
Frenectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the frenulum—a thin connective tissue band that connects the upper or lower lip to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This procedure is most commonly performed on young children to facilitate the proper development of oral functions and speech, but it can also be performed on adult patients. There are two primary methods for performing a frenectomy:
- Surgical Method (Scalpel-Based). The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia. After the frenulum is removed, the wound is sutured, and the stitches are removed after seven days. During the healing period, the patient may experience discomfort due to tissue tightness and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene. The presence of sutures may slow down healing and lead to plaque accumulation, which can cause additional complications. This method is more invasive and traumatic compared to laser frenectomy but is still commonly performed today.
- Laser Frenectomy. A minimally invasive and painless procedure due to the application of a local anesthetic. The laser allows for precise frenulum removal while simultaneously ensuring hemostasis, significantly reducing bleeding. No need for sutures, allowing for faster and easier healing. Reduces the risk of fibrous tissue formation after healing and promotes quicker regeneration of the treated area. Additional laser therapy can be used in the following days to accelerate the healing process. Due to its numerous advantages, laser frenectomy is the preferred method today, offering faster recovery, less pain, and better aesthetic results. This is a routine and safe procedure, so there is no reason for concern.