What does an undercut of the frenulum of the lip give?

What is the frenulum of the lip?

The frenulum of the lip is a thin membrane that connects the inner surface of the lip (upper or lower) with the gums. It is an anatomical structure found in all humans, made up of fibrous and muscular tissue. Its main task is to maintain the position of the lip relative to the gums and teeth.

The frenulum of the lip has several functions, including supporting speech and facial expression and helping to keep mucus on the surface of the lip. In some cases, it can be too short, tense or incorrectly located, which leads to problems with the functioning of the lip - such as difficulty speaking, eating, maintaining oral hygiene, as well as aesthetic problems.

When should you cut the frenulum?

An undercut of the frenulum of the lip is considered when its abnormalities cause functional or aesthetic problems. Among the most common indications are:

• Difficulties with speech — a short or tight frenulum can make it difficult to articulate sounds.
• Problems with eating — pain or discomfort when eating caused by an abnormal frenulum.
• Obstructed oral hygiene — The frenulum can limit proper brushing of teeth, which increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
• Diastema — a gap between the upper middle incisors, often caused by a tight frenulum that tightens the gums and moves the teeth apart.
• Aesthetic problems — retraction of the gums or incorrect shape of the lip, affecting the appearance of the smile.

The decision to undercut the frenulum is made after a thorough examination of the patient by a specialist - a dentist, orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon.

At what age can the frenulum be cut?

The frenulum undercut procedure can be performed at different stages of life:

• Infants and toddlers — when the frenulum hinders breastfeeding or speech development. In such cases, consultation with a pediatrician or pediatric dentist is necessary.
• Children and adolescents As the child develops, frenulum abnormalities can cause problems with speech, food, or aesthetics.
• Adults — the undercut of the frenulum can be performed when functional or aesthetic difficulties arise.

Who decides to undercut the frenulum?

The decision on the procedure should be made jointly by the patient (or legal guardians in the case of children) and a specialist who will assess the condition of the frenulum and discuss the potential benefits and risks. Professionals who can recommend and carry out an undercut are:

• Dentist — during routine examinations may suggest the need for surgery.
• Orthodontist — when the frenulum affects the development of the bite or orthodontic treatment.
• Maxillofacial surgeon For more complex problems.
• Pediatrician — in infants and young children.

Can a dentist perform a frenulum undercut?

Yes, a dentist with the right experience and equipment can carry out this procedure. In the absence of such an opportunity, the dentist will refer the patient to a maxillofacial surgeon or a specialist in pediatric dentistry.

What does the frenulum undercut procedure look like?

The procedure, called a frenectomy, is short and simple. It usually proceeds according to the following stages:

1. Consultation and evaluation — the doctor assesses the condition of the frenulum and the health of the patient.
2. Local anesthesia — to minimize pain during the procedure.
3. Incision of the frenulum — incision or removal of excess tissue with a scalpel, surgical scissors or laser.
4. Hemostasis and dressing — control of bleeding, possibly suturing.
5. Postoperative instructions — recommendations for care and follow-up visits.

The treatment lasts from a few to a dozen minutes, and the healing process usually takes several days.

Does undercutting the frenulum hurt?

During the procedure, local anesthesia is used, so the patient does not feel pain. After the anesthesia has subsided, mild or moderate pain may occur, which can be controlled with analgesics (eg paracetamol, ibuprofen). The discomfort usually subsides with healing.

How long does the wound heal after surgery?

The healing process usually lasts from several days to several weeks, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the technique of the procedure. For sutures, they are removed after 1—2 weeks, unless self-dissolving sutures were used.

Recommendations after the procedure of undercutting the frenulum

To ensure proper healing and avoid complications, you should:

• Keep the oral cavity clean, gently brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.
• Use pain medication as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid over-stretching the lip (e.g., smiling broadly, yawning).
• For a few days, follow a soft diet and avoid hot drinks and foods.
• If necessary, apply cold compresses to the treatment site.
• Avoid smoking for a few days after the procedure.
• Attend check-ups with your doctor.

In the event of severe pain, swelling, bleeding, infection or delayed healing, you should contact your doctor immediately.