Frenectomy vs. Frenotomy: What’s The Difference?

In the realm of dental procedures, terms like “frenectomy” and “frenotomy” may sound intimidating or confusing to many. Understanding the differences between these procedures is important to determine what your child needs. If you want to learn the big difference between these two surgical solutions for your child’s lip and tongue-ties, continue reading.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a frenum—a small fold of tissue that connects two structures in the mouth. The two types of frenectomy are “lingual” and “labial.”

Lingual Frenectomy: This procedure involves the removal or modification of the lingual frenulum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It’s used to address a tongue-tie, which can restrict tongue movement and affect speech and oral functions.

Labial Frenectomy: In this procedure, the frenulum connecting the lips to the gums is removed. This procedure corrects a lip-tie, which can contribute to gum recession, orthodontic problems, or difficulty with oral hygiene.

What Is a Frenotomy?

A frenotomy is a less invasive procedure than a frenectomy. It involves making a small incision or snip in the frenulum to release tension or remove restriction. A frenotomy is commonly performed on infants or young children with lip or tongue-tie to improve breastfeeding, speech development, and oral function. 

Which Should I Choose for My Child?

The decision between frenectomy and frenotomy depends on multiple factors like:

• The severity of the condition affecting your child.
• The age of the patient receiving the procedure.
• Your preferences and the advice of your child’s dentist.

Sometimes a frenotomy may be enough to address your child’s issue, however, a frenectomy may be necessary for more severe cases.

Understanding the differences between frenectomy and frenotomy is essential for having an informed conversation with your child’s dentist. It’s important to know exactly what any treatment that affects your child may entail. This will help you discuss your preferences and see that your child is put on the road to a better smile free from restrictions.

About the Author

If your child needs a surgical dental solution, you need an experienced dentist to handle it. Dr. Nélida Garcia-DeMartino is a lip and tongue-tie expert who loves restoring the smiles of her tiny patients. She’s been working with children for decades and has performed many procedures that require a skilled hand. Call (908) 840-8399 to schedule a frenectomy consultation at DeMartino Dental Group, P.C. or visit the website to learn more.