Dr. Mark Jacobson may recommend tongue-tie/lip-tie treatment, also known as a frenectomy, if you have a thick or short frenulum. This is a safe and quick process to ease sore muscles and improve movement in your mouth and jaw. For more information about tongue-tie/lip-tie treatment in New York City, New York, please contact our dentist and team at Midtown Dental Services by calling 212-697-3946.
What Is A Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove or modify the frenulum, a small piece of tissue that connects one part of your mouth to another. If these connective tissues are too short or too thick, they can cause issues with speaking and eating, and may impact your overall oral health and wellbeing in addition to your oral function. Frenectomies remove or adjust the lingual frenulum (located beneath the tongue) or the labial frenulum (found in the upper or lower lips). These procedures are also known as tongue-tie or lip-tie releases.
When Is A Frenectomy Recommended?
A frenectomy may be recommended for several reasons:
- Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): One of the most common indications for a frenectomy is ankyloglossia, also known as a “tongue tie.” This condition occurs when the lingual frenulum is abnormally short or tight, restricting the range of motion of the tongue. It can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding in infants and speech and swallowing issues in both children and adults.
- Gum Recession: In some cases, an abnormal labial frenulum, or “lip tie,” can contribute to gum recession by pulling on the gums, leading to gum tissue damage and tooth sensitivity.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Our dentist may recommend a frenectomy to facilitate the movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment, particularly when a tight frenulum interferes with tooth alignment.
- Denture Stability: Patients who wear dentures may benefit from a frenectomy to improve denture stability and comfort.
The Frenectomy Procedure
Frenectomies are a straightforward procedure and can typically be completed in a single appointment. During your procedure, you can expect:
- Local Anesthesia: Before the procedure, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring your comfort during the surgery.
- Incision: Using a scalpel or laser, our dentist will make a small incision to access the frenulum. Laser technology is often preferred because it minimizes bleeding and reduces the risk of infection.
- Removal or Modification: Depending on the specific situation, our dentist will either remove a portion of the frenulum or make a strategic incision to release its tension.
- Closure: In most cases, the incision is left to heal naturally, or a few sutures may be used to close the wound. The healing process is usually quick, with minimal discomfort.
- Aftercare: Patients are typically provided with post-operative instructions to aid in a smooth recovery, which may include gentle stretching exercises and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Schedule A Consultation
We invite you to call us today to schedule your consultation with our skilled dentist and find out more about frenectomies and how they can improve your quality of life.