Frenectomy

A frenectomy is simply the surgical removal of a frenum.

A frenum is a naturally occurring muscle attachment, normally seen between the front teeth (either upper or lower). It connects the inner aspect of the lip with the gum tissue. An excessive frenum can prevent the front teeth from coming together properly, resulting in a gap. If the frenum is too large to allow the teeth to come together, the frenum is surgically released from the gum with a frenectomy. A frenectomy is also often required in conjunction with a gingival graft procedure, to correct severe gingival recession.

If orthodontic treatment is planned, the removal of an abnormal frenum, with or without a gingival graft, can increase the stability and improve the success of the final orthodontic result.