When Is A Frenectomy Procedure Right for You?

Some people have tissue under the tongue or lip that is too tight and causes problems, and frenum removal is the only remedy to avoid the consistent discomfort. Some people worry about the pain because a tissue is cut in the frenectomy procedure. Knowing factual details of the procedure can help you make the right decision at the right time and get rid of speech difficulties at an early stage.

To many people, this procedure sounds scary, so they keep delaying it. But a frenectomy surgical procedure is simple and heals fast. At Bellissima Dental Boutique, we make patients feel safe and comfortable. We believe every person deserves a healthy and luxurious smile that feels and works right without stress or fear.

If you notice trouble speaking, gaps between teeth, or gum pulling, this is absolutely what you need to know. You will learn what frenum removal is, when you may need it, and “how long does a frenectomy procedure take?”. 

What Is A Frenectomy Or Frenum Removal?

This procedure is all about removing or changing the frenum. It is a small band of tissue inside your mouth that attaches the tongue to the floor of your mouth or connects the lips to the gums. It is often too tight and results in difficulty in eating, speaking, and even impacts oral health. In common terms, it is known as tongue tie and lip tie.

This procedure is known as Frenectomy, and the entire surgical procedure usually takes less than half an hour, meaning the patients can go home the same day. It is quite normal to have mild swelling after this minor surgery, which gets better soon.

How Is It Done? First of all, the targeted area is numbed with local anesthesia when the frenectomy surgical procedure begins. Later, the frenum is either removed or reshaped with the help of a small scalpel or a special laser. A laser is recommended because it helps reduce the bleeding and speeds up the healing process. 

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When Do You Need Frenum Release?

This procedure is helpful when your frenum tissue causes health issues, speech problems, or gum problems. You should see your dentist for a checkup if you have any of these signs or symptoms.

  • A gap between your front teeth that will not close.
  • Speech that sounds unclear or difficult.
  • Pain or tightness when moving your lips or tongue.
  • Gum pulling away from your teeth near the frenum.
  • Trouble cleaning teeth near the frenum area.
  • Tongue feels tied or restricted.
  • Dentures that do not fit because of tight tissue.

Causes That Lead To Oral Tissue Surgery

  • Tongue-tie is present from birth.
  • Trouble with breastfeeding in babies.
  • Gum pulling or recession caused by tight tissue.
  • Speech delays or unclear sounds while speaking.
  • A large gap between the upper front teeth.

Types Of Frenectomies

This distinct dental procedure is of 2 kinds, known as labial and lingual frenectomy. The types are named on the basis of the position of the tissue changed or removed, and the purpose they serve later. 

So, in simplest terms:

  • Lingual frenum removal→ speech (Tongue Tie)
  • Labial frenum removal→ gaps and gum health (Lip Tie)

A labial frenectomy procedure removes the band of tissue positioned between the upper lip and the gum. During a labial frenectomy, the dentist numbs the upper lip area. They cut or use a laser to remove the frenum. The cut helps close spaces between front teeth and keeps gums from pulling away. The labial frenum release is safe and heals fast for most patients.

Meanwhile, in the lingual frenectomy procedure, tissue under the tongue is removed. This focuses on the tongue by numbing the target area and then cutting or gluing the tight tissue. The lingual frenum removal helps improve speech, eating, and oral hygiene. Many patients feel relief from pain or tightness once the tongue moves freely.

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Differences Between Labial And Lingual Frenum Release

Both types of frenectomies treat different issues. A labial frenum surgery removes tissue to close gaps between front teeth and protect gum health. A lingual frenum removal frees the tongue, improving speech, eating, and oral hygiene for people with tight or restricted tongue movement.

Differences You Should Know

  • The labial frenotomy removes tissue between the lip and gum.
  • The lingual frenotomy removes tissue under the tongue.
  • A labial frenum release helps fix gaps and gum pulling.
  • A lingual frenum surgery helps improve speech and eating.
  • Healing is quick for both types of frenectomies.

Benefits Of A Frenum Removal Procedure

This oral procedure has many benefits for the patients. It ensures that the tight sensation while speaking or eating does not last. Keeping teeth and gums healthier makes your speech and oral function more convenient. Once the tight tissue is removed or reshaped during surgery, the patients can cherish the relief from the pain it causes.

A labial frenectomy procedure helps close spaces between front teeth and protects gum health. A lingual frenum release procedure improves how the tongue moves. It also helps keep your mouth clean and prevents gum issues. A small surgery can make a big difference in your daily life.

Benefits You’ll Notice

  • Speech becomes clearer and easier.
  • Teeth and gums are easier to clean.
  • Gaps between front teeth can close.
  • Less pain when moving the lips or tongue.
  • Gums stay healthier and more protected.

Recovery After Oral Tissue Surgery

Patients usually heal quickly after a frenum surgery is done. There is a 98% chance of returning to normal eating and speaking habits within a few days. However, there is a set of instructions to be followed precisely to keep the healing process smooth.

Healing from it is quick for most people. Many patients return to normal eating and speaking within a few days. Your dentist will give clear instructions to help avoid problems and keep the healing smooth and comfortable.

Some people wonder how long does a frenectomy procedure take to heal. Healing time is usually one to two weeks. You should avoid spicy or sharp food for a few days and follow the cleaning steps. Doing gentle exercises, if advised, can also help your mouth heal properly after the procedure.

Dos and Don’ts

1. Do Follow Aftercare Instructions

Follow all instructions from your dentist. Rinse with salt water if they suggest it. Eat soft food. Go to all follow-up visits. These steps protect your mouth and help you heal faster. Good care after an oral tissue surgery helps avoid pain or infection and keeps your results healthy. Even if the procedure is short, aftercare is important. 

2. Don’t Ignore Pain or Swelling

Pain beyond mild discomfort might mean a problem. Contact your dentist if you feel strong pain or see too much swelling. The dentist will check your mouth and make sure there is no infection or other issue that needs quick care. Early help stops bigger problems from happening; however, a frenum removal is safe for most patients.

3. Don’t Delay Follow-Ups

Some patients feel fine after surgery and skip check-ups. But your dentist must check if healing is good and the gums are healthy. These visits also help check for tooth gaps or tongue movement after a labial or lingual frenum release. Follow-ups protect your results.

Don’t Wait to Learn If a Frenectomy Is Right for You!

It is all right to think first about whether the procedure is right for you or not. To get that answered, the best practice is to visit a dentist and ask for help if the frenum feels too tight while talking or eating. Bellissima Dental Boutique offers the best services for the frenectomy surgical procedure. Don’t let tongue tie or a lip tie hold you back.

Get in touch today and find out which type of surgery is right for you.

FAQs

Q1. How long does a frenectomy procedure take?
A skilled dentist only takes 15-30 minutes for the frenectomy, and patients go home the same day and often feel better quickly.

Q2. Is a frenum surgery painful?
The area is numbed first with anesthesia to minimize the pain. Mild soreness after the frenotomy is normal but fades fast for most patients.

Q3. Who needs a labial frenectomy procedure?
People with gaps between front teeth or gum pulling may need a labial frenum release to protect gum health and improve their luxurious smile.

Q4. What is a lingual frenectomy procedure for?
A lingual frenum release frees a tight tongue, helping you with clearer speech, easier eating, and keeping the mouth clean and healthy.

Q5. How do I know if I need a frenectomy surgical procedure?
If you have speech issues, gaps in teeth, gum pulling, or tongue tightness, visit your dentist. They will check if this procedure is right for you.

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