What Is A Frenectomy?

You may have heard the term “frenectomy” before but may not know much about it. You may have heard the term “tongue-tied” used to describe a baby with trouble nursing or a toddler with speech problems. A frenectomy is used to treat someone who is considered to be tongue-tied. But what exactly is the procedure, and why is it necessary? Here’s what you need to know about frenectomies. 

What Does Tongue-Tied Mean?

The official term is ankyloglossia, but it is commonly called tongue-tied. It means that the connective tissue under the tongue is too tight, restricting the tongue's ability to move as it is supposed to. A similar condition occurs with the tissue that connects the lips to the gums on the inside of the mouth. It can be too tight, restricting the movement of the lips. 

What Problems Can A Tongue-Tie Cause?

Some problems are caused by the frenum being too tight: 

• Nursing/Breastfeeding problems. Tongue-tied babies often have trouble developing the latch needed to breastfeed properly, which can lead to poor nutrition and lack of weight gain. 

• Speech problems. Toddlers learning to speak can have speech problems due to being tongue-tied or lip-tied. This can continue as children grow and develop, potentially leading to the need for speech therapy. 

• Tooth decay and gum disease. Tongue and lip tie can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, as the tongue is unable to effectively sweep food from the teeth, and the extra tissue of the lip frenum can trap food debris and bacteria. 

A Frenectomy Can Correct Tongue and Lip-Ties

A frenectomy is a procedure used to correct tongue and lip-tie conditions. There are two different types of frenectomies: 

• Lingual Frenectomy. When the connective tissue under the tongue is too tight, a lingual frenectomy is used to loosen it so the tongue can move more freely. 

• Labial Frenectomy. When the connective tissue between the lips and gums is too tight, a labial frenectomy is used to loosen it and improve the range of motion of the lips. 

Both procedures can be performed at any age. A frenectomy is most commonly performed on babies and toddlers, but even older children and adults may need one. Adults getting dentures for the first time may need a frenectomy to allow their dentures to fit more securely and stay in place. 

Is a Frenectomy Necessary? 

Some tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions are mild and do not have any serious effects on eating and speech. But for some, it is a bigger problem. An evaluation can lead to a diagnosis of the condition and the recommendation of a frenectomy. A frenectomy is a relatively simple procedure with very minimal risks. Dental Partners of Vero Beach provides frenectomies using a laser. Recovery is typically short, but the benefits last a lifetime. 

Many mothers give up on breastfeeding because the baby is unable to latch when the problem could be corrected with a frenectomy. Breastfeeding offers many benefits to babies, including balanced nutrition, antibodies for natural immunity to a variety of common illnesses, and a lower risk of asthma, diabetes, obesity, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It also lowers the mother’s risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 

Speech issues may not affect a person’s health but can cause difficulties later in life. Correcting tongue or lip-tie in infancy or childhood can prevent the development of speech issues and the need for speech therapy. 

Dental Partners of Vero Beach Provides Frenectomies 

If you suspect that your child is lip or tongue-tied, we can evaluate whether a frenectomy would be beneficial. We provide frenectomies for individuals of all ages, from infants to adolescents to adults. 

To learn more, call 772-569-4118 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.