Frenectomies are a type of dental surgery that can be used to treat tongue-tie disorders as well as lip-tie disorders. A frenectomy can be used to widen the range of motion of your tongue or to bridge a gap between two teeth.
There are a number of situations in which you may require a frenectomy:
This surgery involves removing a frenum that attaches the upper lip or lower lip to the gums.
This procedure is done to remove the frenum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
A frenectomy is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that does not typically cause any pain or discomfort. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins, so most patients do not feel anything during the actual removal of tissue.
Afterward, there may be some slight soreness in the area for several days as it heals, but it is usually not severe enough to interfere with everyday activities. If you experience any discomfort after your frenectomy, your dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage it. Overall, a frenectomy is a fairly straightforward procedure that should cause minimal distress for most patients.
Frenectomy may be recommended for various reasons, including reducing interference with tooth eruption and bite alignment, preventing gum recession, helping improve speech development in children, and even for cosmetic purposes.
Additionally, some patients may require a frenectomy as part of a larger orthodontic treatment plan. In any case, it is best to speak with your dentist about all of your available options before making a decision.