Frenectomies, Fiberotomies & Gingivoplasties- Oh My!
EAGAN AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – When we create an orthodontic treatment plan for our patients, it is our desire to give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, but also to ensure that your bite is functional and healthy.
Sometimes, achieving these goals requires us to go beyond what most consider the routine orthodontic treatment pattern of braces or Invisalign, says Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an Eagan and St. Paul orthodontist. There are some cases that require periodontal treatment in connection with orthodontic treatment.Three types of periodontal procedures we will discuss today are frenectomies, fiberotomies and gingivoplasties.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed to remove or reposition part of the frenum- fibrous gum tissue that connects the lips, cheeks or tongue to the gums- when that tissue is excessive or particularly thick, according to information available from the American Association of Orthodontists.
“We commonly recommend a frenectomy for patients who have a gap between their upper two front teeth that may be caused by the frenum,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, a St. Paul braces expert.
The frenectomy enables the gap between the teeth to close, and it stabilizes the teeth so the space can remain closed. Patients who have a thick frenum may require the procedure to relieve tension that otherwise could eventually cause their gums to recede. Sometimes, a frenectomy helps us achieve optimal results from our orthodontic treatment. Dr. Eisenhuth can advise whether the procedure is necessary and determine the best point at which to have the procedure.
Fiberotomy
An AAO brochure about the procedure describes a fiberotomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases tiny elastic fibers around your teeth. In some cases, these fibers cause teeth to rotate considerably. We may recommend this procedure as an additional measure to ensure that we maintain your functional bite and healthy, beautiful smile once that is achieved through orthodontic treatment.
Patients whose teeth have a high degree of rotation before orthodontic treatment may require a fiberotomy for optimum orthodontic results, because these teeth tend to relapse and return to their original positions otherwise, says Dr. Eisenhuth, a St. Paul orthodontics specialist. A fiberotomy acts to release the elastic fibers, which lessen the likelihood of rotational relapse after braces or other orthodontic appliances have been removed.
Dr. Eisenhuth, a St. Paul Invisalign provider, determines on a case-by-case basis whether her patients needs a fiberotomy.
Gingivoplasty
A gingivoplasty is a procedure done to sculpt or remove gum tissue. It may be performed individually, or simultaneously with a frenectomy or fiberotomy.
Gingivoplasty corrects a variety of cosmetic and oral health problems, says Dr. Eisenhuth, a St. Paul invisible braces specialist. It can be done to remove excess gum tissue, to correct a “gummy” smile, or to balance uneven gum heights.
Who needs a gingivoplasty and when?
Excess gum tissue can be the result of poor oral hygiene, particularly during orthodontic treatment. It also can be caused by some illnesses and certain medications.
We also have patients who request a gingivoplasty to correct a “gummy” smile. This type of gingivoplasty also is known as “crown lengthening.” It uncovers normal tooth surfaces that are concealed by excess gum tissue, and help create a more beautiful smile.
Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.
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