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| The
muscles of the cheeks and lips are attached to the gums and tissue
of the mouth by a piece of soft tissue called a frenum. Sometimes
a frenum can be attached too high on the gums causing either recession
or spaces between teeth. |
A
Frenectomy is a simple procedure where either part or all of the
frenum in question is removed in order to return a healthy balance
to the mouth.
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| A
lingual frenectomy removes the fold of tissue under the tongue.
Some people have a large frenum that limits tongue movement and
can interfere with speech.
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| Children
or teenagers may notice that the frenum under their tongue becomes
stuck between their front teeth, or that they can't stick their
tongue out as far as their friends can.. |
| People
receiving a laser frenectomy must remain completely still during
the operation, so younger children may require general anesthesia.
In adults, the procedure can be done with local anesthesia, with
or without nitrous oxide. |
| A
frenectomy can take several weeks to heal completely. Rinsing with
salt water helps keep the area clean. Brush and floss carefully
around the area. Depending on the type of stitches your dentist
uses, you may need to return to the dentist to have your stitches
removed or they may dissolve on their own.. |
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Redoing a lingual frenectomy is common. Few frenectomies need repeating.Any
surgery carries a risk of bleeding. Because of the many blood vessels
in the tongue, lingual frenectomies are more likely to result in
bleeding, although this complication is rare. |
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