Frenectomy

A frenectomy is the surgical procedure for removing a frenum which is a fold of tissue that passes from the lip or cheek to the gum. If a frenum interferes with the normal position of teeth or pulls the gum, a surgical procedure will be required to remove it.

There are several different frenums in the mouth, attaching to the inside of your lip, your cheek or to the bottom of your tongue. If any of these frenums are shorter than normal, they will limit the movement of the tissues they attach to.

The removal of the frenum under the tongue is used to treat Ankyloglossia commonly known as tongue-tie, which decreases the mobility of the tongue and is caused by an unusually short, thick lingual frenum; this condition is present at birth and decreases mobility of the tongue.

The labial frenum often attaches to the centre of the upper lip, between the upper two front teeth. This can cause a large gap as well as gum recession by pulling the gums off of the bone. This procedure removes the labial frenum. Some orthodontic patients have this procedure to assist with closing a front tooth gap. This procedure is also done to improve denture fit. When a denture patient's lips move, the frenum can pull and loosen the denture.

At The Smile Lounge, frenectomy is done with the waterlase using a little bit of local anaesthetic. It is done relatively quickly and painlessly.

See our smile gallery for before and after photos.