A frenectomy is the surgical removal of frenulum or frenum (frenae - plural), which is a thin band of tissue found in various parts of the body, especially the mouth. A frenectomy is a common surgical procedure in dental and orthodontic practices. Children and people being fitted for dentures are the most frequent candidates for a frenectomy.

There are two primary locations in the mouth where frenum is found – under the tongue and underneath the center of the upper lip. The frenum attaches the muscles of the cheeks and lips to the mouth, but in some cases, this tissue may interfere with the development of the mouth. In the event that the tissue, or frenum, is attached to close to the tip of the tongue or too far down the gums between the front teeth, a frenectomy may be performed.

A lingual frenectomy is the removal of the lingual frenum, or the tissue under the tongue. Generally, if the tissue is attached too closely to the tip of the tongue, it can interfere with speech development and proper tooth development. A lingual frenectomy is a fairly common procedure for children who may be “tongue tied” and is sometimes referred to as clipping the tongue. After the procedure, the tongue can usually be fully extended and becomes fully mobile.

A labial frenectomy is the removal of the tissue attached to the center of the upper lip. Frenum attached too far down the gum can cause gum recession and gaps between the front teeth. Further, denture patients often have a labial frenectomy to achieve a proper denture fit.

A frenectomy is a simple procedure performed in the dentist or orthodontist’s office. Patients rarely experience any complications from the procedure and it can often correct problems that have or could occur due to excess tissue. Though a frenectomy is a common oral surgical procedure, frenum is also found in other parts of the body including external genitalia, the digestive tract, and the brain. However removal of this tissue in areas other than the mouth are not common.