Frenectomy in Fort Worth

What a frenum is

Everyone has several frenums in the mouth. One connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. Another runs from the lower lip to the gum below. A third attaches the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Most of the time they cause no trouble at all.

Problems start when a frenum is unusually short, thick, or attached too close to the teeth. Then it can tug on the gums, restrict movement, or get in the way of other dental care.

Lip ties and gum health

A tight lip frenum can pull on the gum tissue each time the lip moves. Over years, that steady tug may lead to recession on the front teeth. It can also make brushing that area uncomfortable, so plaque builds up.

In children, an upper lip frenum that runs between the front teeth can help keep a gap open. That gap may close on its own as permanent teeth come in. If it does not, a frenectomy is often timed with orthodontic treatment so the space can close and stay closed.

Lower lip frenums can cause problems too. When the band attaches high on the gum below the lower front teeth, each pull of the lip can stretch thin tissue and expose roots. People with naturally thin gums in that area tend to notice it first. Releasing the band early can help keep the gum where it belongs.

Tongue ties and daily function

When the band under the tongue is tight, the tongue may not lift or stick out fully. Some people notice trouble with certain speech sounds, a hard time licking their lips, or a tongue tip that looks heart-shaped when they stick it out. Others have no symptoms at all.

Not every tongue tie needs treatment. We look at how the tongue moves and whether it is causing real problems before suggesting a release. For speech concerns, working with a speech therapist alongside treatment often gives the best results. Newborns with feeding trouble are usually best seen by a provider who focuses on infant care, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.

Frenectomy in Fort Worth with a laser option

Smiles Family Dental uses dental lasers for many soft tissue procedures. For a frenectomy in Fort Worth, a laser can release the tissue with little bleeding and often no stitches. Many patients find healing quicker and more comfortable than with a traditional scalpel approach.

Some cases still do better with a scalpel and a few small stitches, especially when the frenum is very thick. We will explain which method fits your situation and why.

Healing at home

Most patients feel mild soreness for a few days. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief usually do the trick. The area may look white or yellow while it heals, which is normal. For tongue releases, gentle stretching exercises may be recommended to keep the tissue from tightening again as it heals.

Families in Fairmount, Wedgwood, and nearby neighborhoods can usually schedule a frenectomy and be back to school or work the next day.

Frenectomy for denture wearers and adults with recession

Adults sometimes discover a frenum problem later in life. A lower lip frenum that sits high can make a lower denture lift or rock when you talk. A tight band near a front tooth can keep gum recession going even after grafting. In these cases, a release can make other treatments work better and last longer.

We often pair a frenectomy with a gum graft when both problems sit in the same spot. Treating them together can mean one healing period instead of two. If you wear dentures, releasing a frenum that interferes with the edge of the denture may help it sit more securely.

Every case starts with a simple look at how the tissue moves when you smile, talk, and lift your tongue. If the frenum is not causing trouble, we will tell you so and leave it alone. There is no reason to treat something that is working fine.