Do you know what a frenectomy is? It’s something dentists do that might make you curious. If you’re not sure what it means or if you’re thinking about doing it but still have questions, that’s okay. It’s good to ask questions and learn more before you consider the treatment. Let’s talk about the most frequently asked questions about frenectomy to help you understand better.
Q1. What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a small surgery where a dentist removes a tiny piece of tissue called a frenum from your mouth. There are two kinds of frenums: one under your tongue and one between your top front teeth and your gums. Sometimes, these tissues can be too tight and cause problems with talking, eating, or keeping your mouth clean.
Q2. Why Might Someone Need a Frenectomy?
There are several reasons why a frenectomy might be necessary:
- Speech difficulties: When the tissue under the tongue is too tight, it’s called tongue-tie. This can make it hard to move your tongue properly, causing problems with talking, like lisps or trouble saying some sounds.
- Feeding problems: Babies with a tight piece of tissue under their tongue might find it hard to latch onto their mom’s breast or a bottle when they’re breastfeeding.
- Orthodontic concerns: When the tissue between the upper front teeth and the gums is too tight, it can make a gap between the teeth or lead to the gums pulling back, which might need braces or other dental treatment to fix.
- Oral hygiene issues: If the tissue between your teeth or under your tongue is too tight, it can be hard to clean your teeth and gums properly. This makes it easier for gum disease and tooth decay to happen.
Q3. What Does the Frenectomy Procedure Involve?
During a frenectomy surgery in Grande Prairie, the dentist or oral surgeon will make the area numb with a special medicine so you don’t feel any pain. Then, they’ll use either a small knife or a laser to carefully remove the extra tissue. It’s a quick procedure, and most people, including kids and adults, find it okay to handle.
Q4. Is Frenectomy Painful?
Many people say they don’t feel much pain during or after a frenectomy. If there’s any discomfort afterward, it’s usually not too bad and can be eased with common painkillers you can buy without a prescription. Any discomfort generally goes away within a few days after a frenectomy procedure.
Q5. How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Frenectomy?
Different people take different amounts of time to get better after a frenectomy, but usually, it only takes a few days. Right after the procedure, there might be a bit of swelling and discomfort, but that usually goes away fast. It’s important to do what your dentist tells you to do after the procedure to help you heal well.
Why It’s Important to Ask Questions
When you’re considering any dental procedure, like a frenectomy, asking questions is important for a few reasons:
- Understanding: Asking frenectomy questions helps you understand more about the procedure. You can learn why it’s done, what might go wrong, and what good results to expect.
- Informed decision-making: When you know more, you can make smart choices about your teeth and gums. This means you can decide what’s best for you and your oral health.
- Building trust: Talking openly with your dentist builds trust. It helps you feel confident that they’re listening to you and taking care of your worries. This way, you can feel good about the treatment you’re getting.
Visit Our Grand Prairie Dentist Today for Frenectomy Care!
At Cobblestone Dental, we know how crucial it is to talk openly and educate our patients. Our skilled team of dentists in Grande Prairie is committed to giving you caring and thorough dental care, including frenectomy procedures, to make your mouth healthier and you happier. If you’re unsure about frenectomy or any other dental treatment, feel free to ask us anything. We’re here to support you
Book an appointment with us now to discover how we can help with your dental needs and make your smile even better.