Frenectomy in Houston and Richmond, TX

Our team at Best Dental is proud to serve Houston and Richmond, TX residents with high quality and affordable frenectomy procedures. Removal of bands of tissue inside the mouth called frena is performed for a number of dental reasons:

  • Give a greater range of motion to your tongue
  • Allow for braces and orthodontics to close the mid-line
  • Allow for a better range of motion of your lower lip

frenectomy houston

What is a Frenectomy?

It is a minor surgical procedure to release bands of soft tissue for orthodontic purposes or for a better range of motion of your organs. Frenectomies can be performed with surgical blades, lasers, CO2 Lasers, and electrosurgery.

What is a Lingual Frenectomy?

A lingual frenectomy is the elimination and removal of bands of tissue that prevent the tongue from having a good range of motion. It is usually seen on the underside of the tongue. This small surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, although some of our patients prefer removal under IV sedation. After the surgery, the patients feels like their tongue is free. Over time this procedure can help with numerous activities including better speech and function. The lingual frenum actually is connected from your tongue to the base of the floor of the mouth. This procedure is normally performed on individuals who feel “tongue-tied” and want better motion and relief of their tongue movements. Surgeons can also perform this procedure on infants who have a large lingual frenum. This helps them with nursing during their early years, along with speech.

lingual frenectomy houston

What is a Labial Frenectomy?

The labial frenum connects the inside upper lip to the gum area in the center of the mouth. This poses a problem, especially when braces are involved because this band of tissue can prevent your upper central teeth from closing. If the band of tissue is too large in this area, a minor labial frenectomy is performed to allow for movement and eventual closure of the space between the upper two teeth. Again, the same instruments are used to remove this tissue and healing usually is seen completely within a few weeks. Large labial frenectomies have also been noted to contribute to gum disease problems in younger adults.

How Is Frenectomy Performed?

The area of soft tissue that is to be treated is anesthetized, and the frenum is removed through an incision. The incision is either performed with a laser, a surgical blade, or an electrosurgical machine. The entire area that has been removed is copiously irrigated with normal salne, and dissolvable sutures (stitches) are used to close the incision. Sutures typically dissolve within one week to ten days. Children and adolescents, and sometimes adults, may wish to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help reduce anxiety.

How Long does a Frenectomy Take To Perform?

On average, the length of time it takes to perform a frenectomy is 30 minutes. This time may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, your treating doctor, and if any additional procedures need to be performed prior to your frenectomy surgery.

How long does it take to recover from a Frenectomy?

It typically takes 1-2 weeks to recover from a frenectomy with complete healing taking around 8 weeks. This time may vary depending on how quickly your body is able to heal itself. Pain medications and even antibiotics may be prescribed during your healing process to prevent any infection that may arise.

If you find yourself in the Houston area and are in need of a frenectomy, call our team of surgical experts today. We hope to see you soon!