frenectomy procedure, we encourage you to contact our team today: 425-427-1120. We are happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
