A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that can have a significant impact on both children and adults. A frenum is a piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lips to the gums. When this tissue is too short or thick, it can cause a variety of problems. These problems include speech difficulties, trouble eating, and breastfeeding complications. Frenectomy surgery aims to fix these issues by adjusting or cutting the frenum.
What is a Frenectomy and Who Gets Them?
While frenectomies are most commonly performed on infants and young children, adults may also benefit from the procedure. Adults may have missed the opportunity for treatment during childhood, or they may have developed symptoms such as speech difficulties or tooth gaps later in life.
The signs that you or your child may need a frenectomy include:
- Difficulty latching onto the breast during breastfeeding
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Gaps in permanent teeth.
These symptoms may be attributed to either tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Tongue-tie occurs when the tongue is restricted in movement due to a band of tissue connecting it to the floor of the mouth. This can cause limitations in tongue movement. Such restrictions make it difficult to extend the tongue beyond the bottom lip or reach the roof of the mouth. Lip-tie, on the other hand, occurs when the lip is tightly or shortly connected to the gums, making it difficult to curl or flare out the lips.
The exact cause of tongue-tie and lip-tie is unknown, but they are believed to be genetic.
Different Kinds of Frenectomies and Recovery
There are two types of frenectomy procedures: lingual and maxillary. Lingual frenectomy corrects tongue-ties, while maxillary frenectomy corrects lip-ties. During the procedure, which typically takes less than 30 minutes, the healthcare provider will numb the area and use scissors or a scalpel to remove or adjust the frenum. Stitches may be used to close the incision after the procedure.
Recovery from a frenectomy is usually quick and straightforward. Infants can typically resume feeding immediately after the surgery, while adults may need three to five days for a full recovery. During the recovery period, it is recommended to consume soft foods and take prescribed painkillers. Patients can generally return to work and other daily activities right away.
If you suspect that you or your child may need a frenectomy, reach out to Summerville Oral Surgery Partners. We can help you learn more about the procedure and its potential benefits.
