Frenectomy in Oak Park
A small fold of tissue can cause a surprising number of problems. The frenum that connects your lip to your gums, or your tongue to the floor of your mouth, is normally thin and flexible. When it is too short, too thick, or attached in the wrong spot, it can pull on the gums, leave a gap between the front teeth, or limit how freely the tongue moves. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases or removes that tissue. At 805 Dentistry, we perform frenectomies for children and adults from Oak Park and nearby communities.
A frenectomy releases a restrictive band of tissue. There are two main frenums involved. The lingual frenum sits under the tongue. When it is tight, people often call it being "tongue-tied." The labial frenum connects the upper or lower lip to the gums above or below the front teeth. Either one can be addressed, depending on where the restriction is and how it affects your mouth.
The situations that bring patients to us vary. A parent may notice their child has trouble lifting or extending the tongue. An adult may have gum tissue pulling away near the front teeth because a lip frenum attaches too close to the gumline. A frenum can also contribute to a space between the front teeth that orthodontic treatment alone has trouble keeping closed. Because our office includes general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and periodontics, we can look at how the frenum fits into your overall oral health rather than treating it in isolation.
Many Oak Park families appreciate that we see patients of all ages under one roof. Our practice in Thousand Oaks, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, describes itself as a one-stop shop for the whole family's dental care. A child's exam, a parent's cleaning, and a frenectomy evaluation can all be handled by a team that already knows your family's history.
For younger patients, our pediatric dentistry care serves children ages 4 to 14, and parents are welcome in the treatment room. That can make a big difference for a child who feels nervous about a procedure. For patients with dental anxiety at any age, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers several options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
Who is a good candidate for a frenectomy?
A good candidate is someone whose frenum is causing a functional or dental problem, and the only way to know for sure is an in-person exam. During your visit, we look at where the tissue attaches, how much movement it allows, and whether it is affecting your teeth or gums.
Common reasons we evaluate a frenum include:
- Limited tongue movement that may affect eating or speech
- A lip frenum pulling on the gums near the front teeth
- A gap between the front teeth linked to the frenum's position
- Coordination with orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners
- Gum health concerns that our periodontal team wants to address
Not every unusual frenum needs treatment. If we find that yours isn't causing a problem, we will tell you so and explain what to watch for. Our goal is to give Oak Park patients clear, honest information so they can make a confident decision.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure is usually brief and done right in our office. We start by numbing the area so you stay comfortable, and we can add sedation if you or your child would benefit from it. Then the frenum is carefully released or reshaped so the lip or tongue can move more freely.
Our practice offers laser dentistry as well as traditional techniques. We'll talk with you about which approach fits your situation. Before anything begins, we'll walk you through each step and answer your questions, so nothing comes as a surprise.
How do I care for my mouth afterward, and how can I pay for treatment?
Aftercare is generally straightforward, and we give you specific instructions before you leave. These typically cover keeping the area clean, choosing comfortable foods for the first few days, and any gentle exercises we recommend for the tongue or lip. If something doesn't feel right during healing, call us. We also offer emergency dental appointments when urgent concerns come up.
When it comes to cost, we accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available for families who prefer to spread out payments. Our team is happy to review your coverage and options with you before treatment, so you know what to expect. If you live in Oak Park and have questions about a frenum, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule an evaluation.