Frenectomy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A frenectomy is a surgical treatment that eliminates or modifies the frenum, the tissue that connects the lips and gums.

The procedure is typically performed to correct an abnormal attachment of the frenum, called a lip-tie or tongue-tie. It may also be utilised to enhance speech or dental alignment in rare circumstances.

• Labial Frenectomy: This type of frenectomy is performed on the upper or lower lips. It entails removing the labial frenum, a little piece of tissue that joins the inner and outer lip.
• Lingual Frenectomy: This type of frenectomy is performed on the tongue. It entails eliminating the lingual frenum, a small piece of tissue that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
• Palatal Frenectomy: This type of frenectomy is performed on the roof of the mouth, known as the palate. It entails removing a palatal frenum, which is a little piece of tissue that joins one side to the other.
• Buccal Frenectomy: This type of frenectomy is performed on either side of your cheeks, known as buccal mucosa or buccal mucosal membranes. It involves removing a small piece of tissue that connects one side to another, known as a buccal frenum.

• Improved speech: A frenectomy can improve the clarity of speech by allowing the tongue to move freely, which can help with articulation.
• Improved oral hygiene: Removing a frenum can make it easier to brush and floss teeth, as the tongue is able to reach all areas of the mouth without restriction. This may help minimise the risk of gum disease as well as other oral problems.
• Reduced pain: A frenectomy can relieve tension in the mouth and jaw, which may reduce discomfort associated with TMJ disorders or bruxism (teeth grinding).
• Improved facial aesthetics: In some cases, a frenectomy may be performed for aesthetic reasons such as improving symmetry or creating a more attractive smile.

Frenectomy is a procedure performed to remove or release a frenum, which is a band of tissue that connects two parts of the body. It is most typically used to treat problems including tongue-tie, lip-tie, and buccal-tie.

Frenectomy can help improve the function of the affected area and reduce discomfort or pain associated with the condition. It can also help improve speech and eating problems caused by having too much tissue in the affected area.

In some cases, it may be necessary to perform a frenectomy in order to prepare for orthodontic treatment.

The risks of a frenectomy are typically regarded as low, although there is always the possibility of infection, bleeding, and nerve injury with any surgical treatment.

In rare instances, the spot where the frenectomy was done may hurt or be uncomfortable for the patient.

Additionally, if the procedure is not done correctly, it may result in scarring or other unwanted cosmetic changes.

• Discuss the procedure and your worries with your physician.
• Ask about the risks, how long it will take to get better, and anything else you might need to know before the procedure.
• Make sure to get a list of pre-operative instructions from your doctor so you know what to expect before and after the surgery.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco for at least two weeks prior to the surgery as it can increase risks associated with anesthesia and wound healing.
• Stop taking certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen at least one week prior to surgery as they can increase bleeding during the procedure.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids leading up to the day of surgery in order to ensure that your body is prepared for the procedure.
• Arrange for someone else to drive you home after your surgery since you will not be able to drive yourself due to anesthesia effects or pain medication taken during recovery time at home following the procedure

The procedure usually takes approximately 15 minutes and can be done using local anaesthesia. During a frenectomy, your surgeon will make an incision in the tissue connecting two parts of your body.

They will then remove the frenum with special medical instruments. After that, the area might be stitched up to help stop inflammation and bleeding.

• Get the patient or their guardian's permission.
• Do a thorough physical exam and get a complete medical record.
• Take dental radiographs to evaluate the anatomy of the area and to assess for any underlying pathology.
• Administer local anesthesia, if necessary, to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
• Clean and isolate the area with rubber dam or other appropriate barrier techniques to ensure a sterile field for the procedure.
• Discuss post-operative care instructions with patient or guardian prior to beginning the procedure, including proper oral hygiene techniques, diet restrictions, pain management strategies, and follow-up appointments as needed.

• Expose the frenum by incising it along its length with a scalpel or laser device, depending on preference and availability of equipment in your practice setting
• Remove any excess tissue from around the frenum using forceps or other instruments as needed
• Smooth any sharp edges of remaining tissue using electrosurgery or other appropriate methods
• Check for hemostasis (stop bleeding) using gauze sponges or topical agents such as silver nitrate sticks
• Release any tension on surrounding tissues that may have been caused by removal of frenum tissue
• Close incisions with sutures if necessary

• Provide postoperative instructions including:
• Proper oral hygiene techniques such as gentle brushing and flossing twice daily.
• Trying to avoid hard foods that might cause damage.
• Not smoking and taking medicines as recommended.
• Monitoring for signs of infection such as swelling.
• Monitoring for signs of excessive bleeding such as blood in saliva.
• Keeping follow up appointments with a dentist/oral surgeon if necessary.
• Monitor the healing process over time by performing regular examinations every 2-3 weeks until the wound has completely healed.

The cost of a frenectomy in India depends on the type of procedure being done and the doctor performing it.

A simple frenectomy usually costs between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5000.

However, if additional treatment is required or if more complex procedures are involved, the cost can be higher.

• After a frenectomy, it is important to eat a diet that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Foods that are especially beneficial after a frenectomy include lean meats (such as chicken and fish), nuts, seeds, legumes, dark leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains.
• Eating these foods will help you get better and stop infections.
• In addition, it's crucial that you drink enough water throughout the day to ensure that your body maintains a healthy water balance.
• Additionally, avoid sugary snacks or processed foods that are high in sodium or fat as these can slow down the healing process.

Yes, frenectomy is typically regarded as a safe treatment.

All of the dangers associated with your particular surgery may be thoroughly discussed with your dentist or oral surgeon beforehand.

The procedure itself is not typically painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia.

However, patients may experience some discomfort afterwards due to swelling and soreness in the area where the surgery was performed.

In some cases, pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate post-operative discomfort.

• Generally, patients can expect to experience some soreness and swelling in the area for the first few days after surgery.
• Although complete healing may take up to two weeks, most individuals are able to resume their usual tasks within a few days.
• In some cases, there may be residual numbness or tenderness in the area that can last for several weeks or months.

• Minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are the side effects of a frenectomy that occur the most often.
• Additional adverse effects that might occur include infection, scarring, and pain. An allergic response to the anaesthetic that was administered during the treatment is very unlikely to occur; yet, it is possible.
• In addition to this, there is a remote possibility that nerve damage or harm to the tissue in the surrounding area may occur.

• Apply an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours following the procedure.
• If your doctor has recommended any medicines for you, be sure you take them as advised.
• After the treatment, you should wait at least one week before consuming foods that are crunchy, hard, or chewy.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and promote healing of the area (1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of water).
• Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the surgical site until it is healed completely.
• Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol while healing from a frenectomy, as these activities can slow down the healing process and increase risk of infection in the area.
• Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can ensure proper healing is taking place and make any adjustments if necessary

The conclusion of a frenectomy procedure is that it can be an effective treatment for certain conditions, such as tongue-tie and lip-tie. It has been shown to improve speech, swallowing, and other functions that can be affected by these conditions.

The procedure is relatively safe and has low risks of complications. Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential to check with a trained healthcare expert to confirm that it is the best decision for the specific patient's condition.