What are frenulums and how are they removed?
Frenulums are thin soft tissue cords that connect different structures in the mouth. For example, the frenulum of the upper lip connects the lip to the gingiva above the upper front teeth, and the frenulum of the lower lip connects them to the gingiva below the lower front teeth. The tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth via a frenulum under the tongue. These structures help with lip and tongue movement, but can sometimes be too rigid or tight, which can lead to problems such as limited tongue movement or separation of teeth.

When is frenulum removal necessary?
Frenulums can cause problems with speech, eating, or dental aesthetics and function. For example, a frenulum that is too firm under the tongue can cause problems with the pronunciation of certain letters, while a frenulum on the upper lip can cause the front teeth to separate. In these cases, a frenulectomy – a surgical procedure to remove the frenulum – is recommended.

How is frenulectomy performed?
A frenulectomy is a quick procedure performed under local anesthesia, making it painless. Surgical removal can be performed with a classic approach or with a laser, which allows for precision and faster healing. After the procedure, patients are given care instructions, which usually include avoiding hard foods and strenuous facial expressions for the next few days.

Benefits of frenulectomy

1. Improvement of speech: The frenulum under the tongue, if short, can restrict the movement of the tongue and cause speech difficulties. This procedure can significantly improve pronunciation. Correction of dental alignment: A frenulum on the upper lip can lead to separation of the front teeth, and a frenulectomy can help bring them closer together.
2. Prevention of retraction of the palate: In the lower teeth, especially the central incisors, a firm frenulum can lead to retraction of the palate, and removal can prevent this.
3. Prosthetic fabrication: The removal of pockets in the premolars can allow the placement of prostheses in patients who do not have the conditions for implants.

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