Does a frenectomy require stitches? i'm going to be having a frenectomy done as part of my orthodontic treatment, and would like to know if i will need stitches afterwards. and is it a long recovery time?

Are : Are you talking about upper or lower? I have been an orthodontist for 35 years and I have rarely found it necessary to recommend a frenectomy. When I do find it necessary it is most often in cases where the lower frenum is attached in a way that it's pulling the lower gum away from the tooth. This surgery is truely minor and does not require a stitch. The surgery on the upper frenum could be similar but often they go after the fibers that go through the two front teeth and attach themselves in the palate. This more extensive frenectomy will most probably require a stitch or two and the recovery time is longer.

Frenectomy : Frenectomy is recommended when there is fibrous attachment between teeth interfering with orthodontic closure of spaces. It is a simple procedure but I have always placed 1-3 stitches to make certain that healing goes well.

When : When the band of fibrous tissue between the two front teeth connected to the labial frenum is so thick that it causes a wide separation between the central incisors, and is considered a barrier to obtaining an orthodontic closure, then a decision may be made to perform a frenectomy. The procedure is not complicated, the fibers to the lip are sectioned and the band of tissue between the teeth is excised and closure with a few sutures is achieved. A salt water mouth rinse should be prescribed, and usually the procedure is uneventful. We remove the stitches in five days, and advise a soft diet for 10 to 15 days, the area is healed in 21days. You must immediately proceed with the orthodontic closure. We prefer the bands to be on the teeth but the wire off for the procedure. However - i bow to my colleague dr. Aronowitz, the orthodontist in who experience these procedures are rarely necessary. Dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

It depends .....: Stitches will depend upon how large the frenum is initially. The wider it is the more likely stitches will be required. This procedure is very minor and required if you want the space between your front teeth to stay away.

Sometimes - short: Occasionally a stitch or two may be required for an upper midline frenectomy between the front teeth. Conservative approaches to remove the tiny, but problematic, bundle of muscle fibers just between the teeth may not require stitches. Although this process is more than just a "paper cut, " the healing is quick and pain typically managed with advil (ibuprofen) or Motrin along with warm salt water rinses.

All Depends: The answer to your question is dependant on the "type of frenectomy" that is performed. As mentioned previously, in many instances, no. Today, many oral surgeons are using lasers to perform frenectormies, which do not require surgical sutures (stitches). Timing of the frenectomy is also important as it should be done during treatment, not before treatment if it is between the two upper front teeth.

Not important: What is important is whether the frenectomy truly is needed. If so a few sutures are not anything to be concerned with. Case selection is the most important thing here, and it my belief that too many frenectomies are done in the name of prophylaxis, not current need.