WHAT IS A FRENECTOMY?
A frenum is a piece of tissue that connects the muscles of the lips and checks to the gums and tissues of the mouth. There are several frenums present in your child’s mouth, the most noticeable ones being the frenum that attaches between or near the upper front two teeth (the labial frenum) and the one that holds the tongue down to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenum). Occasionally the frenums attach too high and cause gum rescession, spacing between teeth or a tongue tied situation. A frenectomy is a surgical procedure in which part or all of the problematic frenum is removed or repositioned in order to return a healthy situation to the mouth. The vast majority of frenums need no treatment and surgical treatment of a frenum done in a young individual may cause orthodontic problems later; however a severely tongue tied child should have their frenum released at the earliest age practical.
Frenum attachments are the ligamentous attachment of a muscle that surrounds the mouth. Sometimes the ligaments or tendons are large and go in between the upper front teeth. This large frenum attachment does not allow the upper front teeth to close together. Depending on the age and development of the patient, a frenectomy may need to be performed. A frenectomy is accomplished when the ligamentous attachment is removed after the orthodontist has closed the space.
Feel, look in the mirror the verticle soft pink tissue in between the upper front two teeth which runs vertically up and down. "If" on the bottom portion (The part that comes closest to the area where the gums and teeth merge) of the tissue, it comes to within 2mm or less from the two fron teeth, a person likely may need a frenectomy. It is simple once numb,it is not even felt, and takes only 10 minutes or less. NOTE: It is sometimes not needed, but done anyway. Most Dentists are ethical & won’t lie to you, but the call to do or not to do a frenectomy is "sometimes" subjective & not objective. Thus use the 2mm rule. Also, get a second opinion. As a Dentist, I always felt honored when patients had any reservations about ANY Dental procedure, and I’d ask them to feel free to get a second opinion ! I hope this helps you with regards to frenectomies.
