There are two types of frenectomies that are performed in our oral surgical office.
A Labial Frenectomy is performed on the upper lip and between the two front teeth.
The labial frenulum often attaches to the upper lip and between the two front teeth. This can cause a large gap and gum recession by pulling the gum off of the bone. A labial frenectomy removes the labial frenulum. Orthodontic patients often have this procedure done to assist with closing the front tooth gap. When a denture patient’s lip moves, the frenulum pulls and loosens the denture which can be quite upsetting. This surgery is also performed to help dentures fit better.
The Lingual Frenectomy is a form of a frenectomy associated with the tongue.
The removal of the lingual frenulum under the tongue can be accomplished by a frenectomy. This is used to treat a tongue tied patient. Immediately after this minor oral surgery, the tongue can often extend out of the mouth which it could not do before. This can help improve speech and promote proper tooth arch development.