Frenectomy

What is a Frenectomy?

The frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects the upper lips to the top of the gums and the bottom of the tongue to the base of the mouth. If it is causing an obstruction or preventing you from chewing food without pain, opening your mouth, or speaking correctly, you may need to undergo a frenectomy. Dr. Sawan Malik performs a frenectomy to remove that small piece of tissue, allowing for improved speech and development (in younger children). Frenectomies are a simple but effective surgical option.

Common Problems with the Frenulum

The small fold of tissue in the mouth can cause a number of problems during childhood as well as into adulthood. Fortunately, these problems are easy to correct with the simple removal of the tissue. Some of the common problems associated with the frenulum include:

• Gum recession above the two front teeth
• Space between the two front teeth
• Inability to properly close the mouth
• Problems with dentures
• Difficulty chewing or speaking

Benefits of a Frenectomy

Dr. Malik may recommend a frenectomy if you are undergoing extensive orthodontic treatment. In some cases, removing or manipulation the frenulum can improve results. We also recommend this procedure to improve nose breathing and jaw development. In some cases, a short frenulum is causing pain so we will need to remove it to reduce discomfort. If you child needs to undergo this procedure, we will typically wait until the two front adult teeth have come in before we move forward with the procedure.