A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing or modifying the frenum, a small band of tissue connecting the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the mouth. While it is often overlooked, a tight or restrictive frenum can lead to a variety of oral health issues, difficulties in daily function, and even speech development challenges. Recognizing the signs that a frenectomy may be necessary can help prevent long-term complications and improve overall oral well-being.
Difficulty with Breastfeeding or Nursing
For infants, one of the earliest indicators of a problematic frenum is difficulty with breastfeeding. A tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the tissue under the tongue is unusually short or tight, restricting the tongue’s movement. Babies with tongue-tie may struggle to latch properly, experience pain while nursing, or fail to gain weight adequately. In some cases, breastfeeding may become so frustrating that both mother and child face ongoing feeding difficulties. If these challenges persist despite consulting a lactation specialist, a frenectomy might be recommended to improve tongue mobility and make feeding easier and more comfortable.
Speech and Language Challenges
Children and even adults with a tight frenum may experience speech impediments. The tongue needs sufficient mobility to produce certain sounds, and a restricted frenum can make it difficult to articulate letters such as “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r.” Speech delays or persistent pronunciation issues may signal that the tongue is not functioning optimally. While speech therapy can address many difficulties, a frenectomy may be necessary in cases where the physical restriction is the root cause of the problem. Early intervention often leads to more effective and lasting improvements in speech development.
Oral Hygiene and Dental Health Issues
A frenum that is too short or tightly attached can contribute to oral hygiene problems. In particular, a labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gums, can create a gap between the front teeth, known as a diastema. This gap may lead to food trapping and make brushing and flossing more challenging, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, a tight frenum can pull on the gum tissue, causing irritation or recession over time. For these reasons, dental professionals may recommend a frenectomy to promote better oral hygiene and prevent further dental complications.
Difficulty with Oral Function
Restricted frenums can also interfere with everyday oral functions beyond feeding and speech. Tongue-tie can make it challenging to lick, clean the teeth with the tongue, or even move food effectively in the mouth. Similarly, a tight upper-lip frenum can affect smiling, speaking, and maintaining lip closure. In adults, these functional limitations can become more pronounced, impacting confidence in social interactions and overall quality of life. Addressing the frenum restriction through a frenectomy could restore normal mobility and improve comfort during daily activities.
Pain or Discomfort
In some cases, individuals may experience localized pain or discomfort due to a tight frenum. This may manifest as soreness while stretching the tongue, irritation at the attachment site, or tension in surrounding muscles. Pain can be subtle and easily overlooked, but persistent discomfort is a valid reason to consult with a dental or medical professional. A frenectomy could alleviate these symptoms by reducing tension and allowing the tissue to move more freely.
Frenectomy in Skokie, IL
At North Shore Periodontics & Implantology, we are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthier bite and smile. If you experience any of the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and see if a frenectomy could be right for you.