A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. It most commonly refers to the lip or tongue when discussed in a dental setting. The frenum can sometimes be too restrictive and cause problems, such as with tongue-tie or lip-tie. This problem very often presents at birth when babies have difficulty latching while trying to breastfeed.
Frenectomies are often done to resolve lip or tongue tie in children, especially when it is causing problems with nursing or feeding. This procedure can be done using our Waterlase Laser right here in our office. Using the laser treatment allows for a small incision, less pain and quicker recovery with less chance of infection.