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Osseous Surgery | Bone Grafting | Ridge Augmentation | Clinical Crown Lengthening | Guided Tissue Regeneration | Removal of Oral Growths | Laser Therapy |  Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure where a fold of tissue called a frenum is removed or repositioned. There are several different frenums within the mouth, including those that attach to the inside of the lip, inside of the cheek, or to the bottom of the tongue. When any of these frenums are shorter than normal, they can limit the movement of the tissues to which they are attached.
The removal of the lingual frenum, which is under the tongue, is called a lingual frenectomy. A lingual frenectomy is often performed for patients who are "tongue-tied". Immediately after this minor oral surgery, the tongue has increased mobility and can extend out of the mouth. This procedure can help improve speech and promote proper tooth arch development in growing children.
The labial frenum often attaches to the center of the upper lip between the two front teeth. This can cause a gap or space and result in gum recession due to the frenum pulling the gums away from the teeth. A labial frenectomy removes the labial frenum. This procedure is often performed on orthodontic patients to assist in closing the gap or space between the two front teeth.
Before - View of a three-year-old patient with lingual frenum attachment that was affecting his speech development
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After - View of same patient three weeks following laser surgery showing elimination of attachment and release of tongue
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Before - View of a patient experiencing restricted tongue movement due to an abnormal attachment of the lingual frenum to the bottom of the tongue
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After - The post-surgical view shows how normal tongue movement is restored through a minimally invasive procedure
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