What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy — sometimes called a frenectomy — 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 brestfeeding (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.