Thursday, March 13, 2008

Frenectomy


It's a big word, and you may be wondering just what it is!


Well, here is the official Wikipedia answer:


A labial frenectomy is a form of frenectomy performed on the lip.
The labial frenulum often attaches to the center of the upper lip and between the upper two front teeth. This can cause a large gap and gum recession by pulling the gums off of the bone. A labial frenectomy removes the labial frenulum. Orthodontic patients often have this procedure done to assist with closing a front tooth gap. When a denture patient's lips move, the frenulum pulls and loosens the denture which can be quite upsetting. This surgery is often done to help dentures fit better.


When I was younger, I had this surgery performed, and Mikalah has had the same surgery performed. It's just a family thing. Well, last night Jeffrey had the surgery performed...by himself...with the coffee table.


I took him to the dentist this morning just to have him checked, because his gums were still bleeding a little. The dentist informed me that everything looks great and that Jeffrey did, in fact, perform his own frenectomy.


Now, maybe he'll be a dentist, but hopefully he'll use more modern tools than a coffee table!

6 comments:

Deanne said...

That happened to Mae too! She performed her own 'procedure' one night while we were all wrestling and goofing around....wahlah, no more frenulum! (but a lot of blood and cries)

Deedee said...

Oh! Poor boy! I hope it heals up well and swiftly. Glad you enjoyed the NJ post! :o)I guess you are still 'one of us'. LOL!

Shay said...

oh my, ouch! My littlest has the frenulum issue too, and I wonder if it's easier on them if they 'fix' it themselves!

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had a little drama in your house. Sorry for the little guy.

E Jill Riley said...

If he becomes a dentist he can support you in his old age! Think of the possibilities! YEAH

terri said...

Ouch. That does NOT sound fun. But, yes, maybe it will inspire him in a dentistry career. Or else it will completely scare him of the dentist forever. :)