What is Frenectomy, Its Procedure, Types, Benefits & Recovery Tips

What is a Frenectomy?

Frenectomies, occasionally called frenulectomy, is an oral surgical procedure helping treat a tongue or lip tie. When performing a frenectomy, the oral surgeon modifies or cuts the frenum, a band of connective tissue joining two areas. In the mouth, the frenum joins your lips and gums or tongue to the mouth floor. Multiple frena are present in your mouth without causing any issues. However, if the frenum is too short or tight, it can result in oral health problems and adversely impact speech. Babies experience difficulties with breastfeeding and swallowing.

Why is a Frenectomy Recommended?

Frenectomies are recommended by our frenectomy dentist in Kingwood, TX, for multiple reasons for you or your child. The dentist may suggest a frenectomy to correct a frenum causing:

1. A lip tie limiting lip movement.
2. A tongue tie limiting the range of motion of your tongue.
3. Diastema causes gaps between your teeth to affect your appearance aesthetically.
4. Gum recession results in gingivitis, mobility, and cavities.
5. Pain, tenderness, and swelling when brushing or maintaining oral hygiene.

What are the Different Types of Frenectomies?

There are two primary types of oral Frenectomies. They are:

1. Lingual Frenectomy: lingual frenectomy entails removing or modifying the tissue band connecting the underside of your tongue to your mouth floor. Lingual Frenectomies help correct tongue ties.
2. Labial Frenectomies: also called maxillary frenectomy, labial Frenectomies help remove the tissue band connecting your upper gums to your anterior teeth. Labial Frenectomies help correct lip ties. It is essential to note labial Frenectomies are also helpful for the lower lip, although upper lip Frenectomies are standard.

What is The Procedure of Getting a Frenectomy?

Here is the step-by-step process to get a frenectomy:

1. Before recommending a frenectomy, our Kingwood dentist reviews your health history.
2. They will discuss sedation needs and options, including nitrous oxide, oral, or IV sedation.
3. The dentist will help you determine whether sedation is suitable for your child.
4. Infants can have the frenulum removed by scissors quickly in a few minutes.
5. The dentist will numb your gums to remove the frenum in adults by administering local anesthesia.
6. After you are comfortable, the dentist removes or modifies the frenum using a scalpel or scissors.
7. Sutures become necessary in some cases to close the incision, and the dentist completes the process in fewer than 30 minutes.

What are the Benefits of Getting Frenectomies?

Frenectomy surgical procedures offer many benefits. Some of the unique benefits of getting a frenectomy near you include:

1. Enable infants to overcome problems with breastfeeding.
2. Enhance speech problems resulting from a tongue tie.
3. Minimize the risks of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems.
4. Improve the looks of your smile by eliminating gaps between your teeth.
5. Minimize or prevent dental visits for treatments like dental fillings, deep cleanings, et cetera.
6. Free the band of connective tissue, helping reduce gum recession, gaps, and oral health problems risks.

What are the Aftercare/Recovery Tips for Frenectomy?

Following a Frenectomy, the dentist provides comprehensive after-care instructions during your recovery.

1. Infants do not need any further care because they can resume feeding immediately after.
2. Adults are recommended pain relievers for discomfort and recommended antibacterial mouthwash.
3. The dentist will suggest a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.
4. You can sip liquids immediately following the procedure.
5. You must refrain from eating until the anesthesia wears off.
6. The dentist suggests soft foods until you can gradually incorporate more solid foods as you become comfortable.
7. You can return to work or other routines after 24 hours following a frenectomy.

When to See a Frenectomy Dentist?

If your eating, speaking, and other functions are facing interference by a frenum, it helps if you call the Kingwood dentist immediately. They will examine to determine whether a frenectomy a required.

If you have already had a frenectomy, contact our Kingwood dentist near you if you develop a fever, signs of infections, or pus for advice.

If you or your kid has a lip or tongue tie interfering with your quality of life or function, you must contact the Kingwood dentist immediately to inquire whether a frenectomy can help provide relief from the problem. Frenectomies are quick and straightforward that help address many issues. There are minimal hazards and intricacies associated with Frenectomies, and the dentist completes the surgical process quickly.

Looking to Get a Frenectomy in Houston, TX?

Frenectomies are straightforward procedures Houston Oral Healthcare Specialists perform on children and adults within 30 minutes. If you or your children are affected by this problem, kindly contact our Kingwood Dentistry to find freedom from the crisis affecting you undergoing a simple surgical procedure.