Expectations For Getting A Frenectomy To Fix A Tooth Gap

Is there a large gap located between your two front teeth? If so, know that is a pretty common problem that people have. The gap can be due to a frenulum that is too big. If it is very wide and extends to the bottom of your gums, it can create a gap that will make it difficult for those front teeth to be next to each other. Also, a large frenulum can make some orthodontic treatments difficult to have done, which is why a frenectomy can be done. Here is what you should expect if your oral surgeon is recommending a frenectomy.

Recovery

There is a very short recovery time following a frenectomy, and you should expect to start feeling better the next day. Unfortunately, there can be issues that cause discomfort that lasts a couple of weeks later. You'll be given directions to eat foods that are soft, like pasta, rice, and applesauce. As long as you don't have complications following the frenectomy, you can go back to eating normal foods when your dentist says it feels comfortable.

Pain

Any surgical procedure will cause some discomfort and pain, which is true of a frenectomy. It is normal to take a prescription strength pain medication after this type of procedure, but you may be able to get by with over-the-counter medications as well. Expect the pain to last for a few days, while the area will feel uncomfortable for a week or two. If you experience any swelling, it will help to put ice on the area so that the swelling is under your control.

Wound Care

Expect your dentist to give you a special wound dressing that goes over the surgical site and acts similar to having a cast on the area. This will help you eat and protect the area where the procedure was performed. Check with your dentist to find out how long they want you to keep the area covered since they will also have recommendations for how often to change the dressing as well.

Having a frenectomy done is only one part of fixing your smile. Once the area has healed, you'll be able to continue with additional treatments to close that gap between your teeth. While orthodontics is the obvious option, know that dental bonding is also an option. The goal of bonding is to make the teeth appear wider with a special material that replicates the look of a real tooth.