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Our Services / Frenectomy

Frenectomy

Frenectomy services offered in Albany, NY

If your child experiences speech problems or has unforeseen orthodontic issues like a gap between their front teeth, the underlying culprit may be a tight or large frenum. Gum recession may also be due to a large frenum pulling abnormally on the gum tissue. At Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants in Albany, New York, periodontists Reed Ference, DDS, MDS, Sean Ference, DDS, MDS, and their team perform frenectomy surgery. This surgery can remove a high or large frenum that is impeding oral function. Find out more about the surgery and whether you or your child can benefit by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online today.  

Frenectomy Q & A

What is a frenectomy?

To understand a frenectomy, you need to know the basics of the anatomy of your mouth. A frenum, also called a frenulum, is a band of tissue between your upper or lower front teeth that connects the gum tissue to the tissue inside your lip.

These muscular attachments can be large or tight enough to cause speech problems, trouble breast- or bottle-feeding, and trouble swallowing for babies and small children. Other possible complications include gaps between the front teeth and gum recession. 

A frenectomy is a surgery that resolves these issues by removing the problematic frenum.

Your frenectomy at Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants may or may not involve a gum graft to replace lost tissue from the frenum’s removal. Your frenectomy can stabilize your teeth and lead to a better orthodontic treatment outcome currently or in the future. 

How should I prepare for a frenectomy?

Preparing for frenectomy surgery at Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants starts with a treatment consultation, where the team examines your mouth or your child’s. They also ask about any complications that are happening because of the frenum. 

The team may advise you or your child to prepare by:

  • Taking pain medication before the surgery
  • Detailing all medications you or your child take regularly
  • Arranging to spend at least the rest of the day at home
  • Talking to your child about what to expect during recovery

The team at Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants makes sure you and your family are equipped for the frenectomy, which is a relatively simple dental surgery, and its brief recovery period. 

What is the aftercare for a frenectomy?

You need some aftercare after any dental surgery, and a frenectomy is no exception. Following your frenectomy at Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants, you must complete some stretching exercises as dictated by the team. This helps your gums heal without constricting. 

If you or your child is in any pain or discomfort during the healing process, you may manage the symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Any discomfort usually lasts only a few days. 

The team will bring you in for a follow-up visit shortly after your surgery to check in on how you or your child is healing. 

For more information on frenectomy and its benefits, call Capital Region Periodontics and Dental Implants, or book an appointment online today.