Frenectomy

A frenum is a piece of tissue in the mouth that extends from the cheek to the gums. There are several different frenae in the mouth which attach to the inside of the cheek or to the bottom of the tongue.

In certain cases a frenum can prevent teeth from staying in pace after they have been orthodontically moved together. For example, after a patient's central incisors have been brought together in order to close the space between them, an excessive frenum can possibly cause the teeth to separate again.

In your lower front teeth the frenum can actually pull the gum away from the teeth and cause recession. When a denture patient's lips move the frenum pulls and loosens the denture, which can be quite upsetting. The surgery is often done to help dentures fit better.

A lingual frenectomy is the removal of the lingual frenum. The lingual frenum attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth and if it is too tight will cause a tongue-tied patient. A labial frenectomy is the removal of the frenum between the maxillary (upper) or mandibular (lower) central incisor teeth.

Procedure:

Local anesthesia is administered to the site and the frenum is removed with the CO2 laser.The procedure can be done with IV sedation if preferred. Sutures are not needed and pain is minimal to absent after the surgery. Over the counter pain meds usually suffice, although a prescription will be given. A follow up appointment in one month will be given.