Understanding Frenectomy: What It Is and When You Need It

You must have looked in the mirror at times and seen that small piece of tissue connecting your lips to your gums or your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. It is called a frenum. Sometimes it might turn out to be too tight or even thick, thus giving you problems while eating, speaking, or affecting your teeth.

A simple procedure called frenectomy could be done in this instance. In a frenectomy surgery in Calgary, the dental surgeon performs minor surgery to cut or remove the frenum to provide better movement and solve the problems created by the fraenum being too tight or thickened.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a rather simple and relatively painless procedure. Here is what to expect if you or someone you know needs one:

A. Preparation

First, the oral surgeon will want to have a look in your mouth in order to understand the nature of the problem. They will explain what they do and all the questions you are going to ask. After that, they will inject local anaesthesia into your veins or opt for oral sedation, so it won’t hurt you during the procedure.

B. The Procedure

This surgery, in reality, just takes a few minutes. The dentist will cut the frenum or remove it by cutting with a small instrument. Sometimes they even use a laser instead of a conventional tool to do this. This can make it even quicker and help lessen bleeding.

C. Post-operation

Once the frenectomy is completed, healing time will be required. There may be soreness in the area for several days, but this is quite normal. Your surgeon will advise you on how to take care of your mouth by rinsing with warm salt water and by keeping away from some foods. Most people get completely healed within one to two weeks.

Why Do You Need a Frenectomy?

There may be several reasons why somebody needs a frenectomy. Let us find out the most common ones:

1. Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)

If the frenum below the tongue is too short or tight, it can significantly limit a person’s tongue mobility. That is called being tongue-tied or ankyloglossia. Tongue tie causes poor speech, affects eating, and sometimes brings breastfeeding problems to babies. Frenectomy helps by releasing the tongue and giving it better mobility.

2. Lip-Tie

Similar to a tongue tie, a lip tie occurs when the frenum that attaches the upper lip to the gums is too tight. This may result in limited motion of the upper lip and thus cause problems in breastfeeding during infancy or even defects in the development of the teeth later on. A frenectomy will loosen this frenum and allow easier motion of the upper lip.

3. Gap Between Front Teeth

In some instances, a thick frenum may cause a gap between the two front teeth. This will be cosmetic spacing, interfering with the appearance of your smile. A frenectomy closes the spacing by removing or cutting the frenum, resulting in a much more even and beautiful smile.

4. Denture Problems

Poor adjustment of such dentures could be caused by a too-thick or tight frenum in people who wear dentures. So it will be pretty uncomfortable to wear, if not sore. The frenectomy will adjust the frenum, and dentures can then fit and feel more comfortable.

When Should You Visit a dentist?

In cases of speaking, eating, or any other difficulty, or in cases of a gap between the front teeth, you can consult a dentist. He will examine whether frenectomy is required and discuss the best mode of treatment.

Visit Centre & 12th Dental For Frenectomy Surgery in Calgary

This is a simple procedure, yet most effective in handling many problems due to a tight or thick frenum. You should always consult a dentist if you feel that a frenectomy may help someone you care for or even yourself. If you are looking for a reliable dental clinic near you, consult our in-house experts at Centre & 12th Dental.