A Closer Look at a Fennectomy: What is It?

What Is a Frenectomy?

It is a surgical dental procedure that involves removing the frenulum. The frenulum is a thin band of tissue that connects two parts of the body, usually the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gums.

What Happens During a Frenectomy?

Frenectomies are relatively simple procedures performed with or without local anesthesia. During the surgery, the dentist in 95765 will perform one of two types of procedures:

1. Lingual frenectomy: It involves removing the frenulum connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A lingual frenectomy is necessary when the frenulum is too short or tight, causing difficulty speaking, eating, or breathing. Only tongue & lip releases in Rocklin, CA, can restore your optimal oral function regarding speech and eating properly.
2. Labial frenectomy: It involves removing the frenulum that attaches the upper lip to the gums. A labial frenectomy is crucial for a frenulum too long or tight, causing a gap between the front teeth.

Once your dentist determines the type of surgery you need, the treatment will continue in the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The dentist numbs the area of operation with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
2. Incision: The dentist then makes a small incision in the frenulum using a scalpel or laser.
3. Removal: Depending on the type of frenectomy, the dentist will remove or release the frenulum.
4. Closure: Sometimes dentists close the incision site with stitches, while other times they leave it to heal on its own. It depends on the location and size of the incision.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The frenectomy procedure is a quick minor surgery that typically takes a few minutes to complete. You will only be in the dentist’s chair for approximately 30 minutes or fewer. The good news is that you will not be in pain, thanks to the numbing effect.

Recovery time often varies for patients depending on their immune system, the type of frenectomy, age, and oral habits after treatment. Usually, most people can return to normal activities within a few days. However, you can also take 4-6 weeks to heal properly afterward. Babies and infants recover quicker than adults.

​Who Needs Frenectomy Treatment?

Dentists near you recommend frenectomy if you have a frenulum too short, tight, or long. Some of the specific reasons why you may need a frenectomy include:

1. Difficulty speaking or swallowing – due to restricted tongue movements or frequent pulling back of the tongue. These movements can make it difficult to form certain sounds or swallow properly.
2. Breastfeeding difficulties: Infants with a tight or short frenulum have a hard time latching onto the nipple during breastfeeding. You will notice poor feeding and slow weight gain.
3. Alignment issues: A long or tight frenulum causes a gap between the front teeth and can even lead to gum recession.
4. Inability to fit dentures properly due to alignment problems
5. Sleep apnea: Did you know that a tight frenulum can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea? Sleep apnea features interrupted breathing during sleep.

Benefits of Frenecotnomy

A frenectomy can provide significant benefits and improve quality of life. The advantages of a frenectomy include:

1. Improved speech by allowing for better movement of the tongue or lips.
2. Easier feeding for infants concerning breastfeeding to ensure proper weight gain.
3. Better dental health by preventing or correcting issues such as gum recession or a gap between the front teeth.
4. Improved orthodontic treatment outcomes by removing the restriction caused by a tight or long frenulum.
5. Reduced risk of sleep apnea by bettering the airway and reducing the obstruction.

​Schedule an Appointment forFrenectomy Treatment with Little Fish Dental

Does the thought of getting a frenectomy overwhelm you? That is because you are making plans without the intervention of a dentist near you. Instead, you need to schedule an appointment with a dentist to discuss the crucial aspects of a frenectomy procedure at Little Fish Dental. You will be very surprised to learn that it is one of the simple surgeries in dentistry, yet offers incredible benefits to dental health.