What is a frenectomy and how is it treated?
The frenulum is a small piece of connective tissue that links different parts of the oral cavity, such as the cheeks, tongue, or lips, to the gum area. Depending on its location, it can affect tooth position, gum recession, speech, and tongue mobility. There are two most common types of frenulum:
- Lingual frenulum – connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A short or thick lingual frenulum can restrict tongue movement, potentially causing difficulties with speech, swallowing, and even breastfeeding problems in newborns.
- Upper lip frenulum – located between the upper lip and the gums, just above the upper central incisors. If this frenulum is too thick or too long, it can cause a gap between the upper central incisors (diastema) and may affect the aesthetics of the smile and tooth position.
Although the frenulum may not always cause health issues, sometimes a corrective procedure may be necessary, especially if it leads to functional problems. A frenectomy is an outpatient oral surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. During this procedure, the frenulum is corrected or removed to allow proper tongue movement, correct tooth positioning, or prevent gum recession. The procedure is quick and safe, with minimal risk and a fast recovery time.
Frenulum correction can significantly improve speech, prevent orthodontic problems, and help maintain the health of the gums and teeth.
