What is a Frenectomy?

The Frenum

A frenum is a thin band or strip of tissue which connects two body structures. There are several of these in the mouth, such as those connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the upper lip to the upper gum. If a frenum is too short, too thick, or too long, it can cause speech defects due to restricted tongue movement. A too-short frenum can also cause the gums to recede, if the frenum is one which is connected to the gums.

These structures are not only present in the mouth. They are present in several other locations, including on the penis, where a frenum connects the penis and foreskin in men who have not been circumcised.

Frenectomy Procedure

Oral frenae are discussed here, due to the fact that they are the type most commonly treated via frenectomy.

Frenectomy is carried out in children if the structure of the frenum causes a speech defect that a dentist expects to persist past childhood. In some cases the dentist may decide not to remove the frenum, if he or she believes that the problem will correct itself as the child grows up. In adults, a frenectomy is indicated if the frenum will interfere with the proper fit of a set of dentures.

During an oral frenectomy procedure, a periodontist first anesthetizes the frenum and surrounding oral tissues. Next, the frenum is carefully removed. Frenectomy can be carried out using either scalpels or laser surgery to remove the frenum. If a scalpel is used, the incision is closed following removal of the frenum. When laser surgery is used this step is not necessary.

In general, laser frenectomy results in fewer post-operative complications, less pain, and a reduced need for pain medication. In addition, laser frenectomy allows patients to recover more quickly and impairs speech and eating less significantly than conventional scalpel surgery.

References

Atlas Dental Care: Frenectomy

Austin Periodontal Associates: Frenectomy Procedure

Haytac MC, Ozcelik O. Evaluation of patient perceptions after frenectomy operations: a comparison of carbon dioxide laser and scalpel techniques. J Periodontol. 2006 Nov;77(11):1815-9.

Silberg Center for Dental Science: Frenectomy

New York Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell: Frenectomy