What is Frenectomy?
When we think of dental health, most of us immediately think of cavities, gum problems, fillings, or larger treatments like implants. However, sometimes even a seemingly tiny piece of tissue in the mouth can affect far more than we realize. It can unknowingly challenge us in many ways, from speech difficulties to eating habits, and even the comfort of daily life.
Many of us may be hearing this word for the first time; we’re often surprised when it appears during a dental appointment. Questions like, “What does this mean, why is it necessary, is it serious?” immediately begin to preoccupy us. But in reality, frenectomy is a procedure that, while less daunting than its name, can quietly but powerfully improve quality of life.
What Exactly Is a Frenectomy?
When you examine the inside of your mouth closely, you’ll see a thin connective tissue layer beneath the tongue or just inside the upper lip. This small structure is called the frenulum. Under normal circumstances, the frenulum helps the tongue and lips move freely; it can stretch and support when necessary, and it doesn’t cause any problems.
However, in some people, this connective tissue can be shorter, tighter, or thicker than it should be. In this case, the frenulum loses its flexibility and begins to restrict movement. This means the tongue can’t lift properly, the lips can’t move freely, and this small tissue can cause problems in many areas, from speaking to chewing, without even being aware of it.
A frenectomy is the surgical loosening, shortening, or, if necessary, complete removal of this problematic frenulum. While it may sound like a complex procedure, when performed quickly and accurately, it can significantly improve a person’s daily life.
Types of Frenectomies
Most people immediately think of a “tongue tie.” However, there are actually multiple frenulums in the mouth, and each can cause different problems. This means it’s a procedure that can be performed on various areas, depending on the need, rather than just one specific area.
Lingual Frenectomy
This thin ligament under the tongue, when it’s shorter or tighter than normal, severely restricts tongue movement. The tongue struggles to lift, cannot protrude, and cannot fully function. In children, indistinct speech, difficulty breastfeeding, or difficulty transitioning to solid foods are common symptoms. Therefore, a tongue tie is the most common type of frenectomy.
Labial Frenectomy
The frenulum, which connects the upper lip to the gum, can sometimes be much stiffer and tighter than it should be. This can cause a gap, especially between the upper two front teeth, and complicate orthodontic treatment. Some individuals may also experience aesthetic issues, such as the upper lip not being able to lift sufficiently when smiling. In such cases, lip tie frenectomy offers both a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Buccal Frenulum
Another lesser-known but occasionally encountered ligament is the frenulum, which connects the cheek to the gum. If this tissue is excessively tight, it can cause irritation, pulling, and discomfort within the mouth. Repeated irritation in the same area while speaking, eating, or brushing may be a sign of this type of frenulum.
When Is a Frenectomy Necessary?
The need for a frenectomy is often only recognized when problems become apparent. However, even a tiny bit of connective tissue in the mouth can impact daily life more significantly than we realize. Here are some situations where a frenectomy is necessary:
Speech Disorders
When a tongue tie is shorter than normal, it becomes difficult for the tongue to move freely. This can lead to incomplete speech, slurred speech, or difficult to understand. Especially in children who have difficulty with sounds requiring tongue-tip contact, such as “l, r, t, d, n,” frenectomy often significantly improves speech. It provides significant relief for both the child and the parent.
Sucking Problems in Babies
Tongue-tie in newborns not only reduces sucking power but can also cause the mother to experience severe nipple sores and pain. Therefore, many experts today state that early frenectomy is very beneficial to facilitate breastfeeding. Sometimes, even a small touch can provide great comfort for both the baby and the mother.
Orthodontic Problems
Excessive tension in the upper lip tie can cause the gap between the two front teeth to remain closed. Removing this tie during orthodontic treatment contributes to a much more successful and lasting outcome. In other words, frenectomy is one of the unsung heroes of braces.
Gum Recession
If the frenulum in the cheek or lip area is too tight, it can pull the gums downward over time. This can cause both sensitivity and aesthetic problems. A simple frenectomy relieves the tension on the gums, leaving the area healthier.
Oral Hygiene Problems
When the tongue cannot move adequately, the natural cleaning mechanism in the mouth does not function properly. Food begins to accumulate under the tongue, weakening its cleaning function and, over time, causing bad breath. When the tongue tie is loosened, a person can speak more easily and maintain more effective oral hygiene.
How is a Frenectomy Performed? Is It a Scary Procedure?
While many people think of a frenectomy as a major operation, it’s actually much simpler and more comfortable than they imagine. In fact, most patients experience significant relief after the procedure, saying, “I wish I had had it done sooner.”
It’s usually performed under local anesthesia; this means only the area to be treated is numbed. This means you won’t feel any pain, just a slight touch or pressure. The procedure itself is relatively short, and two different methods are available in modern dentistry:
Surgical Frenectomy (with Scalpel)
This is a more traditional technique. The frenulum is released through a small incision or removed if necessary. A few small stitches are placed at the end of the procedure. Because the stitches are small, returning to daily life is usually quite easy.
Laser Frenectomy
This procedure has become increasingly popular in recent years and is preferred by many patients. Laser frenectomy results in almost no bleeding. The procedure is more comfortable, and recovery is often faster. In appropriate cases, it can even be safely performed on newborns.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Many people think it’s a long and difficult procedure, but the truth is quite the opposite. The procedure is often over so quickly that patients ask in surprise, “Was that all?”
A frenectomy is usually completed within 3–5 minutes. That’s right, the preparation phase, the administration of anesthesia, and the brief conversation you have with your doctor often take longer than the procedure itself.
In short, there’s no need to be alarmed by the procedure. It’s a practical and comfortable procedure that’s completed quickly. Most patients can easily resume their daily lives immediately after the procedure.
