Frenectomy

Frenum is the skin flap or a fold on tissue that is found between maxillary anteriors, under the tongue and beside the gums. Under normal conditions, frenum keeps the organs in place but at times it overgrows to bring some abnormalities like midline diastema, tongue tie etc.

Labial Frenectomy

Due to overgrowth of labial frenum, it gets extended from centre of upper lip to the center of maxillary central incisors. This causes a space between anterior teeth medically termed as midline diastema accompanied with recession of gums. To close this gap and prevent gingival disorders, labial Frenectomy is done.

In labial Frenectomy, an incision is given to reduce the thin flap between the central incisors and finally the area is sutured.

Lingual Frenectomy

Lingual frenum is a thin skin fold connecting the underside of tongue to the floor of mouth. Lingual Frenectomy is done when the skin fold extends till the tip of the tongue thereby providing hindrance in speech. This is, in most cases, seen in children.

To treat this condition, an incision is placed on the tissue flap at the tip of the tongue and is finally sutured. This is then allowed to heal.

Tongue frenectomy is done under local anesthesia and at times a sedative is given intra-venously during the procedure. Doctor can do either laser surgery or can use just scalpel. The benefit of doing former is less bleeding. The whole surgery doesn’t last for more than half an hour.

Things to be taken care of after Frenectomy

1. Take medications (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) like Advil and Motrin as prescribed.
2. Do warm saline rinses regularly to promote healing process.
3. Apply ice packs after surgery. This will reduce inflammation.
4. While brushing and flossing take care not to poke the site of surgery.
5. In case of any problem, immediately consult your dentist.

Source: http://www.identalhub.com/article_types-and-techniques-of-frenectomy-84.aspx