At Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our purpose is to provide thorough, compassionate dental care for children throughout Kannapolis, NC. Frenectomies are one of the specialized treatments available in our office, and they are designed to address concerns involving the frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the lip or tongue inside the mouth.
Below, we explain what a frenectomy is, why it may be recommended, and how this procedure can support your child’s oral function and comfort. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Frenectomy?
Before deciding whether a frenectomy is right for your child, it helps to understand what the treatment involves. A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases or removes the frenulum, which is the tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the inside of the mouth.
You can often see your own frenulum by looking in a mirror.
- The lingual frenulum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It is the thin band of tissue you can see when you raise your tongue toward the roof of your mouth.
- The labial frenulum connects the lip to the inner part of the mouth and may be found along the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaw. You can view this tissue by gently pulling the lip away from the teeth.
Why Is A Frenectomy Performed?
A frenectomy may be suggested when the frenulum limits normal mouth movement or contributes to oral health concerns. This treatment can help improve function, protect the teeth and gums, and address several common issues, including:
- Tongue tie (ankyloglossia): The lingual frenulum normally helps secure the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too tight, it can limit tongue movement and make it difficult for a child to stick out their tongue, speak clearly, or nurse effectively.
- Lip tie: The labial frenulum connects the lip to the inside of the mouth. If it is overly tight, it may restrict lip movement and contribute to speech challenges, bottle-feeding difficulty, or nursing concerns.
- Gapped teeth: When the upper labial frenulum extends too low along the gums, it may contribute to a space between the two front teeth. This gap is known as a diastema.
Gum recession: A short or tight labial frenulum can pull on the gum tissue, which may cause the gum line to recede over time. - Gum recession: An overly tight or shortened labial frenulum can place excessive tension on the gum tissue, increasing the risk of gum recession over time.
What Happens During A Frenectomy?
After learning about the frenulum and why treatment may be helpful, you may be wondering what your child can expect during a frenectomy.
- A frenectomy is a straightforward procedure that can typically be completed in our office. To help your child stay comfortable, anesthesia or sedation may be used when appropriate.
- With the Waterlase laser, our team can gently release the frenulum with precision. Compared with a scalpel, laser treatment helps seal the tissue as it works, which can reduce bleeding and limit trauma to nearby areas.
- After the appointment, your child may have mild tenderness or swelling. These symptoms are usually manageable with over-the-counter medication as directed.
Their Future Smile Is Our Priority
At Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to helping children enjoy healthy smiles that support confidence, comfort, and everyday function. If you think your child may be experiencing a concern related to the frenulum, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will carefully evaluate your child’s mouth and determine whether a frenectomy may be the right solution. We are here to support your family and help your child achieve the healthiest, happiest smile possible. Call today - we look forward to connecting with you soon.