A frenum is a muscular stretch of tissue that connects and holds other tissues in place. Occasionally a frenum might be exceptionally short, thick, or tight, or may extend too far down along the tongue or the gum and results in lip tie or tongue tie. When a frenum is positioned in such a way it may interfere with the normal alignment of teeth, speech or constricts the movement of the tongue or lips. It can be corrected by a surgery called a frenectomy. A frenectomy is simply the removal of a frenum in the mouth.
There are two frena (the plural form of frenum) in the mouth that can sometimes obstruct normal function and are candidates for frenectomies. These frena are called:
Lingual Frenum: which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth
Maxillary Labial Frenum: which connects the inside of your upper lip to your gums just above your upper two front teeth.
Sometimes, the lingual frenum can run all the way to the tip of the tongue, causing a person to be “tongue-tied.” If the attachment is extends all the way to the tip of the tongue, then a frenectomy may be the only choice to give the child normal tongue function.
A lingual frenectomy is a simple procedure and involves numbing the tongue with an anesthetic. A small incision is then made which will free the tongue from the floor of the mouth. The incision then will be sewn up to allow the tissue to heal.
A soft tissue laser is an alternative method to to address the issue. A soft tissue laser does NOT cut but uses light energy to “vaporize” the tissue with very little discomfort. Additionally there is almost no bleeding from the laser procedure. The healing is very quick with less risk of infection.
If you or your child is experiencing discomfort and is struggling this issue, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Dr. Baker: Thanks to you and your staff for making an uncomfortable experience easy. From Cindy at the front setting me up to Sonja dealing with a Gagger, to your analysis of my problem, all was very professional and definitely a caring staff. Your referral to the Endodontist was excellent as well. Thanks, I'll be a patient for a long time. Mike F.
This is a dental group like no other. They make it to where you want to come back. Great job all. Dr. Baker should be proud.
Yesterday, I received a replacement crown for an old one installed by another practice several years ago. Dr. Baker has quite impressive new technology that creates and installs a crown with in one visit (approx. 3-3.5 hours.) No pain, crown fits perfectly. All-in-all, a great experience provided by a professional, competent and very friendly team.
The staff is great! Seem to genuinely care about their patients. Dr. Craig is the nicest guy. He wanted me to go to a specialist and it turned out that they didn't accept my insurance. He personally called another place right then and there. Definitely recommend it to anyone!
It had been a long time since the last cleaning. The hygienist was prompt. Her chair was comfy. She was gentle but firm and I left with a great, clean feeling.
As former snowbirds, who are now permanent residents, we needed to locate a dental practice. We read the reviews of Dr. Bakers office after seeing he was offering a Groupon. On our first visit, unfortunately the electric company had some issues and the power was off at approx. 500 customer locations in the area around Dr. Baker's office. After the power was restored, we were able to get x-rays and an oral exam (very thorough I might add.) The office staff re-scheduled our cleanings and today completed them. Amy is a very personable and thorough oral hygienist and as my wife exclaimed.."she is so gentle." Dr. Baker gave us an open and honest estimation of our dental condition and we will be returning for some additional work. I appreciated the lack of pressure that I hear so often from patients at other dental offices AND the personable and friendly personalities that are displayed by his staff. I highly recommend this practice to new residents in the area or to anyone unsatisfied with their current provider. We are looking forward to many years of exemplary service from Dr. Baker and his team!
Dr. Baker and staff are always so friendly and understanding
Love this place! Been going here a few years now and have nothing but positive feedback. No one "likes" going to the Dentist but the Doc and his staff make it very personable and friendly. State of the art equipment including 3D imaging to make a PERMANENT crown in one visit. No temp crowns or need for a 2nd visit.
Great experience, good employees & thorough work. Looks like I found my new dentist. 🙂
Have been seeing Dr. Baker for three years. Would highly recommend. Dr. Baker cares for his patients concerns, also has a great office family.
