Frenectomy in Arab, AL

Frenectomy is a dental procedure that eliminates the frenum's connective tissue from the top or lower areas of the mouth, more specifically under the tongue or the upper gums. Frenectomy surgeries are normally carried out in children who are suffering from eating, speaking, or orthodontic problems. The latest technologies have made frenectomies a safe and convenient treatment for patients of all ages.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a regular surgical procedure that extracts one or both frena from the oral cavity. The frenum comprises the connective tissue membrane that links one surface within the oral cavity to another section of the mouth.

When Is a Frenectomy Needed?

Several signs indicate the possible need for a frenectomy procedure. In toddlers, this condition would make it challenging to nurse, breastfeed or bottle-feed. In infants, if the condition is not treated promptly, the child may experience difficulty speaking as they will not be able to push out their tongue. In extreme cases, this may also cause difficulty in swallowing.

Stretched maxillary labial frenum could cause orthodontic issues and hinder the proper growth and spacing of the two upper front teeth, often leaving a gap between these teeth.

What Are the Types of Frenectomy Procedures?

  • Lingual Frenectomy

A lingual frenectomy includes eliminating the tissue connecting the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. They are regularly used to correct a condition called Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie. Tongue-tie is related to a short, thick frenum, which restricts the tongue's movements.

Ankyloglossia can make it difficult for toddlers to breastfeed. It can also affect speech and eating in children and adults alike. People often try to make up for the lack of tongue movement by changing their jaw position, leading to further orthodontic problems.

  • Maxillary Frenectomy

A maxillary frenectomy entails the removal of a tissue connecting the upper gums to the front teeth, commonly referred to as a lip tie. Newborn infants who cannot curl and roll out their lips have problems latching on the breast to feed.

In teens and adults, a large frenum can also push the front teeth apart, creating a space between them and requiring orthodontic treatment in the future.

How Is a Frenectomy Performed?

A frenectomy procedure is performed in an oral surgeon's office. It takes less than fifteen minutes to complete, and recovery takes approximately two weeks.

If you want to know more about frenectomy procedures, visit North Alabama Smiles at 55 Golfview Dr NE #5467, Arab, AL 35016. You can also reach us at (256) 586-8100.

Location

55 Golfview Dr NE #5467, Arab, AL 35016

Office Hours

MON - THU 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

FRI By appointments only.

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: john@drjohnyork.com

Phone: (256) 586-8100