Frenums and the Frenectomy Procedure

There are actually several locations in and on your body where you can find a frenum. It is a diminutive and small fold of skin the secures or restricts the motion to the area in which it is attached. For the purpose of this review we’re focusing on your mouth. There are two types of frenums in the oral cavity. The lingual frenum is found between the base of your tongue and the floor of your mouth. In your upper arch you will find the labial frenum. This is the tissue that connects the gums and cheeks to the lips found in front of your two front teeth.

What happens if the frenum is malformed or damaged?

When it comes to the frenum located in your mouth these tiny flaps of skin serve a purpose. The lingual frenum under your tongue helps with proper speech, swallowing and controlling the movement of the tongue. The labial frenum attaches the upper lip to the center of your gums between your two front teeth. A malformed frenum under the tongue can contribute to speech difficulties. A frenum that is too wide or long on your upper arch can end up creating a space between your two front teeth. A severe blow to the head or face can sometimes tear this small flap of skin as well necessitating some corrective surgery.

What is a frenectomy?

A columbus frenectomy is a corrective surgery to fix or repair the frenum in question. Only local anesthesia is necessary to complete the procedure. The procedure can be performed by a general dentist, an oral surgeon or another specialist. The dentist can use a scalpel to cut and reduce the size of the frenum or if the office has a laser that is made for cutting soft tissue this can also be used. Sometimes the dentist might prefer both to both cut and reshape the malformed or damaged frenum.

What are the benefits of having a frenectomy

Having the lingual frenum corrected may make a huge difference in either your speech or your swallowing abilities if the frenum has your movements constricted. A situation often called being “tongue tied”. If you have your labial frenum corrected it might make the objectives of the orthodontist trying to correct the gap in front teeth much easier to achieve. In either case the recovery has been likened to the discomfort you feel in your mouth after eating pizza that was too hot. Some regular rinses with mouthwash, a couple of post-operative checkups and you’ll be good to go.

Regular Checkups

A frenectomy can be performed at any age. It is a simple procedure and may be the answer to giving you a lifetime of smiles. Your smile can be the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. The health industry strongly suggests checkups twice a year. The mouth, the teeth, the gums and soft tissues are far more complex than we ever realize. Brushing twice a day carefully and flossing once a day goes a long way to maintain that healthy smile and every facet of your life that it influences.

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