The frenulum is a connective tissue in the mouth joining the lips with the gums (referred to as lip-tie) and the tongue with the mouth's surface (referred to as tongue-tie). These frena (plural of frenulum) can restrict the movement of the lips and tongue, causing functional problems.
However, there are corrective surgeries that can help. Let us learn more about a frenectomy.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgery that helps with tongue and lip ties. An experienced ENT specialist or oral surgeon, especially an orthodontist, near you may conduct a frenectomy to improve mouth functions.
An extra frenulum connecting the lips to the gums can cause speech and oral problems. On the other hand, a frenulum connecting the tongue to the mouth's base can cause issues with swallowing. It is easily noticeable in newborn babies diagnosed with feeding problems.
Who needs a frenectomy?
Anyone with speech concerns caused due to the frenulum connecting the lips to the gums can undergo a frenectomy. It will help increase mouth functions and correct speech problems.
Also, infants or adults suffering from a tongue tie can opt for a frenectomy to increase swallowing functions.
Further, frenectomy helps resolve many oral problems such as gum recession or teeth gaps.
A frenectomy is a reasonably simple oral surgery. An ENT specialist or orthodontist near you will take 15 minutes for the entire procedure. The recovery time is two-weeks.
What are the different types of Frenectomy?
Lingual frenectomy
This procedure helps shorten the frenulum that connects your tongue to the mouth's base.
Labial frenectomy
This procedure helps free the lips from the frenulum connecting to the gums.
If you suffer from a lip or tongue tie, you may visit the best dental hospital in Chennai to get this procedure done.
How is a frenectomy performed?
In rare cases, you may have to consult an ENT specialist; however, an orthodontist or ENT specialist surgeon near you will follow the following steps to conduct a frenectomy-
- After the initial consultation, the doctor will numb the frenal area, generally using a topical anaesthetic to numb the location.
- They will cut the frenulum using surgical scissors and cauterise the area to control bleeding.
Severe lip ties may require a few stitches. You can also opt for a laser frenectomy by visiting the best dental clinic in Chennai. Laser frenectomy uses laser technology to cut the frenulum, reducing the risk of infections or bleeding.
It is essential to follow the after-care instructions provided by an orthodontist or ENT specialist surgeon near you for proper recovery.
What are the benefits of a frenectomy?
A frenectomy can significantly benefit people suffering from lip-ties or tongue-ties. It can-
- Solve feeding difficulties in nursing infants.
- Correct speech problems due to the extra frenulum.
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay or receding gums.
- Enhance smiles.
Conclusion
Frenectomy is a simple procedure to improve the quality of life for adults with poor lip functions. Getting a frenectomy from the best orthodontist in Chennai is recommended for quality treatment and care.
Request an appointment at;Apollo Dental, Chennai;Call 1800 1020 288 to book an appointment.
No, a frenectomy is a 15-minute painless procedure. Your orthodontist or ENT specialist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area before the procedure, ensuring you feel no pain.
A frenectomy can not correct all speech delays. Only a lingual frenectomy can resolve a speech delay caused due to a tongue tie. An orthodontist will let you know if the speech delay in a person/child is due to a tongue tie.
NO. If the frenulum is cut and heals completely, it usually does not grow back. It means that all frenectomies are permanent.
