Oral issues including dental misalignment or cracked teeth may lead to frenectomy treatment.If your periodontist Rochester MN has recommended you one and you are not sure what it is about, this article is for you. Keep reading to know everything about frenectomy.
What is Frenum?
Before understanding frenectomy treatment, it is first important to know about the frenum. Frenum refers to a piece of tissue in the mouth that connects your gums and lips. It plays an important role in talking, swallowing, and keeping your teeth in place.
In total, there are three types of frenum including lingual, labial, and buccal. Each of these frenum plays a different role.
What is Frenectomy Treatment?
Frenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted frenum tissue. The procedure is of two types: one that addresses issues with the tongue called lingual frenectomy and the other that addresses lips called labial frenectomy.
During the procedure, the dentist will numb the affected and cut the frenulum with specialized equipment. Once cut, the tissues are stitched back together. This not only results in reduced stress on the jawbone but also improves other functions including breathing and eating.
How is Frenectomy Performed?
Frenectomy can be performed in two ways, that is, either by conventional surgery or by laser surgery.
Usually, your periodontist will prefer laser surgery due to:
- Lesser tissue damage and bleeding which results in improved healing post-surgery.
- Improved precision.
- Lesser need for stitches.
- Quicker blood clotting.
What to Expect During Frenectomy Treatment?
During the procedure, the periodontist will numb the area with local anesthesia. The type and requirement of anesthesia will depend on several factors including your age, complexity of the procedure, and your overall comfort level.
After sedation, the dentist will either remove or modify the frenum tissues. The entire procedure will take less than 30 minutes.
Post-Treatment and Recovery
After the procedure, your dentist will describe certain instructions for you to follow. This will include pain relievers, antibacterial mouthwash, and follow-up appointments for better healing. The overall result of the procedure will not just rely on the treatment but also the post-treatment care. This includes:
- Applying ice for the first 24 hours post-surgery.
- Rinsing with warm salt water twice a day.
- Avoid eating until the anesthetic wears off.
- Staying away from hard, acidic, crunchy, and spicy food until the tissues are healed.
Oral Hygiene and Follow-up Visits
Maintaining good oral hygiene after a frenectomy is also important. This along with scheduled follow-up visits with a periodontist also ensures recovery without complications. During the follow-up visits, your dentist will monitor the healing process especially when you have sutures in place. Your sutures will dissolve in 7-10 days if proper care is taken.
When Do You Need a Frenectomy?
Your dentist may recommend a frenectomy in the following cases:
- Loss of papilla.
- Gum recession.
- Diastema.
- Interference with other orthodontic treatments.
To Sum It Up
Frenectomy is a simple procedure that can bring significant improvement in your oral health. If you have potential oral health issues, frenectomy treatment can help in getting rid of excess tissue and bring a change to your life.
If you wish to consult a periodontist rochester mn or want to know more about the procedure, consult us at Periodontist Specialists. Schedule an appointment with us today!
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