FRENECTOMY

Furniss Family Dentistry
Dr. Joshua K. Furniss, D.D.S

A frenulum is a piece of tissue that prevents an organ from moving. There is a frenulum that attaches your upper lip to the gums, while another connects the lower lip to the gums. A frenulum that is too short or thick, will cause problems in speech patterns and tooth misalignment. In infants, a shortened frenulum underneath the tongue will inhibit breastfeeding. When the frenulum disrupts movement, growth, or development, corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation.

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is performed in your Gilmer family dentist’s office. Dr. Furniss performs this small surgery with a state-of-the-art CO2 laser and this takes less than 15 minutes. Using a laser results in very little bleeding and does not require stitches. The laser also results in less postoperative discomfort and a shorter healing time. Adults, young children and infants usually do not need to be put to sleep for the procedure. Dr. Furniss typically just uses topical and/or local anesthesia. This is a simple, routine procedure with a great success rate.