If you have ever noticed a small piece of tissue tethering the inside of your lip to your gums or a similar one under your tongue, then you arere already familiar with a frenum. These little bands can sometimes cause surprisingly big issues, especially in young children. In cases where a tight frenum affects speech, eating or dental health, a minor procedure called a frenectomy might be the solution.
What Is a Frenectomy, and Why Might It Be Needed?
A frenectomy is a quick surgical procedure to remove or reduce the frenum, which helps improve movement in the mouth.
Common reasons for needing a frenectomy include:
- Tongue-Tie: This happens when the frenum under the tongue is too tight, limiting tongue movement. It can interfere with breastfeeding in babies, speech development in kids and even cause dental problems later.
- Lip-Tie: A lip-tie occurs when the upper lip frenum restricts lip movement, leading to issues with nursing, gum irritation, and, in some cases, gaps in the front teeth.
Many pediatric dentists and physicians recommend frenectomies if the frenum interferes with daily functions. In some cases, especially with mild lip-tie, treatment may not be necessary, as it often improves as the kiddo grows up.
How Does a Frenectomy Work?
The frenectomy procedure is as simple as they come in dental surgery. Here is a quick rundown:
- Preparation: Your dentist will examine the frenum and assess if a frenectomy is beneficial. For young children, local anesthesia or sometimes a mild sedative keeps the process comfortable and stress-free.
- The Procedure: Using a laser or surgical tools, the dentist makes a small cut to release the tight frenum. The whole thing usually takes less than 15 minutes.
- Recovery: Kids are often back to regular eating and speaking within a day or two. Unlike more complex dental procedures, frenectomies involve minimal recovery time and typically no stitches, but a full recovery will take approximately four weeks.
Common Signs That a Frenectomy Might Be Helpful
Sometimes, parents can spot potential frenum-related issues early on. Here are some tell-tale signs that could mean a frenectomy might benefit your child:
- Speech Difficulties: Limited tongue movement can lead to slurred or unclear sounds, especially with letters that require the tongue to reach the roof of the mouth, like “L” or “T.”
- Breastfeeding Problems in Infants: Babies with tongue-tie or lip-tie may struggle to latch, causing feeding to be painful for both the child and mother.
- Dental Issues: When the lip-tie pulls on the gums, it may lead to gaps between the front teeth or gum irritation, which can sometimes even affect tooth alignment.
If these issues sound familiar, a consultation with your child’s dentist or pediatrician can help determine if a frenectomy is worth considering.
Frenectomy Benefits: More Than Just Physical
Aside from the visible improvements in speech, feeding or dental health, a frenectomy can bring benefits that go beyond the physical. Parents often find relief in knowing that their child can eat, speak and develop normally without being hindered by something as simple as a piece of tissue.
For a child, regaining control over their speech or being able to latch properly while nursing can lead to improved confidence and less frustration. It is incredible how a tiny adjustment can bring noticeable changes in a child’s day-to-day life.
Are There Risks?
Like any procedure, a frenectomy does carry minor risks. However, complications are rare, and when performed by an experienced dentist, the procedure is generally very safe. Potential risks might include:
- Minor bleeding
- Temporary soreness
- Rarely, slight regrowth of the frenum
The Takeaway
Frenectomies are small but impactful procedures that can help solve issues affecting a child’s speech, eating habits and dental development. A quick, simple fix could be all it takes to support your child in achieving comfort and confidence.
Curious if a frenectomy might be helpful? Talk with your dentist—they are happy to answer questions and walk you through each step of the way.