WEBVTT

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A friend ectomy is
 a simple surgical procedure

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used to reduce or remove a frenum,

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a small fold of tissue that prevents
 an organ from moving too far.

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Dentists and oral surgeons
 perform two main types of frenectomy's

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lingual of the tongue
 and labial of the lip.

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While these procedures
 can be performed on patients

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of all ages, they are often
 used to treat children.

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There are several frenums in the mouth.

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A lingual frenum
 is located at the base of the tongue,

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connecting the tongue
 to the floor of the mouth.

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It can come in many sizes, and these size

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variations typically cause
 no discomfort for patients.

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However, if it is too short or thick,

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it can restrict tongue movement
 leading to a condition called tongue tied.

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Children with tongue tie can experience
 difficulty eating and speaking.

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The condition can even interfere
 with breastfeeding.

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Labial frenums are located
 in the middle of both

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the upper and lower arches
 and connect lips to the gums.

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While variations in size are common
 and typically cause

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no problems, excessively
 long labial frenums do occur.

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Abnormal labial frenums
 do not tend to cause speech

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or eating difficulties,
 but can affect appearance and oral health

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when a labial frenum descends
 too far down the gums.

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It can cause a gap or diastema to form
 between the two front teeth.

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While not necessarily a problem in itself,

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the frenum could disrupt
 orthodontic treatment.

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Labial frenums can also contribute
 to Gum recession by pulling gum

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tissue back, leaving a patient
 more prone to tooth decay.

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In these situations, a frenectomy
 will likely be recommended first.

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The area will be treated with anesthetic
 to ensure optimum comfort.

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Then your dentist or oral surgeon
 will carefully reduce

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the size of the frenum
 using a traditional scalpel.

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Soft tissue laser or a combination of both

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stitches may be used to seal
 the affected area.

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The entire procedure

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is typically very quick
 and is completed in a single appointment.

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Following frenectomy,
 it is important to keep the mouth clean,

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to prevent against any infection
 and help ensure a quick healing process.

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Using an antibacterial mouthwash
 may be recommended.

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Be careful when brushing and flossing
 around the treatment area

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until it has healed.

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In many cases, post-operative discomfort
 and swelling is minimal.

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Some patients describe it
 feeling akin to a pizza burn.

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Over-the-counter medications
 such as ibuprofen

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or acetaminophen should be enough to treat
 any lingering pain.

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Patients typically return to their normal
 eating an oral hygiene habits

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within a few days.

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Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon
 if you experience

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any prolonged swelling or discomfort
 frenectomy is a simple procedure

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that can perform a vital service
 for patients, particularly children.

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Talk to your dentist
 or oral surgeon to learn

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if a frenectomy is
 right for you or your child.