Frenectomy

What Is a Frenectomy?

Frenectomy is a quick procedure performed in oral surgery to correct abnormalities of the lingual or labial frenum. These frenums are small tissues that connect the tongue or lips to the jawbone. When these structures are too short or too thick, this is called a restricted frenum, which can lead to various functional problems.

Before determining whether a frenectomy is necessary, a preventive examination is often recommended. This allows the dentist to assess the impact of the frenum on oral functions and develop an appropriate plan.

In the case of a lingual frenectomy, the dentist gently incises the tissue to improve tongue mobility and correct associated disorders. When it involves the labial frenum, this procedure often helps reduce excessive interdental spacing, particularly between the upper incisors, caused by traction on the incisive papilla or palatal papilla.

What is the Purpose of a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is recommended when the presence of a restricted frenum causes discomfort or significant problems. For the lingual frenum, intervention may be necessary if the fold of tissue limits tongue movement, causing difficulties with speaking, eating, or even breathing normally. A lingual frenectomy can improve these essential functions and prevent future complications.

For a labial frenum, the procedure is often performed to address a persistent interdental gap between the front teeth or to prevent gum recession. Generally, this surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia to support patient comfort during treatment.

How is a frenectomy procedure performed?

Initial consultation and diagnosis:

During the initial consultation, the dentist assesses the presence of an abnormal frenum in the labial or lingual frenums. The lip frenum is particularly examined to determine whether it is causing problems, such as interfering with normal tooth closure or causing functional discomfort.

A detailed examination also makes it possible to check the contact of adjacent teeth and the condition of the interdental papilla and gingival attachment. This helps determine whether surgical treatment is necessary.

In some cases, this assessment is essential to prevent complications such as gum disease or to facilitate the alignment of permanent canines. The dentist then discusses treatment options and the steps involved in the procedure.

The Dental Procedure:

A frenectomy is performed with local anesthetic to numb the area and minimize patient discomfort. The dentist uses precise techniques to incise or remove the abnormal frenum, whether it’s a lingual frenum limiting tongue mobility or a labial frenum causing aesthetic or functional problems.

The goal is to address the frenum restriction while aiming to preserve the interdental papilla and the integrity of surrounding structures. Once the target tissue is modified, the area is sutured as needed to support healing.

Follow-Up and Recovery:

Following the procedure, post-operative management guidelines are provided to facilitate recovery. Patients can typically return to their daily routine with temporary soft-food diet recommendations as advised by the dentist.

The dentist recommends post-operative care, such as gentle cleaning and sometimes the use of a mouth rinse, to prevent infection and promote healing. If the procedure was intended to improve the contact of adjacent teeth, orthodontic follow-up may be considered to consolidate the results.

With appropriate post-operative care, healing progresses predictably, supporting improved oral function and patient comfort.

Conclusion

Frenectomy is a recognized surgical option in dentistry for addressing restricted labial or lingual frenums, helping improve oral function. At Lapointe Dental Centres, our dentists evaluate each situation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

If you would like to learn more about frenectomies or other treatments, such as gum grafting, feel free to contact our team to schedule a consultation.