Frenectomy

What is a Frenum?

A frenum is a small muscle attachment in your mouth that extends from the upper and lower lips to the gums around your teeth (labial frenum) or from under your tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum). Dr. Michaels can evaluate your condition to determine if your frenum is causing a problem and if it needs to be removed.

Abnormal Frenum Causing Gap in Teeth

In certain cases, after orthodontic treatment, the maxillary labial frenum may cause orthodontic relapse and push the upper incisors apart. In other cases where a large space (diastema) occurs between your child’s upper front teeth, your dentist may recommend evaluation by Dr. Michaels. Adults who wear a maxillary complete denture and have a large labial frenum will often find a loose and poor performing plate. A maxillary labial frenectomy procedure will release the muscle attachment.

Lingual Frenum

When your lingual frenum is too short, it will restrict normal tongue mobility causing “tongue tie” (ankyloglossia). The treatment required to release your “tied tongue” is a lingual frenectomy. 

Frenum Removal

For removal of a frenum, Dr. Michaels can use a scalpel or laser. If a scalpel is used, you usually require a few stitches that will dissolve on their own. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is routinely performed using local anesthesia with or without nitrous oxide sedation.