FRENECTOMIES

BACKGROUND

Frenectomy is a common procedure that helps the dental provider find the patient’s most comfortable fit for dentures. Frenectomy is defined as the removal of a frenulum, sometimes referred to as frenum. The frenulum is a small muscular attachment that restricts the movement of an organ in the body. In the mouth there are two kinds of Frenula: the Labial Frenulum and the Lingual Frenulum.

LABIAL FRENECTOMY

The Labial Frenectomy is the removal of the labial frenulum, which is the muscular tissue that attaches the center of the upper lip to the center of the upper gum right between the two upper front teeth. When the labial frenulum is overgrown, complications may follow. Examples include discomfort, gum recession, impediment of teeth erupting and a large gap between the front two teeth. In the case of a denture patient, the labial frenectomy creates a space for the denture to fit better. Orthodontists use labial frenectomies to assist with closing a front teeth gap.

LINGUAL FRENECTOMY

The Lingual Frenectomy is the removal of the lingual frenulum which is the small fold of membrane that supports the motions of the tongue. The lingual frenulum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. An overgrown lingual frenulum can result in serious restrictions of the ability to eat, swallow and speak properly, which are all correct with Lingual Frenectomy. Providers usually perform this procedure on infants, children, and sometimes adults.