Types of Frenectomy
- Genital frenectomy can be performed to remove frenulums from genitalia.
- Lingual frenectomy (of the tongue) is a treatment for ankyloglossia (tongue-tie).
- Labial frenectomy (of the lip) is common for denture treatment or to address tissues attached to the center of the upper lip causing gum recession or gap between the upper front teeth.
- Frenectomy can be performed to remove a section of tissue (frenulum) attached to the gingival tissue between two teeth.
paediatric and Infant Frenectomies
- Frenectomy procedures were commonly performed on younger patients in the past.
- Awareness and treatment of tongue- and lip-ties in breastfeeding infants have increased.
- Frenectomies are routinely performed on infants to improve breastfeeding outcomes.
- Concerns have been raised about the rise in unnecessary frenectomies on infants, potentially influenced by information shared in online parenting groups.
- Preoperative consultation with a certified lactation consultant is recommended before surgical intervention for breastfeeding difficulties.
Laser Frenectomy with CO2 Surgical Lasers
- Frenectomies can be safely and efficiently performed using the soft tissue 10,600nm CO2 laser.
- CO2 laser offers precise cutting, minimal collateral damage, and instant hemostasis.
- Laser oral surgery results in less wound contraction and reduced scarring compared to scalpel incisions.
References
- Archer, WH (1952). Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Baxter, Richard; Musso, Megan; Hughes, Lauren; Lahey, Lisa; Fabbie, Paula; Lovvorn, Marty; Emanuel, Michelle; Agarwal, Rajeev (2018). Tongue-Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More.
- Ghaheri, Bobak A.; Cole, Melissa; Fausel, Sarah C.; Chuop, Maria; Mace, Jess C. (2017). Breastfeeding improvement following tongue-tie and lip-tie release: A prospective cohort study.
- Fraser, Lyndsay; Benzie, Stuart; Montgomery, Jenny (2 October 2020). Posterior tongue tie: the internet phenomenon driving a lucrative private industry.
- Merkel-Walsh, Robyn; Gatto, Kristie (2021). The Team Approach in Treating Oral Sensory-Motor Dysfunction in Newborns, Infants and Babies with a Diagnosis of Tethered Oral Tissue.
Further Reading
- Lingual Frenectomy procedure, information, and demonstration. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frenectomy&oldid=1179432198.