What is frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove or modify a frenulum, which is a small fold of tissue that connects two structures in the oral cavity. There’s the lingual frenulum under your tongue and the labial frenula between your lips and gums. Sometimes, these frenula can be tight or positioned in a way that affects your oral health and appearance.
Frenectomies are most performed on the lingual frenum, which is the band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In some cases, it can be excessively tight or short which can restrict the movement of the tongue and potentially interfere with speech, eating, and oral hygiene. A lingual frenectomy involves the removal or release of the lingual frenulum to improve tongue mobility and function.
Frenectomies can also be performed on the labial frenum, which is the band of tissue that connects the upper or lower lip to the gums. If the labial frenulum is abnormally positioned or too thick, it can lead to diastema, which is a gap between the front teeth. In such cases, a labial frenectomy may be performed to remove or reposition the frenulum and help close the gap between the teeth.
If you have been advised that you lack sufficient bone tissue for dental implants, bone grafting may offer a viable solution. Dental implants supported by a bone graft, with proper care and maintenance, can provide a durable and natural-looking tooth replacement option. Be sure to consult with Dr Ivanov to determine if bone grafting is suitable for your specific situation and to explore the available options for bone augmentation.
The frenectomy process
A frenectomy offers a simple and effective solution for various dental and oral health problems caused by excess or misplaced frenum tissue and Dr Ivanov will help determine if it’s the right treatment for you.