Frenectomy

Are you tongue- or lip-tied? This condition may seem harmless, but a tight frenulum can compromise basic oral functions, such as the ability to smile or speak. Dr. John Thousand, Dr. Hailey McKinley, and Dr. Michael Romani offer safe and effective treatment that can release a tongue or lip from being held too tightly. We invite you to call 904-794-1000 and schedule a visit to Dental Specialists of North Florida with our skilled periodontists for a frenectomy in St. Augustine, Florida.

A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects one part of your mouth to another. In some cases, we may need to remove or modify a frenulum to improve the function and health of your smile; this type of treatment is called a frenectomy. The two most common types of frenectomy are lingual frenectomy and labial frenectomy. The lingual frenulum connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this frenulum is abnormally short or thick, it can result in a condition known as ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. This often inhibits the patient from chewing, eating, and speaking properly. To alleviate these problems, our friendly periodontists may recommend a frenectomy. A labial frenectomy is used to remove the frenulum that attaches the top lip to the gums above the front teeth. In some cases, this frenulum can cause recession of the gums, contribute to a gap between the upper front teeth, or cause problems for denture wearers.

The frenectomy process is simple and quick. Our periodontists can typically complete the removal of a frenulum in just one visit to our office, and we will ensure that you or your child are comfortable during the entire treatment. We will also provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure proper healing. We welcome you to call us today for more information and to schedule your next appointment.