Frenums and the Frenectomy Procedure

The connective tissue membranes that attach surfaces of the mouth together are known as frenums. There are two types of frenums in the mouth, which are the lingual and the labial. The lingual frenum is found at the base of the tongue and floor of the mouth, whereas the labial frenum is in the upper arch.

If these frenums are abnormally sized or become damaged, a frenectomy alexandria va may be performed to restore oral function and correct any issues that have developed as a result. The most common consequence of an abnormally shaped frenum is a condition commonly referred to as being tongue tied. This develops because tongue movement is restricted. Another common frenum related issue is space developing between two front teeth due to the frenum being too large. Fortunately, these issues can easily be corrected with a frenectomy procedure. This simple procedure involves removing part of the frenum using a scalpel or laser. This procedure is safe and can be performed on most patients.

Infant Frenectomy

In most cases, a child’s lingual frenum will separate before birth, however in some cases children are born with their frenum attached to the bottom of their tongue. This issue is more common among boys than girls, but there is no known reason for why this occurs. One of the quickest ways to determine if a frenectomy is needed is when a newborn has difficulty nursing. Due to the unusual size of the frenum, their tongue movement is limited, which makes the nursing process more difficult.  Although frenectomies have not historically been performed on infants, due to procedural advancements and more studies that support the efficacy and safety of the procedure, more and more infants have this procedure performed. Following this procedure, many parents notice an immediate improvement in their child’s ability to nurse.

Procedure and Aftercare for Older Patients

The frenectomy procedure begins by numbing the area where the procedure is being performed. Next, the frenulum is removed using a laser or surgical knife. Though both methods are effective ways to perform the procedure, the use of the laser to vaporize the excess tissue can provide more precise results and cause less discomfort. Another approach is electrocautery, which removes the excess tissue by burning it away with a heated electrode.

Following a frenectomy, you will need to schedule follow up visits so your frenum can be inspected to ensure the procedure was successful. It is important to closely follow these aftercare instructions following your labial frenectomy to reduce your risk of developing complications and ensure a speedy recovery.

• Take pain-relief medication and/or antibiotics as prescribed
• Use ice packs for pain relief
• Keep the surgical area clean with gauze
• Saltwater gargles twice daily for three or four days following procedure
• Stick to a clear liquid diet until bleeding has stopped, after which you can transition to a soft food diet. Be sure to slowly reintroduce harder foods as you go through this healing process. It is also a good idea to avoid foods that are hot or spicy until you have completely recovered.
• Practice proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily

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