Frenectomy

A frenum or frenulum is the narrow, soft tissue that attaches the lip to the gums next to the teeth. When this attachment is too close to the edge of the gums it can pull the tissue away from the tooth and lead to recession and bone loss. The dense fibrous attachment between the teeth can prevent teeth from coming together, creating a 'diastema' or gap. If spaces were present between your teeth prior to orthodontic treatment (braces) the frenum attachment may need to be removed to help prevent the space from returning. The release or removal of a frenum is called a frenectomy. This is a short procedure that has minimal post-operative discomfort.