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What Is A Frenectomy?

Dr. Peter Doherty Profile Image

Last Reviewed 14 June 2021

Medically reviewed by Dr. Peter Doherty, Bachelor Dent. Sc. (Trinity College Dublin) 2003, MFDS (RCSI), PG Cert Implant Dentistry (Newcastle), Implant Dentist

Dr. Luis Suarez - Implant Dentist - 3Dental Dublin

Dr. Luis Suarez Explains Frenectomies

Dr. Luis Suarez - Implant Dentist - 3Dental Dublin

Dr. Luis Suarez Explains Frenectomies

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that will yield profound results for the patient.

A frenectomy corrects the existence of excessive tissue that causes one of the issues mentioned below.

Types Of Frenectomy

Treatment NameDescription
LingualRemoves the band of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Maxillary labialRemoves the band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gum.
Mandibular labialRemoves the frenum connecting the lower lip to the gum.
LaserFrenectomies can be done with a laser unit to make the procedure quicker and accelerate healing. Depending on the indication, we can use an electronic scalpel, making the process faster and improving recovery.

Frenectomy Procedures

Treatment TypeProcedureDuration
TongueIf the tongue frenum is short or too strong, it can prevent the normal movement of the tongue and have an impact in speech and function.5-10 min.
Upper LipThe upper lip frenum can often attach to the gum between two teeth, creating a diastema (gap) between the teeth.5-10 min.
Lower LipIf the lower lip frenum is too short or strong, it can create a pull on the gums that can lead to a gum recession.5-10 min.

Frenectomy For Infants

Infants could need a lingual frenectomy if the frenulum is impairing their ability to breastfeed. The procedure consists of cutting the frenulum. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure.

Frenectomy For Adults

diastema - 3Dental
Image of a diastema, which is a gap between your teeth. This is an example of a condition that might require a frenectomy to correct.

An adult could require an upper labial frenectomy if this band of tissue prevents a diastema (gap) between their teeth from closing with braces. A lower labial frenectomy could be necessary if the gums around the teeth are thin and are receding.

The procedure consists of administering a local anaesthetic and removal of the tissue with a blade or laser.

Frenectomy Recovery

The recovery of an adult after a frenectomy is usually uneventful. However, the patient can expect some discomfort and bleeding for the first 2-3 days.

Therefore, we advise that the patient avoid chewing in that area and brush gently.

Frenectomy FAQs

Andoni - frenectomy - 3Dental

Is A Frenectomy Painful?

We perform a frenectomy procedure under local anaesthesia; therefore, you will not experience any pain.

When Should A Frenectomy Be Done?

When any of the previous conditions are present.

How Much Does A Frenectomy Cost?

The cost of a frenectomy treatment is €350.

More information on our prices can be found on our price list page.

Andoni profile - frenectomy - 3Dental

Conclusion

At 3Dental we cover all aspects of dentistry. We also offer free consultations and we have clinics in Dublin, Limerick and Galway.

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