Frenectomy is the surgical removal of small pieces of tissue in the mouth that connect the tongue to the lower jaw, the lips to the front teeth, and the gums to the cheeks. The lingual frenum joins the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Lingual frenectomy is used to correct ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, where the frenum of the tongue is shorter than normal and restricts range of motion.
Tongue-tie can make it difficult for babies to breastfeed. Children with tongue-tie can develop speech issues as they become older. Also, an abnormal labial frenum (joins lips to front teeth) or buccal frenum (joins gums to cheeks) can result in orthodontic problems as children grow because teeth might not shift into the proper position.
How is Frenectomy Surgery Performed?
During a frenectomy, a dental surgeon or general surgeon severs the problematic connective tissue. The procedure can help babies breastfeed and can improve speech and tooth alignment as babies grow, reducing the possibility of oral health problems later in life.
In babies, the surgeon can typically complete the procedure within 60 seconds, and the baby can breastfeed immediately afterward. An infant’s frenum is thin and has very few nerves. As a result, anesthesia is not needed, and little bleeding occurs.
What is a Frenum?
A frenum is one of three categories of small tissue bands that help guide movement in the mouth:
- The lingual frenum connects the tongue to the lower jaw.
- The labial frenum connects the lips to the front teeth.
- The buccal frenum connects the gums and the cheeks.
When a frenum is unusually short, thick, or tight, it can interfere with breastfeeding in babies and speech and oral hygiene in older children.
What is the Difference Between Frenotomy and Frenectomy?
If your child has an abnormal frenum, both frenotomy and frenectomy are procedures to release a frenum, but they differ in scope and when they are recommended:
- Frenotomy is a simple method of relieving tight tissue. It is usually performed on newborns or infants who have difficulty breastfeeding.
- Frenectomy, a more comprehensive procedure, removes or reshapes the frenum. It is typically performed on older children or when the frenum is thick, has reattached, or is affecting speech or dental development.
Which procedure a child needs depends on age, symptoms, and the severity of restriction in tongue movement. Infants with breastfeeding problems often benefit from frenotomy. Older children who have speech delays, gum sensitivity, or orthodontic concerns may need a frenectomy. To guide the choice, a pediatric dentist can evaluate the frenum and make a recommendation. Both procedures are safe and effective methods of improving mouth function and comfort.
Comfort and Recovery
Children generally have few issues during and after frenectomy procedures. Infants recover quickly, anesthesia is not needed, and little bleeding occurs. Older children may need local anesthesia. Laser surgery generally has less bleeding, and healing is faster than the traditional scalpel method.
Consult with a pediatric dentist if your child has trouble breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or speaking; has a visible thick or tight band of tissue in the mouth; or has discomfort or difficulty eating or brushing. Addressing issues early on can improve mouth comfort and make eating, speaking, and oral care easier.
Related Article: Frenums and the Frenectomy Procedure