What Is a Frenectomy? Exploring the Procedure and Its Importance

The OHIOSmiles team believes in providing comprehensive care to support your overall oral health and well-being. The frenectomy procedure is one service we offer to improve functionality, comfort, and oral development. 

This surgical procedure targets the band of connective tissue—known as a frenulum—that can restrict movement and cause complications. Whether it’s a tongue tie or a tight labial frenulum, Dr. Antalis and our team are here to provide safe and effective solutions.

Frenectomies are common and minimally invasive procedures that can enhance the range of motion for your tongue movement or upper lip while addressing related issues such as speech difficulties and gum recession. At OHIOSmiles, we are committed to ensuring a comfortable experience with positive outcomes for patients of all ages.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that removes or alters a band of tissue connecting one area of the mouth to another. There are two primary types of frenectomies, and both are safe and effective, offering significant improvements in function and comfort.

Lingual Frenectomy

This procedure focuses on the lingual frenulum, a band of tissue under the tongue that connects it to the floor of the mouth. When the lingual frenum is too short or tight, it can lead to tongue tie, restricting tongue movement, and causing issues like speech difficulties or challenges with eating and breastfeeding.

Labial Frenectomy

This procedure addresses the labial frenulum, a piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums above the front teeth. An overly tight frenulum can cause gum recession, interfere with dental alignment, or create gaps between the teeth.

Who Needs a Frenectomy?

The frenectomy procedure is recommended for patients experiencing problems caused by tight or restrictive frenula. Common signs that you or your child might benefit from a frenectomy include:

• Difficulty moving the tongue freely
• Gaps between the front teeth or alignment issues
• Difficulty breastfeeding in infants
• Challenges with speech or pronunciation
• Discomfort or restricted motion in the upper lip
• Signs of gum recession near the labial frenulum

Addressing these concerns can prevent further complications and enhance your oral health.

Labial Frenectomy for Upper Lip Concerns

A tight or short labial frenulum, the tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums, can lead to several concerns. The most noticeable issue is often a gap between the two upper front teeth. This gap can be stubborn, even with orthodontic treatment.

Besides the aesthetic concern, a tight labial frenulum can pull on the gums, increasing the risk of gum recession. It can also make maintaining proper oral hygiene around the affected area difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. A labial frenectomy helps address these issues, improving your smile’s appearance and health.

Lingual Frenectomy for Tongue Tie

Tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth. It occurs when the lingual frenum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight. It can restrict the range of motion of the tongue, affecting breastfeeding in infants and speech development in children.

For some individuals, the lingual frenum may stretch over time, resolving the tongue-tie without intervention. However, in many cases, a simple procedure called a lingual frenectomy is recommended. This procedure involves snipping the lingual frenum, allowing for a better range of motion and addressing the limitations caused by the tongue-tie.

A Safe and Effective Solution at OHIOSmiles

At OHIOSmiles, we understand the importance of a healthy and functional smile. A frenectomy is a quick procedure, usually completed in about 15-30 minutes, and is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. It is a safe procedure with minimal discomfort and downtime. Whether it’s a labial frenectomy for the upper lip or a lingual frenectomy for the floor of your mouth, Dr. Antalis ensures the best possible care for your needs.

At OHIOSmiles, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier, more functional smile. Call our office today at (740) 439-2501 to learn how a frenectomy can benefit your oral health and quality of life!