Labial Frenectomy

The labial frenectomy washington dc procedure can be performed on patients of all ages and is typically necessary for patients who meet any of the following criteria:

• Difficulty or inability to nurse for newborns
• Have issues related to lip tie, such as difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, gum recession, or general discomfort
• Have lip tie, which occurs when the frenulum between the lip and front teeth is abnormally shaped
• Have diminished bite function
• To stabilize dentures
• As part of placement of orthodontic procedures or oral devices
• As part of a cosmetic process

Procedural Steps

To address any of the aforementioned issues, it will be necessary to remove the frenum that is located between the front teeth and lips. The procedure can be performed a variety of ways. Which approach will be best for you will depend on your specific needs and the method your periodontist or oral surgeon prefers.

Typically, the procedure will begin by numbing the area where the procedure is being performed. If necessary, dental sedation will also be provided. 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. If you have any questions or concerns about which approach your periodontist will take during the procedure, be sure to share these with them before you schedule the procedure.

Aftercare Following Your Procedure

It is important to closely follow 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

How to Identify Complications

You may need to schedule a follow up appointment following your procedure to have sutures removed. This is also an opportunity for your periodontist to monitor your recovery process. Although complications rarely develop following a labial frenectomy, it is important to contact your dentist or periodontist if you notice any of the following after your procedure:

• Swelling continues to worsen
• Wound pain continues to worse
• Swollen lips or gums
• Bleeding or fluid drainage from wound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness

If you have any additional questions or concerns about the risks involved in having a labial frenectomy, be sure to discuss these with your periodontist prior to the procedure.

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