A human's mouth contains three frenulums. There is a frenulum that attaches your upper lip to the gums, while another connects the lower lip to the gums; the third attaches the underside of the tongue to the gum. 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 procedure that is performed in Dr. Train's office. It can be performed with laser and can take less than 15 minutes. Using a laser causes very little bleeding and does not require stitches. A laser also results in less postoperative discomfort and a shorter healing time. During a frenectomy, the area is anesthetized with local anesthetic painlessly with the aid of the "Wand". If your child needs a frenectomy, there is nothing to worry about. The procedure is very successful and causes minimal discomfort.