A Frenectomy is a procedure that reduces the size of a frenum - a soft tissue attachment of a muscle. In the mouth, you have a frenum underneath the tongue and also have a frenum on the top jaw connecting the lip to the connective tissue between the top two teeth.
The procedures that a dentist or oral surgeon can perform are referred to as:
• Lingual Frenectomy or Tongue Tie Release
• Maxillary Labial Frenectomy
Common presenting problems often include gaps between the front teeth and speech impediments.
Lingual Frenectomy
A Lingual Frenectomy or tongue tie release procedure addresses a condition experienced in a small percentage of patients that restricts the movement of the tongue. The lingual frenulum connects the floor of the mouth with the middle base of the tongue.
Signs of Tongue Tie
Some of the visible signs of tongue tie can include the tongue’s inability to:
• Poke out past the lips
• Touch the roof of the mouth
• Move sideways to the corners of the mouth and therefore move food around for proper swallowing.
Additionally, the tip of the tongue may look:
• flat or square, instead of pointy when extended
• notched or heart-shaped
Maxillary Labial Frenectomy
A Maxillary Labial Frenectomy addresses a congenital condition due to abnormal tissue connecting the top lip to the upper jaw & gum area. Many people with this condition experience pain and have difficulties speaking and eating. Additionally, an orthodontist may require a labial frenectomy to close the gap between the two front teeth.
Whilst not a common occurrence, Dr Andrew Green performs over 30 frenectomy procedures annually in the Orange, Dubbo, Cowra, Wellington and surrounding districts.