LASER FRENECTOMY

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the frenulum, which is a small piece of tissue in the body that restricts organ movement.  In the mouth, the frenula are located under the tongue and below the lips in the middle of the face.  When a frenulum is too short or too big it can cause problems with basic functions or hinder the health and well being of the mouth.  If the lingual frenulum is too short under the tongue, it can restrict movement and limit speaking.  This is usually diagnosed early in young children and is called ankyloglossia.  Once the tissue is removed, normal function is restored.  If the labial frenulum, located under the lips, is to short it can cause the gums to recede which can cause esthetic concerns and effect the health of the teeth.  If the labial frenulum is too large, it can cause spacing between teeth called a diastema.  A simple surgical procedure with local anesthetic removes the tissue and improves the oral health and function of the mouth.

There are two kinds of frenum in the mouth, the labial frenum and the lingual frenum.

A labial frenum is a muscular tissue that connects the inside of the upper lip to the center of the gums between the two upper front teeth. The presence of this frenum creates a large gap between the two upper front teeth and can also cause recession of the gums by drawing the gums off the jaw bone. Usually, dentists will advise their patients to wait for the growth of their two permanent upper front teeth before considering the treatment for labial frenum. It is because there are cases where the gap between the upper front teeth is eliminated during the growth of permanent teeth. However, if this is not possible, braces are used to correct the gap. Labial frenectomy is only performed if the braces are unable to correct the large gaps caused by labial frenum. In some cases where the presence of labial frenum can cause pain to the upper lip and gums in younger children, labial frenectomy is performed.

The second kind of frenum is called the lingual frenum. It is a muscular tissue that connects the bottom center of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A lingual frenum that extends all the way to the tip of the tongue can sometimes restrict the patient from eating and speaking properly, a condition also called tongue-tied. Lingual frenectomy is only performed if the presence of a frenum prevents the child from eating and speaking properly.

Patients who have undergone frenectomy have experienced better quality of life.

Labial frenectomy:

• It reduces oral discomfort.

• It improves facial appearance through the elimination of tooth gap between the two upper front teeth.

• It promotes self-confidence.

• It enhances bite function.

• It stabilizes dentures among denture users.

Lingual frenectomy:

• It enhances communication and expression of oneself.

• It improves appetite because patient can eat properly.

If you have any further questions regarding frenectomy, it is best for you to talk to your dentist. He/she will provide you with better understanding what the frenectomy procedure is all about.