What are the steps involved in an Oral Frenectomy Procedure?
What exactly is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy, also known as a frenotomy, is any procedure that involves the removal or modification of binding tissue on the body. Frenectomy procedures are relatively standard, particularly in the infant stage of life. However, most of the time, the term refers to an oral procedure used to resolve a tongue tie or a lip tie.
The term “frenum” refers to a piece of soft tissue in your mouth connected to your lips and gums. Breastfeeding, swallowing, and speech development can be hampered if the frenum is too short or too tight.
This article will educate you on all aspects of oral frenectomies
A frenectomy is an oral procedure that uses a laser to alter or remove a frenum in the mouth. A frenum connects two soft tissues in the mouth, such as the cheeks, lips, and gums. The labial frenum and the lingual frenum are the two types of a frenum.
The Advantages of Labial Frenectomy
The labial frenum connects the gums between the two front teeth and the upper lip. A gap between the two front teeth can occur if this frenum is located too low on the gum tissue. It can also cause gum recession by causing the gums to lift away from the jawbone.
The following are some of the advantages of a labial frenectomy:
Enhances bite function
Assists in the reduction of pain and discomfort
Eliminates gaps in the smile, which boosts self-confidence in children and teenagers.
The Advantages of a Lingual Frenectomy
The lingual frenum is the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the mouth floor. The lingual frenum can restrict tongue movement if it is too far forward on the tongue. If left untreated, it can impair a child’s ability to eat and speak normally.
The lingual frenum, also known as being “tongue-tied,” can also make it difficult for an infant to latch during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
The following are some of the advantages of a lingual frenectomy:
Improves infants’ and children’s appetites and eating habits
Enhances speech function.
Frenectomy surgery
In most cases, the oral frenectomy procedure is relatively simple. The general steps are as follows:
Following a consultation with your doctor or pediatrician, the person undergoing the frenectomy procedure must be secured while lying face up. During the procedure, you may need to hold your child.
To relieve pain, your doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to the affected area.
Your doctor will use a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a cauterising instrument to quickly snip the frenum.
If the lip tie is severe or complicated, the incision may require a few stitches to close.
From start to finish, the entire procedure should take no more than 15 minutes.
Oral frenectomies are quick and easy in-office procedures. They’ve become more popular in recent years, as some doctors believe they can help with breastfeeding and speech development.
The risk of infection or complications from releasing a lip or tongue tie is extremely low. It should begin to heal right away. Speak with your doctor if you suspect that you or you are suffering from a lip tie or a tongue tie.