A dental frenum is a small piece of tissue that connects two areas in the mouth. The most prominent is the lingual frenum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the labial frenum, which connects the upper and lower lips to the jaw bones between the front teeth. The frenums are comprised of fibrous and striated tissue and can be pretty strong. A frenum may be thin or thick and attach low or high.
Purpose of a Frenum
- Allows attachment of tissues in the mouth
- Allows for proper speech, swallowing and eating
- It is the main tissue that allows for the movement of the tongue and lips
If a frenum is too large or thick, it can lead to complications. The most common complications of a large frenum are:
- Tongue tie- A "tongue tie" occurs when the frenum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short/tight. This reduces the tongue's range of motion, impeding the ability to pronounce words, swallow and eat. A tongue tie is usually detected and corrected early on in infancy or toddlerhood.
- Diastema- This is a gap that commonly forms between the two upper front teeth from a frenum that is too thick and comes down too low. When the fibrous tissue is in the way, the teeth get pushed out from their correct position, creating a space.
- Gum recession- A thick/tight labial frenum pulls down on surrounding tissues and can lead to gum recession. This most notably occurs on the upper and lower front teeth.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure to help remove or reduce a frenum that is causing or will cause problems. This will typically be recommended for frena that are too large or thick or when a problem with the frenum has already occurred. As stated above, a "tongue tie" detected on a baby will be corrected as soon as possible, as it can also negatively affect the ability to nurse.
Frenectomy Procedure
The dentist will numb the area and cut back the frenum tissue, either partially or entirely, to provide relief. This can either be completed with a scalpel or a laser. Stitches may not even be necessary, depending on how much reduction occurred. The healing time is usually minimal.
If you have any questions about frena or frenectomy procedures, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.