Frenectomy is surgical procedure which is performed under local anesthesia for removal of a small fold of tissue which prevents the free movement of tongue, lip or cheeks in oral cavity.
In our oral cavity two types of freneum are present namely labial or buccal, and lingual. These frenum are help in controlling the movement of otherwise poorly restricted parts.
When frenectomy is performed?
When the labial frenum is overgrown or putting too much pressure on the gingival tissue to which it’s attached, it can cause a number of problems: discomfort, gum recession, impediment of the teeth erupting, or a large gap between the front two teeth, which may not be correctable through orthodontic treatment. Removal in these instances can significantly relieve discomfort and restore normal function of the front teeth. When possible it is usually advised to wait until a child’s permanent teeth have erupted to remove the frenum.
An overgrown lingual frenum, on the other hand, can result in what’s commonly known as being “tongue-tie” or “ankyloglossia” When this attachment extends too far towards the tip of the tongue it can result in serious restrictions on your child’s ability to eat and speak properly. This will often start to present as a problem as early as 12 – 18 months, when you notice your child having a hard time speaking. Older children may also notice the tissue getting caught in their lower teeth.
How frenectomy is performed?
Frenectomy involves the surgical incision of the frenum, establishing haemostasis and suturing of the wound. In cases where there is a very short frenum and the floor of the mouth is shallow, a Z-plasty is performed sometimes.