Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Frenectomy

Your frenum, also the frenulum, is a small piece of tissue that connects your cheeks, tongue, or lips to your gums. You have several frenula in your body. The one that most often requires a frenectomy is the one inside your mouth.

A frenectomy is a simple and common procedure that is performed to correct a problem related to the frenulum. These issues are often diagnosed in younger children, yet are still found in adults. The frenectomy is an easy procedure requiring the removal of your frenulum. The common way to perform this is by removing the frenulum with a scalpel, but Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. can also use a laser to perform this procedure. This makes the procedure quicker, bloodless, and less painful during the healing.

Beginning with your very first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment to research a possible frenectomy.

Are You or Your Child a Candidate for a Frenectomy?

There are common indicators that you could benefit from a frenectomy:

  • Your two upper front teeth have a larger than normal gap between them. Your frenum might have excess tissue which prevents the closure between the teeth.
  • The position of your labial frenum is close to your gum tissue where it causes tension, resulting in gum recession or tissue loss if not corrected.
  • You have a high lingual frenum attachment which restricts your tongue movement, affecting your normal speech, eating, and swallowing abilities.

Frenulum problems are usually corrected in a baby or a child when they first begin showing feeding issues or speech impediments. It is not unusual for a child with this issue to reach adulthood before receiving corrective surgery, even though the restricted tongue movement will cause a variety of problems.

Frenectomy For Your Child

A child with an oversized frenum can encounter several uncomfortable issues, including difficulty with speaking, a condition called tongue-tied. Other issues we see at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. include:

  • Difficulty nursing or breastfeeding as an infant.
  • The frenulum gets stuck between teeth.
  • It is tough to stick out their tongue.
  • An early recession of gums, which will result in periodontal disease.

Frenectomy For Yourself as an Adult

If you have an oversized frenulum, you might experience a range of issues, even problems with your speech. Sometimes, people having frenulum issues learn to compensate, despite the challenges.

A tight frenulum can make the process of chewing difficult because your tongue cannot move freely inside your mouth. This might also cause difficulty with your swallowing. A frenectomy at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will address these issues and improve your ability to eat.

Additional dental issues may develop if you have an improperly sized frenum. Since the food is unable to move around in your mouth as it should, it will limit your ability to clean your molars due to a limited range of motion with your tongue. This will lead to decay over time, as food particles remain lodged between teeth.

The Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy is literally a less invasive procedure than having a tooth filled. To minimize any discomfort during the procedure, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will begin by administering a local anesthetic. Once the immediate tissue is numb, we will either use a surgical scalpel or a specialty laser to reduce the tissue, minimizing discomfort. The laser reduces the chance of infection as the laser instantly sanitizes the area. This also accelerates the healing process.

For a newborn to feed or nurse properly, they may need a lip tie or tongue tie surgery to free the lingual frenulum underneath the tongue. A newborn can feed immediately after the procedure, as the recovery also happens immediately.

Older children may be given a mild anesthetic before the frenulum treatment. In a severe case, the patient could require a few sutures following the procedure.

The entire process takes only 15 and 30 minutes.

The Risks of Not Having Frenectomy Treatment

If left untreated, there are several issues that can occur, including the following:

  • Inadequate lip seal.
  • Crowded teeth.
  • Chronic mouth breathing.
  • Limited jaw growth.
  • Unnecessary speech issues.
  • Messy eating and improper swallowing.
  • Altered development of dental arches.
  • Limited facial muscle movement.
  • Periodontal disease.
  • A deep or an over-closed bite.
  • Nasal sinus congestion or airway constriction.

Post Procedure Aftercare

There are no specific instructions following a frenectomy, although it is important to schedule a follow-up appointment at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to confirm that the treatment has been successful and is healing properly.

The most important thing is to continue exercising good oral hygiene habits. Continue brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing once a day. In addition to these preventative practices, the next best step to continue enjoying your healthy smile is to schedule regular visits twice a year. This will allow your team at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to perform routine exams, to conduct professional teeth cleaning, and to monitor your oral health.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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