Laser Frenectomy Procedure: A Modern Approach to Treating Frenum Restrictions
A laser frenectomy procedure is a minimally invasive dental treatment used to remove or modify a tight or restrictive frenum—the small fold of tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the surrounding oral tissues. When a frenum is unusually short, thick, or positioned too close to the gumline, it may contribute to discomfort, gum recession, difficulty with oral function, or spacing between teeth. What Is a Frenum? The mouth contains several natural folds of soft tissue called frena. The most commonly treated are the lingual frenum , located beneath the tongue, and the labial frenum , which connects the inside of the lip to the gums. In some people, a restrictive frenum can interfere with normal tongue or lip movement. Depending on its location and severity, it may affect speech, feeding, oral hygiene, orthodontic stability, or gum health. How Does a Laser Frenectomy Procedure Work? During a laser frenectomy, a specialized dental laser is used to carefully release or ...