A frenectomy is an oral surgery procedure that treats a lip-tie or tongue-tie. It may be used to increase your tongue’s range of motion or help close a gap between two teeth. Frenectomy is a simple treatment that offers a wide range of benefits.
Overview
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy — sometimes called a frenulectomy — is an oral surgery procedure that treats lip-tie or tongue-tie. During the procedure, your surgeon cuts or modifies a frenum (also called frenulum) — a band of connective tissue that joins two areas. In your mouth, frena (the plural of frenum) can join your lips to your gums or your tongue to the floor of your mouth.
You have multiple frena in your mouth. Most of the time, they don’t cause any issues. However, if a frenum is too short or too tight, it can cause oral health problems and may have a negative impact on speech. In babies, it can cause issues with breastfeeding (chestfeeding) and swallowing.
Who needs a frenectomy?
Most of the time, frenectomies are performed on babies who are having feeding issues or if there are speech concerns. But sometimes, frenectomies are necessary for adults, too. For example, sometimes a frenum can be so tight that it pulls your gums away from your teeth. A frenectomy frees the band of connective tissue, reducing the risk of gaps, gum recession and other oral health problems.
What is the purpose of a frenectomy?
There are many reasons why you or your child might need a frenectomy. Your healthcare might recommend this procedure to correct a frenum that’s causing:
- A lip-tie, which limits lip movement.
- A tongue-tie, which limits your tongue’s range of motion.
- Diastema (a gap between your teeth), which may be cosmetically displeasing to some people.
- Gum recession, which can lead to gingivitis, cavities and mobility.
- Pain, swelling or tenderness with brushing or oral care.
Procedure Details
What are the types of frenectomies?
There are two main types of oral frenectomies:
- Lingual frenectomy: This procedure removes or modifies the band of tissue that connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth. Lingual frenectomies are used to correct tongue-ties.
- Labial frenectomy: Sometimes called a maxillary frenectomy, this procedure removes the band of tissue that connects your upper gums to your front teeth. Labial frenectomies are used to correct lip-ties. It’s important to note that labial frenectomies can be performed on the lower lip, too — but upper lip frenectomies are more common.
What happens before this procedure?
Before your frenectomy, your healthcare provider will review your health history. They’ll also discuss the need for sedation and options for sedation, which may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation or IV sedation. Note: Sedation isn’t always necessary for a frenectomy. Your healthcare provider will help determine if it’s right for you or your child.
When should frenectomy be done?
It depends on the situation. Babies can have frenectomies quickly and with little discomfort just a few weeks after delivery. No matter what your situation, your healthcare provider can help determine the best time for your frenectomy.
What happens during this procedure?
In infants, the frenulum is removed using scissors. Usually, this is quick and takes a few minutes. In older children and adults, your healthcare provider may numb your tissue around the frenum with local anesthesia. Once you’re comfortable, they’ll remove or modify your frenum using a scalpel or surgical scissors. In some cases, sutures (stitches) may be necessary to close the incision. Typically, the procedure takes 30 minutes or fewer.
What happens after this procedure?
Following your frenectomy, your healthcare provider will give you detailed postoperative instructions.
In infants, usually no further care is needed and they can resume feeding immediately.
You may need pain relievers to manage any discomfort and you may need to use antibacterial mouthwash. Your healthcare provider may want to see you in a week or two to monitor healing.