All You Wanted to Know About a Frenectomy
Everything you need to know about a Frenectomy
What is a Frenectomy?
It is a surgical intervention, often suggested by orthodontists or dentists to address various concerns related to the frenulum—a thin fold of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums or the floor of the mouth. Join us as we delve into the world of frenectomy, exploring its significance, applications, and benefits.
Understanding Frenectomy:
- A frenectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenulum. This small band of tissue can affect oral health and function when it is excessively tight or attached inappropriately. By undergoing a frenectomy, individuals can achieve improved oral hygiene, speech articulation, breastfeeding success, and even orthodontic outcomes.
Orthodontic Advancements:
- Orthodontists often suggest frenectomy to address specific dental concerns. One such issue is a diastema, a gap between the front teeth. An overly large or tight frenulum can contribute to this gap by pulling the teeth apart. With a carefully performed frenectomy, the gap can be closed, aligning the teeth and enhancing the overall smile.
Empowering Speech Clarity:
- Speech difficulties can arise from a restricted range of tongue movement caused by a tight or short frenulum. A frenectomy can help improve speech articulation and clarity by releasing tension and enabling optimal tongue mobility. Whether it's a child struggling with pronunciation or an adult seeking to enhance their professional communication, frenectomy can be a game-changer.
Nurturing Infant Feeding:
- For newborns, breastfeeding is vital for growth and development. However, a tight frenulum can hinder proper latching, leading to breastfeeding challenges for both the infant and mother. Through a gentle frenectomy, infants can experience increased breastfeeding success as the procedure releases tension and allows for a more effective latch.
Promoting Oral Hygiene and Gum Health:
- Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial for long-term oral health. An abnormal frenulum attachment can make it difficult to clean the teeth and gums adequately, potentially leading to issues such as gum recession. By undergoing a frenectomy, patients can improve access for oral hygiene practices and promote gum health, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health complications.
Frenectomy, the surgical procedure designed to address issues related to the frenulum, offers numerous benefits for patients of all ages. Whether it's enhancing orthodontic outcomes, improving speech clarity, aiding in infant feeding, or promoting oral hygiene and gum health, frenectomy plays a vital role in optimizing oral health and overall well-being.
At HeRo Orthodontics, Doctor Beaber understands the significance of frenectomy in achieving optimal dental health and function and utilizes a soft tissue diode laser to perform them. These result in minimal discomfort to the patient with no bleeding and no sutures. Dr. Beaber has performed over 1000 laser frenectomies. He usually recommends having the upper frenum released after Phase 1 orthodontics which is appropriate for more than 65% of kids today.
Please fill out the contact form below or contact us so that he can evaluate your specific needs and determine if a frenectomy is the right course of action for you or your child. Together, let's embark on a journey toward a healthier, more confident smile!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified orthodontist or dentist to discuss your specific dental needs and treatment options. Ready to meet with Dr. Beaber for a FREE consultation? Fill out the contact us form below.
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