A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far, and can refer to frenula in several places on the body. In the mouth, frenectomies are usually performed for periodontal or orthodontic reasons: a frenectomy of the lip frenum is called a labial frenectomy, and one under the tongue is called a lingual frenectomy. Frenectomies are performed on infants, children and adults, and a related but less extensive procedure, a frenulotomy, releases the frenum without completely excising it.
Facts
FAQs
Is a frenectomy the same as a frenotomy?
Often used interchangeably: frenectomy is also commonly called frenotomy or frenulotomy.
The terms overlap in the medical literature. A Canadian health technology review describes splitting a tongue-tie as a frenectomy, also commonly referred to as a frenotomy or frenulotomy, and says it can be done with a laser, a scalpel or surgical scissors. The same review cautions that tongue-tie is not the only cause of breastfeeding problems, so in cases of other causes the procedure may not resolve them.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Frenectomy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frenectomy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frenectomy, lead section
A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.