A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that removes or changes the frenulum; a thin cord that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the tissues, skin or mucosa that connect the lips to the gums. This procedure is frequently done to resolve problems with an overly tight or restrictive frenulum. A Frenectomy is often needed for Oral Health, Speech and Feeding and Orthodontic Outcomes.
Let’s go back and understand the Frenulum and its role.
A frenulum is a small band of tissue attaching two structures that are not supposed to join together. In the oral cavity, there are two main types of frenula:
- Lingual Frenulum: And this is underneath the tongue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this tissue is too tight, though, the tongue will share a primary restriction point which is known as tongue–tie or ankyloglossia – restricting tongue mobility.
- Labial Frenulum: This is in between the inside of the upper or lower lip, and the gums. Gaps between the teeth (diastema) or difficulties with maintaining oral hygiene and dental alignment are caused by an overly tight labial frenulum.
Buccal frenulum is other frenum, which other than frenectomy, is less frequently addressed.
Types of Frenectomy
There are two primary types of oral frenectomy:
Lingual Frenectomy
There is a procedure that helps manage a problem by making or changing the lingual frenulum in order to improve tongue mobility. For many with tongue tie, lingual frenectomy is advisable to avoid speech, eating, and breastfeeding challenges in children and infants. It often occurs in children and adults depending on when the diagnosis of the condition was made.
Labial Frenectomy
To correct problems arising due to labial frenulum, a labial frenectomy is done. In cases with a tight frenulum that is causing the gap in between the front teeth, that prevents proper oral care or causes pain, this procedure is often needed.
When is a Frenectomy Necessary?
In most cases, a frenectomy is only recommended to solve particular functional issues from an overly restrictive frenulum. Common reasons for performing a frenectomy include:
- Speech Problems: If you have a tongue-tie you may not be able to articulate certain sounds or move your tongue very far when speaking.
- Feeding Issues in Infants: Newborns may have difficulty breastfeeding when the lingual frenulum is restrictive.
- Dental Alignment: Spacing between the teeth and impeding orthodontic treatment can result from a tight labial frenulum.
- Oral Hygiene: A tight frenulum is likely to trap food particles and make cleaning hard, higher risk of gum disease.
- Pain or Discomfort: A tight frenulum can cause some people pain or discomfort when making oral movements.
How is a Frenectomy conducted?
Gingivoplasty or gingivectomy procedures can be done using traditional tools or lasers. Each method has advantages and the selection of method is often patient need and surgeon experience dependent.
Traditional Frenectomy
- Preparation: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area in need of healing.
- Incision: The frenulum is cut or removed with a scalpel.
- Sutures: The wound might need to be stitched.
- Recovery: Proper aftercare and a few weeks is how long it usually takes to heal.
- Laser Frenectomy
- Preparation: Anesthesia is applied locally so the area will be numb.
- Laser Procedure: The frenulum is modified or removed using a laser. It minimizes the amount of bleeding and minimizes the chances of infection.
- No Stitches: The tissue is cauterized with lasers so that stitching is not needed.
- Faster Recovery: It often causes less discomfort and speeds healing of patients.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
A frenectomy offers several benefits, including:
For example, better oral function than before, such as better ability to speak and to eat.
- Infants with tongue tie go on to breastfeed easier.
- For better dental alignment and support for orthodontic treatments.
- Decrease of risk to develop oral health problems including gum disease and cavities.
- To help alleviate pain caused by a tight frenulum.
Risks and Complications
Frenectomy is usually safe, but, similar to all surgical procedures, there are risks. These include:
- Bleeding either while the procedure is being done or immediately following.
- Infection at the spot where the surgery was done.
- Usually minimal scarring.
- Reactions to anesthesia (allergic reactions).
- Rarely relapse or regrowth of the frenulum tissue.
Recovery and Aftercare
Frenectomy is typically uncomplicated in recovery. Patients are advised to:
- To prevent infection, good oral hygiene is important.
- Spicy or hard foods may irritate the area so avoid these.
- Prescribed exercises are performed for healing to take place in proper fashion, so that scarring will not develop.
Follow up with the healthcare provider to check the amount of healing taking place.
Although full healing may take a little longer, most patients recover in 1 to 2 weeks.
When to Consider a Frenectomy
In cases when a restrictive frenulum impairs daily functions like speaking, eating or maintaining oral hygiene a child may benefit from a frenectomy. If tongue tie is diagnosed, a pediatrician or lactation consultant will recommend for the parents of infants with breastfeeding difficulties. In the same way, those with dental or orthodontic problems brought on by a tight frenulum go consult a dentist or orthodontist.
Conclusion
‘A frenectomy is a useful procedure, which can go a long way to improve quality of life through resolution of functional issues caused by the frenulum,’ he said. This minor surgery is done to improve the ability to feed, for dental alignment or for speech improvement purposes, and has long term benefits with little risk. As always, if you are concerned your children may benefit or any other kind of surgery, you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider to see if and when this option is right for you.