Benefits of a Frenectomy

A frenectomy is an oral procedure during which a frenum in the mouth is altered or removed with a laser. A frenum is an attachment between two soft tissues in the mouth, including the cheeks, lips, and gums. The two types of frenum are known as the labial frenum and the lingual frenum.

Benefits of Labial Frenectomy

The labial frenum is the tissue connecting the gum tissue between the two front teeth to the upper lip. If this frenum is located down too low on the gum tissue, a gap between the two front teeth can occur. It can also cause gum recession by lifting the gums off of the jawbone.

Benefits of a labial frenectomy include:

• Improves bite function
• Helps to reduce pain and discomfort

• Promotes self-confidence in children and teens by eliminating gaps in the smile

Benefits of a Lingual Frenectomy

The lingual frenum is the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If the lingual frenum is located too far forward on the tongue, it can restrict tongue movement. If untreated, it can restrict a child’s ability to eat and speak properly. Lingual frenum, also known as being “tongue-tied,” can also impede an infant’s ability to latch during breastfeeding or eating from a bottle.

Benefits of a lingual frenectomy include:

• Improves appetite and eating in infants and children
• Improves speech function

For more information regarding frenectomies or any other dental problems your child may be having, please contact Little Smiles of Delaware. Our children’s dental office is located here in Delaware, Ohio.