02 6273 8885A frenectomy (also known as a frenulectomy or frenotomy) is the surgical procedure for removing a labial frenulum which is a fold of tissue that passes from the lip or cheek to the gum. If a frenum interferes with the normal position of teeth or pulls the gum, a surgical procedure will be required to remove it. The removal of the frenulum does not cause any adverse effects to the lip and mouth.
There are several different frenums in the mouth, attaching to the inside of your lip, your cheek or to the bottom of your tongue. If any of these frenums are shorter than normal, they will limit the movement of the tissues they attach to.
The removal of the frenum under the tongue is used to treat Ankyloglossia commonly known as tongue-tie, which decreases the mobility of the tongue and is caused by an unusually short, thick lingual frenum; this condition is present at birth and decreases mobility of the tongue.
The labial frenum often attaches to the centre of the upper lip, between the upper two front teeth. This can cause a large gap as well as gum recession by pulling the gums off of the bone. This procedure removes the labial frenum. Some orthodontic patients have this procedure to assist with closing a front tooth gap. This procedure is also done to improve denture fit. When a denture patient's lips move, the frenum can pull and loosen the denture. It is done relatively quickly and painlessly and is a very common dental procedure in the dental world and is performed both on children and adults.
