Frenectomy & Frenotomy
One of our main goals at Prime Dental is to provide the most enjoyable dental experience to our patients. We aim to make each and every one of their visits not just worth their while, but truly something to look forward to.
To make sure that we are able to live up to that commitment, we offer a complete line-up of dental services. Those services are aimed at making our patients as comfortable as possible while they’re undergoing the different treatments and procedures.
Two of the procedures that we offer that have several benefits include frenectomy and frenotomy:
All About Frenectomy & Frenotomy
Frenectomy
Frenectomy is an oral process in which the frenum in the mouth is removed or altered. The so-called frenum is an attachment that’s found between two soft tissues in the mouth. It includes the cheeks, lips, and gums.
Two kinds of frenum exist, the labial frenum and the lingual frenum:
Labial Frenectomy
The labial frenum is the tissue that connects the gum tissue that’s found between the two front teeth to the upper lip. Labial frenectomy is required when the frenum is located too low on the gum tissue and a gap between the two front teeth appears. It’s also needed when there’s gum recession or when gums are lifted from the jawbone.
Lingual Frenectomy
The lingual frenum is the tissue that connects the floor of the mouth to the tongue’s underside. If the lingual frenum is located too far forward on the tongue, then the tongue’s movement will be restricted. If this is untreated, it could lead to a child having problems with eating and speaking properly. Another term used for lingual frenum is ‘tongue-tied’. It can also prevent an infant from latching on during breastfeeding or when feeding on a bottle.
Frenotomy
Frenotomy is the process where the lingual frenulum is cut. It’s performed when the frenulum seems unusually short or tight.
The difference between frenectomy and frenotomy is that with frenectomy, the frenum is to be completely removed. With frenotomy, it’s only about the incision and relocation of the frenal attachment.
Frenotomy is a process where the tongue is held in the direction of the roof of the mouth. This makes the frenulum taut and then cut through the white tissue along the line that’s close or parallel to the tongue. It would take but a single motion to make the cut. If there is any risk to the procedure at all, it’s the possibility of too much bleeding. However, there are usually only a few drops of blood in a lot of cases. There’s no need for anesthesia.
If you want to learn more about what we can do for your dental health, please give us a call today at Prime Dental. Let our knowledgeable and approachable team start guiding you towards your new and improved smile!