Frenectomy

Frenectomy procedure in Albuquerque, NM

If you require frenectomy treatment in New Mexico, our team at Essenmacher Family Dental can help! If you need frenectomy treatment in New Mexico, our dental team will take care of everything from start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy your new smile.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

What is a frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts out the tethered oral tissues from the mouth. This small, thin piece of tissue attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth and can restrict movement and cause speech problems. The procedure is typically performed in a dentist’s office under local anesthesia and is a quick and easy way to improve speech and ease tongue movement. 

Types of Frenectomies

Frenectomies can be performed on both adults and children, and there are two main types. 

Labial Frenectomy

A labial frenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the frenulum that connects the lip to the gums – also known as the upper lip tie. This is a band of tissue that connects the inner surface of the upper lip to the gums just above the incisors. A labial frenectomy may be recommended if the frenulum is attached too high, causing the gums to recede and expose the tooth roots. It can also cause tension between the teeth, causing them to push apart. It can only be fixed when the frenulum has been removed.

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and can be done either in an office or hospital setting. Recovery time is generally brief, and most people experience minimal pain after surgery.

Lingual Frenectomy

A lingual frenectomy is a procedure in which the frenulum connects the tongue with the floor of your mouth (the frenulum) is removed. It’s also known as a tongue-tie. If a child is born with a tongue tie, it’s removed while in the hospital. In some cases, older children have them removed because the tongue-tie is not visible until they can speak.

Tongue-tie surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia so that you will be asleep during the procedure. This relatively minor operation can help improve your quality of life by alleviating your speech and swallowing issues.

Reasons for a Frenectomy Procedure

There are many reasons a doctor will recommend a patient get a frenectomy. It could result from an accident or injury or a necessary procedure to correct a dental issue.

These are some common reasons why a dentist will recommend patients get frenectomy treatment.

• They are unable to speak correctly.
• The patient has teeth issues, such as tooth decay or cavities.
• They are experiencing dental or oral pain.
• They have a tongue-tie getting in their way.
• The patient has concerns caused by the frenulum.

What to Expect During a Frenectomy Surgery

If you are scheduled for a frenectomy, you may be wondering what to expect. A frenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the frenulum – the thin piece of tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of your mouth. The process is usually performed on children who have difficulty speaking or swallowing, but it can also be performed on adults with tongue ties. This is what you can expect during your procedure.

A frenectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia. The dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and free the frenulum. The wound is then stitched closed. A dentist can typically do the surgery in less than an hour, and most people recover quickly. You may experience some mild swelling and bruising after the surgery, but this is typically mild and resolves within a few days. You should be able to resume your normal activities within a few days of the surgery.

Contact Us

At Essenmacher Family Dental, we offer frenectomies for adults and children in our Albuquerque office. If you are experiencing difficulties with speech or swallowing, a frenectomy may be your solution. If you have questions or concerns, contact our dentist.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation!