At Legacy Surgery, we offer frenectomy procedures for adult patients who are experiencing speech or dental issues. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Kesecker, and his team are dedicated to creating a comfortable environment and providing the best care.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves cutting a small piece of tissue called a frenum or frenulum.
A frenum is made up of bands of tissue that control the movements of your tongue and lips. If a frenum is too restrictive, it can affect speech and dental development. An oral frenectomy involves cutting this band to release the lip or tongue.
There are two types of oral frenectomies based on where the frenum is restricting movement: lingual frenectomy and maxillary frenectomy.
Lingual Frenectomy
A lingual frenectomy is performed to correct a condition called tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia.
The lingual frenulum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Some individuals are born with a short or tight lingual frenum, which can restrict tongue movement.
Maxillary Frenectomy
A maxillary frenectomy, or labial frenectomy, is performed to correct a lip tie.
The labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gums above the front teeth. If it is shorter than normal, it can affect speech and dental development. It can also make it challenging to clean the upper gums and front teeth properly.
How Do You Know If You Need a Frenectomy?
Your oral surgeon may recommend a frenectomy if you experience any of the following issues:
- Digestive issues: A tongue tie can lead to excessive air intake while eating, causing gas and reflux symptoms.
- Speech issues: A tight frenulum can affect the range of motion of the tongue and lips, leading to difficulty with pronunciation and speech impediments.
- Dental issues: A tight frenum can cause a gap between the front teeth and lead to gum recession or orthodontic problems.
- Tooth decay: A tight frenum can make it difficult to brush your teeth properly, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay.
Why See an Oral Surgeon for Frenectomy
Frenectomy procedures are relatively common, but choosing a skilled and experienced oral surgeon will guarantee the best results. Oral surgeons receive specialized education and training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, making them experts in performing safe and effective frenectomies.
At Legacy Surgery, our team has years of experience in diagnosing and treating frenulum-related issues. Dr. Kesecker will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if a frenectomy is the best treatment option.
Talk to a treatment coordinator
(540) 437-1230
Frenectomy Procedure
A frenectomy is a simple and straightforward procedure that can be performed in a matter of minutes.
Frenectomy Procedure Steps:
- Exam: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with Dr. Kesecker, who will examine your mouth and review the procedure with you.
- Anesthesia: A topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area.
- Laser: The frenum is snipped with either a scalpel, surgical scissors or a cauterizing tool.
- Stitches: Stitches are not necessary for a tongue tie, but occasionally, stitches may be required for a more severe or complicated lip tie.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovering from a frenectomy is usually fast and straightforward. Here are some care tips for the healing process:
- Keep the treated area clean.
- Limit food intake to soft foods for the first few days.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
Many patients notice immediate improvements in their symptoms after the procedure. Other benefits may include:
- Improved speech and pronunciation
- Better oral hygiene
- Corrected dental issues, such as closed gaps or gum recession
- Easier eating and drinking
Legacy Surgery: Your Frenectomy Specialists
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your frenectomy, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
The team at Legacy Surgery is here to provide you with exceptional care and effective solutions. Led by Dr. Kesecker, we use the most advanced technology so that your recovery is as painless and quick as possible.
Book an appointment with our treatment coordinator to discover how a frenectomy can benefit you. If you are searching for an ‘oral surgeon in Harrisonburg’ or an ‘oral surgeon in Shenandoah Valley,’ call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy
What happens if you don’t fix a lip or tongue tie?
If left untreated, a lip or tongue tie can lead to ongoing issues with eating, speech problems, and dental complications. Ignoring these issues can lead to long-term consequences and potential discomfort.
Does lip tie need to be corrected?
It depends on the severity and impact on your daily life. If a lip tie causes difficulty with eating, speech issues, or dental problems, it may be necessary to have it corrected with a frenectomy procedure.
Does a labial frenectomy change your smile?
No, a frenectomy on the labial frenulum will not change the appearance of your smile. Lip tie release can improve your smile by correcting issues such as gaps between the front teeth or gum recession.
What Is the Cost of Frenectomy?
The cost of a frenectomy procedure can vary. At our office, the procedure ranges in price, starting at $575.
If you are experiencing any issues related to a restrictive frenulum and are searching for an ‘oral surgeon near me,’ the experts at Legacy Surgery can help!