Table of Contents
Understanding Frenectomy: Restoring Oral Health and Function
Introduction
Welcome to Dental Works Inc – Evershine Nagar Dental Center, Malad West, where we prioritize your oral health and well-being. Today, we’ll explore the significance of frenectomy, a dental procedure aimed at restoring oral function and alleviating issues related to frenulum abnormalities.
Understanding Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that connects two structures within the mouth. The two most common types of frenectomy are lingual frenectomy, which addresses issues with the lingual frenulum under the tongue, and labial frenectomy, which focuses on the labial frenulum between the lips and gums.
Indications for Frenectomy
- Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): A condition where the lingual frenulum is abnormally short or tight, restricting the movement of the tongue and impacting speech, feeding, and oral hygiene.
- Lip-Tie: When the labial frenulum is excessively tight or attaches too close to the gum line, it can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech articulation, and dental hygiene.
- Orthodontic Concerns: Frenectomy may be recommended as part of orthodontic treatment to address frenulum-related issues that interfere with tooth alignment or jaw development.
The Frenectomy Procedure
- Evaluation: Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the frenulum abnormality and determine if a frenectomy is necessary.
- Surgical Intervention: The frenectomy procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery. The frenulum is carefully excised or modified to release tension and improve oral function.
- Post-Operative Care: After the procedure, patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include gentle stretching exercises, oral hygiene practices, and pain management techniques.
Benefits of Frenectomy
- Improved Tongue and Lip Mobility: Frenectomy allows for greater freedom of movement of the tongue and lips, enhancing speech articulation, feeding, and oral hygiene.
- Enhanced Breastfeeding Experience: For infants with tongue-tie or lip-tie, frenectomy can improve breastfeeding latch and efficiency, promoting better nutrition and bonding between mother and baby.
- Orthodontic Stability: Frenectomy may facilitate orthodontic treatment by eliminating obstacles to proper tooth alignment and jaw positioning.
Conclusion
At Dental Works Inc – Evershine Nagar Dental Center, Malad West, we understand the impact of frenulum abnormalities on oral health and function. If you or your child are experiencing issues related to tongue-tie or lip-tie, we’re here to provide compassionate care and expert guidance. Schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team to learn more about how frenectomy can restore oral health and improve quality of life.