Frenectomy

Frenectomy in Reedley, CA

A frenectomy (also known as a frenulectomy or frenotomy) is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. It can refer to frenula in several places on the human body. It is related to frenuloplasty, a surgical alteration in a frenulum. Done mostly for orthodontic purposes, a frenectomy is either performed inside the middle of upper lip, which is called labial frenectomy, or under the tongue, called lingual frenectomy. Frenectomy is a very common dental procedure that is performed on infants, children, and adults. A similar procedure frenulotomy is where a tight frenulum may be relieved by making an incision in the tight tissue.

There are several frenula that are associated with types of frenectomy:

• Genital frenectomy can be performed to remove frenulums from genitalia
• Lingual frenectomy (of the tongue) as treatment for ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)
• Labial frenectomy (of the lip) is very common with patients undergoing denture treatment in order to get the proper fit of dentures or patients who have tissues attached to centre of upper lip and causing recession of gums or gap between the upper front teeth called central incisors.
• A frenectomy can also be performed to remove a section of tissue (the frenulum) that attached to the gingival tissue between two teeth.

If you are looking for a frenectomy in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate the frenulum and determine whether treatment may be appropriate for your individual needs. A frenectomy may involve the tissue beneath the tongue or the tissue connecting the lip to the gum, depending on the location and the dental concern being evaluated.

A frenectomy may be considered when a tight or prominent frenulum contributes to issues involving tooth spacing, gum tissue, denture fit, or tongue movement. Because every patient is different, a dental examination is important before determining whether a frenectomy is appropriate.

For patients whose treatment involves tooth alignment or spacing, Invisalign may be part of a broader orthodontic treatment plan when appropriate. If a frenectomy is being considered to improve the fit of a removable restoration, dentures may also be discussed as part of the overall treatment plan.

Maintaining healthy gums is also important before and after oral procedures. Regular dental hygiene appointments can help monitor your teeth and gums and support ongoing oral health.

A consultation with Reedley Family Dental can help determine whether frenectomy treatment is appropriate and what options may be available for your specific dental needs.