Frenectomy is a dental procedure that involves the removal of a small piece of tissue, known as a frenum, from the mouth. The frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums or the roof of the mouth. In some cases, the frenum can be too thick, too tight, or in the wrong location, leading to a variety of dental problems. At Gainesville Periodontics, we often perform frenectomies to treat patients for tongue-tie.

Benefits of Frenectomy

Frenectomy is a common procedure that can offer several benefits for patients, including:
Improved speech: An overly tight frenum can interfere with speech, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds.
Improved oral hygiene: It can be difficult to properly clean the teeth and gums with a tight frenum, leading to an increased risk of dental problems.
Reduced discomfort: Discomfort or pain, especially during eating, speaking, or performing oral hygiene, can result from a too-short frenum.
Reduced risk of dental problems: Frenum issues can increase the risk of dental problems such as gum recession, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
Improved appearance: A tight frenum can cause a gap between the front teeth, which can negatively affect the appearance of the smile. Frenectomy can help reduce or eliminate this gap, making the smile more aesthetically pleasing.

Types of Frenectomy

There are two main types of frenectomy: labial frenectomy and lingual frenectomy.
Labial frenectomy: This type of frenectomy involves the removal of the frenum that connects the upper or lower lip to the gums. A labial frenectomy is often performed to correct a gap between the front teeth or to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment.
Lingual frenectomy: This type of frenectomy involves the removal of the frenum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A lingual frenectomy is often performed to correct tongue-tie, a condition in which the tongue is restricted in movement due to a tight frenum.

What to Expect During Frenectomy

Frenectomy is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed right here in our periodontal office in Gainesville, Ga. The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia to numb the area, and in some cases, sedation may also be used to help the patient relax.
During the procedure, the periodontist will make a small incision in the frenum and remove the tissue using a scalpel or laser. Once the frenum has been removed, the area will be cleaned and sutured if necessary. Patients may experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.

Is a tight frenum making it difficult to talk, chew or clean your teeth?

A frenectomy may be right for you. To know for sure, give Gainesville Periodontics a call today to set up an appointment. Dr. Barclay and his team will talk to you about your issues, examine your mouth, and figure out if a frenectomy can set you on a path to a better smile, better speech, and a better life!