Frenectomy
Frenectomy
Frenectomy Columbus, OH
A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that can prevent an organ in the body from moving excessively. It can refer to frenula in several spots on the body. Done mostly for orthodontic purposes, a frenectomy is either performed inside the middle of the upper lip, which is called labial frenectomy, or under the tongue, called lingual frenectomy. A frenectomy is a common procedure that is performed to correct a variety of medical problems related to the frenulum. These issues are most often diagnosed in children but can occasionally be found in adults. The frenectomy is a simple procedure that requires the patient’s frenulum to be removed.
At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of a frenectomy procedure.
The lingual frenum is what can cause a patient to be tongue-tied. This occurs when the lingual frenulum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, runs to the tip of the tongue. The maxillary labial frenum attaches the upper lip and gums above the top two front teeth.
SERVICES
Indications Evident that Suggest You May Need a Frenectomy
There are several indications that suggest you might require a frenectomy:
- Your two upper front teeth have a lot of spacing between them. Your frenum may have excess tissue that prevents space closure or opens the space again after it has been closed.
- The position of your labial frenum is close to the edge of your gum tissue where it causes tension and will cause gum recession or loss if you do not have it corrected.
- You are tongue-tied or have a high lingual frenum attachment which restricts your tongue movement that affects your speech, eating and swallowing abilities.
Frenulum problems are usually corrected when your baby or child starts showing speech impediments and feeding issues. It is not uncommon for children with tongue tie to reach their adulthood years before receiving any type of corrective surgery for the problem, even though their restricted tongue movement may cause them an assortment of problems.
The Consequences of No Treatment
If left untreated, there are a range of issues that can occur, including the following:
- Deep or over closed bite
- Messy eating and/or improper swallowing
- Inadequate lip seal
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Crowded teeth
- Limited jaw growth
- Altered or limited development of dental arches
- Limited oro-facial muscle movement
- Nasal sinus congestion or airway constriction
- Periodontal disease
The Cost of Your Frenectomy
The cost of your frenectomy will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
COMMON PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
Frenectomy For Children
Children whose frenums are overly sized can experience a range of uncomfortable issues, including difficult speaking, a condition often referred to as “tongue tied.” Other issues that can develop include:
- The frenulum getting stuck between teeth.
- A difficulty nursing and breastfeeding.
- A difficult time sticking their tongue out.
- Gums receding, which can result in periodontal disease.
Frenectomy For Adults
If you have an over-sized frenulum, you can experience a broad range of issues, including problems with your speech. Oftentimes, if you experience frenulum issues due to tongue limitations you will learn to compensate, despite challenges you face being audible and articulating when speaking at high or low volumes. A tight frenulum can also make the process of chewing your food difficult, because your tongue is unable to move freely inside of your mouth. This can also result in difficult swallowing. A frenectomy can help address this issue and improve your ability to eat. Because food is unable to move around in the mouth properly, which limits your ability to clean your molars due to a limited range of motion with your tongue. This can lead to decay, as excess food particles will become lodged between your teeth.
The Frenectomy Procedure
A frenectomy is a less invasive procedure than having a tooth filled. To reduce any discomfort, you might feel during the procedure, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will begin by administering a local anesthetic. Once numbed, our team will use a specialty laser to reduce the tissue. Chances of an infection are minimal as the laser instantly sanitizes the area. This also helps speed the healing process.
For newborns to feed properly, they may need to have a lip tie or tongue tie surgery to free the lingual frenulum underneath the tongue. Oftentimes newborns immediately are able to feed right after the procedure, as the recovery happens almost instantly.
Older children may be given a mild anesthetic before the frenulum is separated using the laser treatment. In more severe cases, patients may require some sutures following the procedure.
The entire process typically only takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr. Levy and the staff are wonderful, friendly, caring people. They make you feel calm during what can be a very stressful time. I had a deep cleaning & extraction yesterday and it was painless and quick. I was in and out in just a little over an hour. I received instructions for my aftercare along with the items needed to take care of my mouth. I feel wonderful today, no pain and eating normally. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, come see Dr. Levy and staff, they will put you at ease and take good care of you!
- Christi L
Everyone made me feel so welcomed even though I was nervous, Dr. Levy was great and informative made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone.
- Dee H.
Post Procedure Aftercare
There is no special post-treatment process that is required following a frenectomy, although it is best to schedule a follow up appointment to ensure the treatment has been successful and is healing properly.
The most important thing you can do is continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. Be sure to continue brushing your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time. Be sure to also continue flossing regularly. Along with these important at-home care practices, the best thing you can do to continue enjoying your healthy smile is to schedule regular visits every six months. During these routine checkups, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry can conduct professional cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health.
Affordable Payment Plans
Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care
The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.
Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.
Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.