A lingual frenectomy is a dental procedure that addresses the tissue that attaches your tongue to the lower jaw. You should be able to see your lingual frenum when you open your mouth and lift your tongue to the roof of your mouth. The thin band of tissue can cause issues when it is too short, thick, or tight, not allowing your tongue to have a full range of motion and other functional problems. If yours is causing problems for you, then a lingual frenectomy will let your tongue move and rest better.
If you think you may have a restrictive lingual frenum, then you may find you struggle with the pronunciation of some sounds. If you feel tightness or tension below the tongue, then you may want to talk with the dentist about your concern. Other symptoms may include difficulty in properly swallowing food, articulating words correctly, or cleaning food from between your teeth or gums, which can lead to an increase in plaque build-up. Too much plaque along the gums causes gum inflammation, irritation, and eventually gum disease.
When the dentist has completed an exam and determined that your frenum negatively affects the function of your mouth, then your treatment plan will include a frenectomy. The dentist will examine how your tongue moves, how far your tongue can reach, and how much tension the frenulum creates in your mouth during the examination. Additionally, steps in your treatment plan can include speech therapy or orthodontics, depending on the extent of your problems.
The lingual frenectomy itself is a brief procedure that can be completed during one appointment. The dentist will use local anesthesia so you are comfortable during the process. The dentist will remove some of your frenum with a special tool designed to minimize bleeding and only affect the smallest amount of tissue possible. Depending on the amount of tissue removed, the dentist may need to place some dissolvable sutures to promote healing.
After your appointment and the anesthesia wears off, you will notice that the tissue under your tongue may swell or feel tender, but this usually does not last long. For most people, over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs manage their discomfort well. The dentist will give you post-op instructions, so be sure to follow those carefully. They will help keep debris out of the treated area and help your healing without any complications.
Once you are completely healed from your lingual frenectomy, you will find that moving your tongue around your mouth is easier and that speaking, swallowing, and even teeth cleaning aren’t as strenuous. People who have had the procedure say that they experience less tongue tension and fewer TMJ symptoms.
When your tongue isn’t able to move around your mouth to help you speak and swallow, which causes your tension, then it may be time to talk to the dentist about your symptoms. The frenectomy removes a small piece of tissue, but it leaves you with improved function and better long-term oral health.
If you have more questions about frenectomies or how a frenectomy could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if a frenectomy is the best option for you.