What Is a Frenectomy?
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A frenectomy is the surgical removal of the frenulum or frenum, which is a thin band of tissue found in various parts of the body. This surgery is most often performed on frenum tissue that is found in the mouth. It 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; in some cases, however, this tissue may interfere with the development of the mouth. In the event that the frenum is attached too 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. In some cases, if the tissue is attached too closely to the tip of the tongue, it can interfere with speech 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 completely extended and becomes fully mobile.
A labial frenectomy is the removal of the tissue attached to the center of the upper lip. A frenum that is attached too far down the gum can cause the gums to recede, and create gaps between the front teeth. Additionally, denture patients often have a labial frenectomy to achieve a proper denture fit.
A frenectomy is a simple procedure, and is often performed in the dentist or orthodontist’s office. Patients rarely experience any complications from the surgery, 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. Removal of this tissue in areas other than the mouth is not common, however.
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22
I am 15, a sophomore in high school, and I had it done yesterday. I was also very afraid! But believe me, once you get through with it, you'll be glad you did. It does not hurt one bit during the procedure. The only part that hurt a little bit was the needle, but even that is only a pinch. Once the numbness wore off I experienced some aching and a tiny amount of bleeding, but after that I was just fine. Have no fear, it's a very simple procedure! - anon52163
21
I just had all my upper teeth removed and immediate dentures. I've had a lot of stinging type pain way up inside my upper lip in the center and when I tried to blow my nose I had enough pain to make my eyes water. It felt like I had a needle or something stabbing me between my gum and upper lip. I just figured it had to do with my extractions. Well today I received the breakdown of my bill and found a word I didn't know that cost over $300. LOL! Of course I looked it up and found this web site! I didn't know what that little cord was called and they *never* told me they cut it to the tune of all that money. No wonder my top lip was so swollen! I thought that was odd, figured it was from the Novocaine needles. Five days later it is still quite sore but a little better every day. Still hurts like crazy when I put my denture in and out though. At least now I know what is is. - Rae22
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A laser can be used to painlessly perform all frenectomies. Recovery is quick and bleeding is virtually non-existent. Ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist/oral surgeon who uses a laser for surgery. - anon41515
17
I just had the frenectomy done on my upper and lower lip a few days ago. I also got my wisdom teeth taken out at the same time. I am on my fourth recovery day. I am still talking weird and I cannot laugh without getting a horrible pain in my upper lip and my bottom lip is very loose. Is it normal for the recovery to take so long? And, will I not be able to smile like I did before the surgery? - anon40583
16
i am having a frenectomy tuesday and i wanted to know some tips on smooth recovery and really how the whole procedures works more than anything i want to know if it hurts - anon39181
15
what is the recovery time for this labial frenectomy? how long before eating back to normal and/or drinking - anon36888
14
Similar to anon22712 (above) -- I am scheduled for a lower lip frenectomy due to receding gums. I've not found anyone who has had this procedure (it's usually labial or upper lip). Does the procedure really help to stop or slow the receding? Is speech affected post-procedure? What is the expected recovery and anything else that I might experience following the frenectomy? - rvv
13
I am 13 and getting the skin under my tongue cut. I am not so much scared of the cutting (I am the one who wanted to get the frenectomy done), but I am getting a shot to numb my mouth. I really am scared of shots, so he is giving me laughing gas then the shot then the cut. I am also getting dissolving stitches. I have a few questions1. How badly does it hurt? :) 2. Am I going to be really weirded out with the laughing gas? 3. How long does it take to heal? 4. What is good to eat while I am recovering? - TongueTied
11
I am 15 and getting a frenectomy in a week or so and i am really ....really scared by this and I have seen footage of the procedure on the internet and that just frightened me even more. All I want to know is how much it hurts from a person who has had a frenectomy before. - anon27914
10
i'm 16 and about to get one done tomorrow and i'm really scared. is it really not that bad or are you just trying to make people like me feel better? lol - anon23620
9
I am 25 yrs old and just had a lower labial frenectomy. They cut the frenum on the inside of my lower lip in front of my teeth because it was pulling my gums off my teeth. I have been unable to find anyone who has had it done on their lower lip, only on the top. Is is normal to have it done on the bottom or was this just a way for the dentist to get some extra money?? I had it done 4 days ago and I am worried about it causing me to speak differently, because my lip is so loose now. Any help? - anon22712
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I am a 35 year old female former Invisalign patient that just had the frenectomy done yesterday. I should have had it prior to the Invisalign as advised, but was afraid. The procedure only took about 10-15 minutes. My dentist used novocaine to numb the area and then performed the procedure. The novocaine wore off a few hours after the procedure and I followed with one dose of Tylenol and ate a regular meal shortly after. I decided not to pay for the prescribed painkiller until I ruled out the effectiveness of over the counter meds. I have not taken any more pain killers and am good to go. My top lip is a little swollen, but I am in no pain.I advise this procedure to anyone that may need it. It's nothing. Really. I'll repost once my stitches dissolve and let you all know how I am doing then. - anon19364
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Teri, my son had his removed this past month. I am one of the first ones that posted b/c I too was concerned since he was just turning 6. They used laughing gas and a local anesthetic- he was great! - afranc23
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my daughter who is 6 is scheduled to have a frenectomy in 4 days. i am worried about the general anesthesia. i was told because of her age and weight (60lbs) that was the best. i would prefer local but the preciseness requires absolute stillness from the patient. any suggestions? - teri
5
Well I went through with it on July 1, 2008. I had the frenum cut away from the back of my bottom teeth. I also had it clipped in the middle to free up my tongue a bit. Apparently I was VERY tongue tied. The procedure itself was not painful (thanks to needles of numbing meds and valium). As for the recovery, I only took my prescribed pain meds for one day and took Tylenol as needed thereafter. I enjoyed the exercises that the doctor prescribed which included the use of a life saver. I'd have to say that the worst part of the healing process was yawning. It hurt to yawn big. That was the worst of it for me. My speech was not affected at all, thank God. - TaraSMC
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i just had this procedure done. it was painless and took about ten minutes. it's definitely worth it. the after effects of the surgery was some pain and a little bit of swelling of my top lip. the doctor can prescribe you a pain killer and ice will reduce the swelling. i recommend having the surgery. - anon14914
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I'm 29 years old and am about to get braces for the second time. This go around they will be invisiline. I've been going to the same dentist for a number of years now and she recently took on a younger partner. The younger partner has recommended me to have the frenectomy because my bottom front teeth have spaces between them near the gumline. I do have a large lower frenum. I am uncertain as to whether or not I should have this surgery. What should I do? - TaraSMC
2
My son is having a labial frenectomy done in May and he is 5 (6 in June). His pediatric dentist has been mentioning that he needed to have it done eventually ever since our first visit when they turned 2. It only really would be an issue once his permanent teeth start to come in which could be soon. I would recommend you see a pediatric dentist for an evaluation. - afranc23
1
My daughter is 15 months old and I believe she has labial frenectomy. Is she to young to have it removed? And is it going to cause problems with her speech? - anon10411
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Written by
J. Beam
Last Modified: 11 November 2009
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