Frenectomy
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(08) 9242 4400
Office Location
322 Vincent St, Leederville
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Frenectomy Leederville
A frenectomy is the surgical procedure of removing a frenum, which is a small fold of tissue in the mouth. There are two types of frena that might qualify you for a frenectomy. The lingual frenum is in between the base of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
It comes in different sizes, and if the frenum limits the movement of the tongue (a condition called “tongue-tied”), a surgical procedure called a frenectomy might be carried out.
Frenectomy can be performed by a general dentist or dental surgeon. The objective is to free the tongue and allow proper speech, swallowing, and movement.
When the upper frenum is abnormally wide or long, it can create a space between the two front teeth, and that may require surgery performed by a general dentist or dental surgeon.
Tongue-Tie – What Does It Really Mean?
Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is the limitation of tongue movement as a result of adherence of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A tongue-tie is caused by a frenum that is abnormally short or attached too close to the tip of the tongue.
Normal tongue function is important for several reasons. Among its many advantages, normal tongue function encourage normal speech development, allow adequate swallowing patterns, allow proper growth and development, and it makes it possible to do fun things like eating ice cream, kissing, or sticking your tongue out.
Lip-Tie– What Is It?
A lip-tie occurs when the upper lip is attached to the upper gum.
Challenges that can happen with moderate to severe lip-ties include:
- A large gap called a diastema can form
- Difficulties while brushing and flossing
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Repeated trauma to the maxillary frenum because it is so low and prominent
Frenectomy Procedure in Leederville
The frenectomy procedure is the excision or removal of the frenum, which can be performed by the traditional technique using a scalpel, or by the use of a soft tissue laser. Frenectomy is the recommended procedure for patients with a thick and vascular frenum where severe bleeding may be expected, and for some, reattachment of the frenum by scar tissue may occur.
The procedure is often performed without anaesthesia, or with topical anaesthetic alone. It is often bloodless, with the laser cauterising the affected area. Patients can return to their normal activities after, with post-operative discomfort managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen. A soft diet is recommended for a couple of weeks after the procedure.
After the procedure, you will be shown a series of exercises to be performed 2 to 3 times a day for about two weeks, to prevent healing tissues from fusing back together. The area will look white and almost “infected looking” but will look normal within two weeks.
What Happens After a Frenectomy in Leederville?
In most cases, there is very little post-surgery pain and swelling, and the patient has normal function of the lips and tongue.
Some patients compare the procedure to having a “pizza burn” in and around the mouth. Swishing with a fluoride mouthwash may protect the uncovered area and speed up the healing process.
Having a frenum reduced is a simple procedure, and it can be performed at any age to boost oral health and promote a lifetime of smiles.
Frenectomy in Leederville
Whether you are tongue-tied or lip-tied, come to us at Dentists on Vincent! We provide safe and painless treatment procedures for your oral health issues.
Dentists on Vincent serves local communities in Leederville West Leederville, Northbridge, North Perth, Wembley, Floreat, Mount Hawthorn, Subiaco, Menora, Coolbinia and Jolimont.
Visit your Leederville dentist today!
Frenectomy in Leederville
Call us on (08) 9242 4400 or request your appointment online.
We are located at 322 Vincent Street in Leederville.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Why do we have frena and is there any negative effect associated with removing them?
What is frenectomy for?
Reasons for performing frenectomy include improved speech and oral and facial development.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, a white diamond-shaped area may appear where the frenum was, and this is completely normal and not an infection. This will heal in approximately two weeks.
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Contact Info
Dentists on Vincent Leederville
Address: 322 Vincent St, Leederville, WA 6007
Phone: (08) 9242 4400
Opening Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wed: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thu: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (by appointment)
Sun: Closed
PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There is ample car parking across the road from the practice
There are cafes and eateries within walking distance
LOCATION
Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation
Leederville dentist also serving local communities in West Leederville, Northbridge, North Perth, Wembley, Floreat, Mount Hawthorn, Subiaco, Menora, Coolbinia and Jolimont.