In between the upper two front teeth, there is a small piece of muscular tissue that connects the gums to the teeth. When this tissue limits movement, it may need to be clipped or removed. This procedure is called a frenectomy and is performed with just a topical anesthetic with only a small recovery period.
Problems With the Frenulum
The frenulum is actually in place to help control movement in organs that are otherwise unrestricted, but at times they can get in the way and do harm. There are three types of frenula in the mouth:
Gingival: attaches two teeth to the gum tissue
Lingual: connects the floor of the mouth to the tongue
Labial: connects the upper teeth’s gum tissue to the upper lip
While the frenulum may not cause serious problems, some patients are concerned about cosmetic imperfections and restricted movement. The extra tissue can also cause:
Ill-fitting or uncomfortable dentures
Gaps between your two front teeth
Inability to close your mouth properly
Gum recession
A frenectomy in Medford, NJ & Moorestown, NJ can improve you bite function and your confidence by ensuring you like your smile and that your teeth have room to move as they should. This procedure can change your whole smile quickly.
The Frenectomy Procedure
The procedure is simple and is performed in office by a periodontist. Once a topical anesthetic has been applied to the area, the doctor will remove or clip the frenulum. Usually, patients recover quickly and after one to two weeks are completely healed. At this point your orthodontic treatments are more predictable, you can enjoy proper jaw development and nose breathing and eliminate any discomfort or pain that was caused by the frenulum.
Contact Us Today
Drs. Canal and partners are highly qualified, experienced periodontists who want to improve your smile’s look and function. To learn more about a frenectomy and if it’s the right thing for you, give Canal Calem Periodontics a call at (609) 534-5541 in Medford, NY or (856) 203-6588 in Moorestown, NJ or visit us online today.
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