Frenectomy Surgery: Understanding Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Treatments
Your mouth and smile are so much more than the teeth and gums. As specialists, Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery takes a comprehensive approach to the structure, health, function, and appearance of the tissues and structures of the mouth, face, and jaws. As such, our teams in Mount Prospect, Chicago, Bartlett, and Elk Grove Village, Illinois, are in the best possible position to provide safe, predictable, and advanced treatment of even the most complex anatomical or functional challenges. Our wide range of surgical expertise and capabilities includes frenectomy.
What is a frenectomy?
Also known as a frenotomy or frenuloplasty, the frenectomy procedure treats a condition known as “tongue-tie.” This straightforward process generally releases the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
What causes a tongue-tie?
Frenum refers to the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the rest of the mouth. This small band of tissue is also located inside the upper and lower lips. It also attaches the cheek or lip to the gums. The lingual frenectomy corrects tongue-tie. It’s estimated that around 1 to 11% of newborns have this congenital condition. While it’s not known exactly what puts babies at increased risk of developing tongue-tie, there is thought to be a genetic/familial component.
Why should tongue-tie be treated?
Problems with the position, tightness, and other characteristics of the frenum are associated with many developmental challenges. Notably, an overly tight frenum or other abnormalities with this band of tissue can make latching difficult. Breastfed babies may not get the nutrition they need during such pivotal early weeks and months, and they may struggle to gain an appropriate amount of weight. Without treatment, tongue-tie can also affect speech and other functions.
What happens during a frenectomy?
A lingual frenectomy involves using precision surgical techniques to release the frenum. So, the tongue is no longer “tied” to the floor of the mouth. This process supports healthy and seamless movement.
What other types of frenectomy are performed?
Your child may also be born with a “lip-tie.” To address this challenge to your child’s good health, oral hygiene, and teeth alignment, Drs Russell Spinazze, Mark Spinazze, and Eliza Drobny may perform a labial frenectomy. During treatment, the tissue that ties the lips to the gums is released. Additionally, an abnormal frenum may be removed with or without gum grafting. This procedure may also be done in conjunction with and to support successful orthodontic treatment.
Why should I choose Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery?
When detected early, our doctors may be able to treat tongue-tie and lip-tie soon after birth. The earlier the interventions are implemented, the better the chance of avoiding the far-reaching effects of these conditions on your child’s early and critical development.
Call (847) 255-7080 to speak with a member of our team in Mount Prospect, IL, today. If our other three Chicagoland locations are more convenient for you, contact our teams in Chicago at (773) 736-3300, Bartlett at (630) 289-5002, or Elk Grove Village at (847) 593-0535.
