A frenectomy is the surgical removal of the frenulum or frenum, which is a thin band of tissue found in various parts of the body. This surgery is most often performed on frenum tissue that is found in the mouth. It is a common surgical procedure in dental and orthodontic practices.

This technique allows for bloodless and suture-free release of the maxillary and/or mandibular frenums. This procedure prevents the apical migration of gingival marginal tissue, improves access for oral hygiene, improves can help close orthodontic diastemas and impaired speech.

Some people have a large frenum under the tongue. This may prevent the tongue from moving freely and may interfere with speech. Limited tongue movement is called tongue tie or ankyloglossia. A lingual frenectomy is used to remove the fold of tissue. This allows the tongue to move more freely.

There are several periods when you may notice symptoms of tongue tie in your child:

• In infants, tongue tie can interfere with feeding, though this is rare.
• When your child begins talking — usually at 12 to 18 months — you may notice that he or she is having problems with speech.
• Some older children or teenagers may notice that the frenum under their tongue becomes stuck between their front teeth. Or they may not be able to stick their tongue out as far as their friends can.
• Your dentist may notice that a frenum is pulling the gum away from the lower front teeth. This can cause periodontal (gum) problems.

Sometimes a frenum is attached between the two upper front teeth. This can be removed with a labial frenectomy. This condition usually is noticed in children after their permanent upper front teeth have come in. Sometimes it is evident even before the baby teeth come in. If the frenum is attached too far down on the gum, it can create a space between the two front teeth. Even if an orthodontist closes the gap, the frenum can push the teeth apart again. The frenum also can be attached in such a way that it prevents the baby teeth from coming in. In this case, the condition would be noticed sooner.

Adults receiving dentures may need a frenectomy if a frenum will interfere with the denture's fit. This usually occurs if there's a frenum between the cheek and gum in the back of the mouth, or in the middle of one of the lips.

Before recommending a frenectomy, your dentist will consider several factors. One factor is whether the condition is likely to fix itself eventually without surgery.

If your child has tongue tie, he or she will receive speech therapy first. In some cases, this can correct the problem. The therapy will involve special exercises to help the tongue move more easily.

surgeon can use a scalpel or a laser to remove a frenum. A laser produces less bleeding, reduces the need for stitches and causes less pain. If a scalpel is used, you normally will need stitches.

You must remain completely still during a laser frenectomy. Younger children may require general anesthesia. In older children and adults, the procedure can be done with a numbing shot. Nitrous oxide may be used as well.

The surgery can be done in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.

A frenectomy can take several weeks to heal completely. You may have some pain. It usually helps to take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others). Rinsing with salt water helps keep the area clean. Brush and floss carefully around the area. Depending on the type of stitches your dentist uses, they may need to be removed or may dissolve on their own.

If the operation does not solve the problem, it may need to be redone. Redoing a lingual frenectomy is somewhat common. Few labial frenectomies need repeating.

Any surgery carries a risk of bleeding. The tongue contains many blood vessels. Therefore, lingual frenectomies are more likely than other types to cause a lot of bleeding or long-lasting bleeding. However, this is quite rare.

A frenectomy in the lower jaw to correct the fit of dentures can bruise the nerve that gives feeling to the lower lip and chin. This will cause numbness in the area. It can last at some level for several months. However, your lip will not droop. The nerve does not affect movement, only feeling.