Frenectomy
Pronunciation: freh-NEK-toh-mee
The surgical excision of a frenum (frenulum) — a small fold of mucous membrane — performed in the oral cavity when the frenum restricts normal tissue movement or contributes to a diastema.
Full Definition
A frenectomy involves complete removal of the frenum, including its attachment to the underlying bone, whereas a frenotomy (or frenulotomy) involves only incision of the frenum to release tension without full excision. Oral frenectomies are most commonly performed on the maxillary labial frenum (contributing to midline diastema) or the lingual frenum (in cases of ankyloglossia or tongue-tie). Editors must distinguish 'frenectomy' from 'frenotomy' and from 'frenulectomy', all of which are used in the literature but carry different degrees of surgical intervention. Procedure notes should specify the site and technique (scalpel, electrosurgery, or laser).
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'frenotomy' (incision only) or 'frenuloplasty' (reshaping). Each term describes a distinct level of surgical intervention.
In Context
- "A maxillary labial frenectomy was performed to eliminate the soft-tissue barrier contributing to the midline diastema." — Operative Note
- "The patient information sheet uses 'frenotomy' and 'frenectomy' interchangeably; these terms must be standardized before publication." — Editorial Review Note