Frenectomy
IN LAS VEGAS & HENDERSON, NV
ANTHEM PERIO, LAS VEGAS' CHOICE FOR ADVANCED PERIODONTICS
A frenectomy is a safe and effective procedure commonly performed for children, and sometimes adults, with frenum-related concerns. Frenums are small bands of tissue that help limit or control movement in different areas of the body. In the mouth, problems most often involve the maxillary labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gums, or the lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
When the lingual frenum is too short or tight, it can restrict tongue movement and contribute to difficulties with speech, feeding, or oral function. This condition is commonly known as being “tongue-tied.” A frenectomy is performed using either a scalpel or laser to release or remove the restrictive tissue.
Frenectomy for Children
The most common type of frenectomy performed on children is the removal of the lingual frenum, which makes speaking difficult, resulting in speech patterns that are commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied.”
Additional symptoms include the following:
- Failure of baby teeth to erupt naturally
- Difficulty nursing or breastfeeding
- Frenum gets frequently stuck between teeth
- Receding gums, which can cause periodontal disease to develop later in life
- Diminished ability to stick tongue out
There is some debate concerning when to perform a frenectomy for children. One school of thought (commonly held by lactation consultants and doctors) is that the frenum should be treated as soon as the issue is identified, even as early as performing the frenectomy on a newborn before they are discharged. Others argue that the frenectomy procedure should be postponed as long as possible, as there is a possibility that either the frenum issue will naturally correct itself, or that there will be few developmental issues that will have any major impact, so it is better to perform the frenectomy when the child is older.
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Frenectomy for Adults
Although frenectomies are typically performed on children, there are instances when adults have oversized frenums that need to be corrected. A frenectomy may also be performed to create a better fit for dentures.
Adults who have over-sized frenums may experience the following symptoms:
- Poor or Diminished Dental Health: An oversized frenum can create issues with an individual’s ability to efficiently move food through their mouth. As a result, there is a greater likelihood that particles of food remain on the surface of the teeth longer than they should, which can result in the development of gum disease and other oral health issues. A frenectomy is an effective method for preventing these food particles from collecting, and will reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
- Jaw Pain: Some of the most common symptoms of an oversized frenum include patients experiencing a clicking sensation while opening and closing their mouth, as well as general soreness and/or chronic pain, which are also symptoms of TMJ disorder. As a result, oversized frenums occasionally go undiagnosed. If you have been undergoing TMJ treatment and symptoms are not improving, talk to your periodontist about whether the issue might be frenum-related.
- Difficulty Talking: Patients with frenum issues commonly have difficulty enunciating clearly and/or speaking at high or low volumes, due to limited tongue movement.
- Difficulty Eating: Limited tongue movement can also make it more difficult for patients to swallow. A frenectomy can make an incredible difference in restoring patients’ ability to enjoy eating.
- Difficulty Kissing: Limited tongue movement and a tight frenum can negatively impact the feel and experience of kissing.
- Difficulty Playing Musical Instruments: Limited tongue movement caused by oversized frenums may make playing certain instruments (trombone, trumpet, et. al) difficult.
Cost of Frenectomy
The cost of a frenectomy is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, whether dental sedation is used, and your dental insurance plan. At Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants, we are committed to helping you maximize your insurance reimbursement so you can receive optimal care, which is why we will file your claim and handle your paperwork. Please be aware, though, that any remaining balance following coverage is your responsibility to cover. Though not required, we do offer a discount for patients who pay their bill in full (cash, check, or credit) prior to treatment.
Before scheduling your appointment, we will provide an estimated total cost and answer any questions you have concerning payment plan options, such as CareCredit, which offers interest-free payment plans for six-to-twelve-month periods and/or a payment arrangement made in advance with our office.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants, protecting your oral health is our top priority. Our team is committed to providing you with comprehensive periodontal care and dental implant services designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile. To learn more about frenectomy services or schedule an appointment, contact our office at (702) 270-4600. We look forward to providing you with personalized care tailored to meet your needs.