What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenulum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists perform frenectomies to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.

We each have a frenulum in between the font teeth (both upper or lower) that connects the inner surface of the lip to the gums. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy. Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenulum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.

Another frenulum is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients that have an enlarged frenulum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This interferes with speech and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.

To learn more about frenectomies and all the services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Frenectomy in Oyster Bay, NY

Lip tie and tongue tie are frustrating conditions that have a simple solution. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists here in Oyster Bay, NY have been solving patients’ lip and tongue tie concerns with frenectomies. A frenectomy is a simple and common procedure to free the “tied” tongue and lips.

Lip tie is a condition where the lips are connected to the gums with a frenulum that is too short or too tight. Tongue tie is the same scenario, but with a tongue that has restricted movement. Both conditions can be terrible for an infant and a breastfeeding mother. The baby may not be able to breastfeed correctly, causing coughing, colic, and fatigue from feeding within a short time. If the baby cannot feed correctly, they suffer with inadequate weight gain. The condition can also be very painful for the mother as milk flow may not be regular. The baby may also bruise the mother’s nipples.

A frenectomy is a quick procedure that is done right here in our Oyster Bay, NY office. A scalpel or a laser is used to detach the short frenulum so it can heal with more range. The procedure and the healing time afterward are both quick and cause very minor discomfort.

To learn more about lip tie, tongue tie, or frenectomies, visit our website. To schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call our office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.