Frenectomy
Frenectomy is the surgical removal of thin tissues called brakes inside the mouth. The main purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the brakes in the mouth (lip or tongue brakes) perform their normal function and to eliminate possible health problems. The brake is an important piece of tissue that is attached to the bottom or top of the gums and controls the movements of the lip or tongue. These tissues can sometimes be extremely tight or short, which can create various problems for individuals.
For example, a short tongue brake can lead to problems such as speech disorders, swallowing difficulties, and difficulty maintaining oral hygiene. Problems with the lip brake can affect the placement of the teeth, pave the way for tooth decay and make orthodontic treatment processes difficult. Frenectomy is often performed to address such problems and can significantly improve patients’ oral health.
What is Frenulum?
The frenulum is a thin piece of tissue that separates certain areas inside the mouth and plays an important role in oral health. The most common types of frenulum found in the mouth are lingual frenulum and labial frenulum. Tongue brakes are located on the underside of the tongue, a tissue that controls the movement of the tongue. Lip brakes are located on the inside of the upper lip and have a structure that limits the movement of the lip.
These tissues are designed to ensure normal movements of the tongue and lips. However, in some individuals, these frenulums may be extremely short or thick due to genetic factors, congenital anomalies or other health problems. In such a case, the structure of the frenulum can negatively affect the individual’s basic functions such as speech, swallowing, or teeth alignment. For example, a short tongue brake can make it difficult for individuals to speak correctly and cause difficulty swallowing. Additionally, abnormalities in the structure of the lip brake can affect the alignment of the teeth and cause problems in orthodontic treatment processes.
Reasons for Frenectomy
Frenectomy is a surgical procedure recommended for various reasons. I have summarized why we implement it with a few items below…
- Functional Problems: The presence of a short tongue brake can cause individuals to have speech disorders, swallowing problems, or difficulty eating. Especially in children, a frenulum that restricts the mobility of the tongue can negatively affect the normal development of the language, which can lead to problems with social interaction and communication skills. Children may have difficulty expressing themselves due to these problems; This can lead to loss of self-confidence.
- From a Dentistry Perspective: The presence of a short lip or tongue brake can prevent the teeth from aligning properly. This can cause problems, especially when milk teeth fall out or permanent teeth emerge. Failure to align teeth properly can increase the need for orthodontic treatment and make the treatment process more complicated. Additionally, such abnormalities can negatively affect gum health, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases.
- Aesthetic Reasons: Some individuals may be uncomfortable with the appearance of lip brakes. Especially young people and adults may request frenectomy due to aesthetic concerns. The appearance of lip braking can create a lack of self-confidence in some people and make them feel uncomfortable in social situations. Therefore, frenectomies performed due to aesthetic concerns may improve individuals’ overall quality of life.
- Gum Problems: Overgrown brake tissue can cause inflammation and recession in the gums. Such conditions can lead to the development of gum disease and, over time, lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss. Frenectomy may be a necessary intervention to prevent such adverse conditions and preserve the health of the gums. Additionally, after frenectomy, individuals may have the opportunity to protect their gum health by maintaining better oral hygiene.
How to Perform a Frenectomy
The frenectomy procedure usually takes a short time and is performed under local anesthesia. Here is the process order for those who are curious…
- Preparation: The patient is examined by the dentist. Intraoral health and the condition of the brake tissue are evaluated.
Anesthesia: Before the procedure, the patient receives local anesthesia to numb the area. In this way, no pain is felt during the procedure. - Surgical Procedure: The dentist carefully cuts and removes the brake tissue. This process is usually completed in a few minutes. Care must be taken to avoid bleeding while cutting tissues.
- Stitches: If necessary, stitches are applied to close the removed area. However, in many cases no stitches are required.
- Healing Process: After the procedure is completed, the patient is informed about the healing process. Usually, the healing process is completed within 1-2 weeks.
Frenectomy Complications
Frenectomy is generally a safe procedure, but some complications can occur. These complications may include:
- Infection: Infection in the surgical area can occur if care is not taken. Signs of infection include pain, swelling and redness.
- Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding may occur during or after the procedure. This situation requires immediate contact with the doctor.
- Stitch Problems: Stitches opening or shifting may negatively affect the healing process.
- Sensory Changes: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the mouth after the procedure.
