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.
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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.

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