Dental Terms
Frenectomy Roanoke & Christiansburg
A frenectomy, also known as frenulectomy or frenotomy, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a frenulum—a small fold of tissue that restricts the movement of an organ in the body. This procedure can pertain to frenula located in various parts of the human body. In dentistry, frenectomy is commonly performed for orthodontic reasons and is categorized as either a labial frenectomy or lingual frenectomy.
Labial Frenectomy
A labial frenectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the frenulum located inside the middle of the upper lip. This type of frenectomy is often recommended to address issues related to the upper lip's attachment, particularly when it restricts the movement of the upper lip. Labial frenectomies are performed on individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and adults.
Lingual Frenectomy
In contrast, a lingual frenectomy is performed underneath the tongue. The goal of this procedure is to release the attachment of the lingual frenulum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Lingual frenectomies are commonly recommended when the lingual frenulum is too tight or short, causing restrictions in tongue movement. This condition, known as ankyloglossia or "tongue-tie," can affect an individual's ability to speak, eat, and perform various oral functions.
Indications for Frenectomy
Frenectomies are performed for various reasons, including:
- Orthodontic Treatment: Frenectomies may be recommended as part of orthodontic treatment to address issues related to the positioning of teeth and their alignment. Labial frenectomies can help prevent the gap between the upper front teeth (diastema) from reoccurring after orthodontic treatment.
- Tongue Mobility: Lingual frenectomies are performed to improve tongue mobility in cases where the lingual frenulum is too short or tight, affecting speech, eating, and other oral functions.
- Infant Feeding: For infants, tongue-tie can interfere with breastfeeding. In such cases, a lingual frenectomy can be performed to enable more effective breastfeeding.
Frenectomy procedures are generally safe and can lead to improved oral function and comfort for individuals with restrictive frenula. The specific type of frenectomy recommended depends on the location of the frenulum causing the issue.
If you or your child has been recommended for a frenectomy or if you have concerns about frenulum-related issues, please contact Aaron Periodontics & Dental Implants at (540) 562-3166. Our dental professionals can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and discuss whether a frenectomy is the right solution for your specific needs. We are conveniently located at 4405 Starkey Road in Roanoke & Christiansburg, VA.
