Most individuals are aware of a frenectomy, however, only a few people know that it is not a major surgery that requires a lot of incisions and stitches. It is a quick procedure with minimum downtime. But what about frenectomy cost? Does the patient have to pay out of his pocket? Is it covered by insurance? Answers to all these questions will be given in this article. So, continue to read to know more.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal or reduction of a frenum, which is a small fold of tissue that is attached to the lips and gums. An unusual frenum might create gaps in the front teeth or interfere with the speech process, swallowing process, or even breastfeeding. It is the cause of the most common conditions, ”tongue tie” and “lip tie,” which are seen in babies. When the baby’s frenum is too rigid or thick, it can cause a lip tie. This limits the upper lip’s range of motion. On the other hand, an infant with a tongue tie has a lingual frenum that is too short, too tight, or too near the tip of the tongue. This limits their tongue mobility.
The types of frenectomy are discussed further in this article, including the lingual frenectomy, and the labial frenectomy. The cost of a frenectomy can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and whether the person has dental insurance.
What Are the Types of Frenectomy?
There are two types of frenectomy, which are explained below:
1. Lingual Frenectomy
This procedure is done to eliminate tongue ties. When the lower lingual frenum affixes to the base of the tongue and limits its movement, a tongue tie forms. In lingual frenectomy, a band of connective tissue is surgically removed or modified to remove the tie connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This type is more of a medical necessity than a cosmetic procedure, as it improves its functions. A tongue tie causes the tongue to not move normally and makes it difficult for an infant to feed or speak. When this happens tongue excursion is greatly hampered by the lower lingual frenum. Hence, a frenectomy may be required. Improved breastfeeding results from this treatment. A lingual frenectomy can be effectively done with the Er: YAG laser.
2. Labial Frenectomy
The labial frenum, a tiny piece of connective tissue that joins the top lip to the two front teeth, is addressed in this type of frenectomy. There are several issues that can develop when the labial frenum is abnormally large, including trouble speaking or eating, pain in the lips and gums, and problems with the functionality of the bite. Additionally, diastemas, or gaps between the teeth, can form and necessitate the use of braces for orthodontic correction. This surgery fixes lip ties by removing or changing the labial frenum, which connects the inside of the lip to the gums. More people have upper lip frenectomies than lower lip frenectomies. Additionally, this procedure is also known as a maxillary frenectomy. This form of frenectomy is more of a cosmetic procedure that aids in closing the gaps in the front teeth.
Is Frenectomy Covered by Insurance?
Frenectomy is mostly done for infants with tongue ties or lip ties. Most parents do not have health insurance for their young children. A tongue or lip tie revision, however, is usually a covered procedure if the child has dental insurance. Depending on the type of dental plan individuals have, the coverage varies from 50% to 80%. When infant feeding issues or childhood articulation issues occur, an inferior lingual frenectomy or lingual frenotomy for ankyloglossia (tongue tie) is deemed medically necessary and a covered benefit. However, labial frenectomy comes under the category of a cosmetic dentistry procedure, therefore, it might not be covered under insurance. But still, one must check their dental insurance plans to confirm the coverage.
Frenectomy Cost Without Insurance
The cost of a frenectomy without insurance depends on several factors, such as the type of frenectomy, the location of the dental office, and the experience and skills of the dental surgeon. On average, one can expect to pay anywhere between $250 and $1,200 for a frenectomy without insurance. The estimated costs for each type of frenectomy are listed below.
The cost of a lingual frenectomy can range from $300 to $1,500 or more without insurance.
The cost of a labial frenectomy can range from $250 to $1,500 or more without insurance.
Again, it is crucial to note that these costs are only estimates, and the actual cost of a frenectomy can vary depending on several factors, as discussed earlier. Therefore, it is best to discuss with the operating dentist and the insurance provider to get a more accurate estimate of the cost.
Frenectomy Cost with Insurance
The cost of a frenectomy with insurance coverage also depends on the type of procedure and the insurance policy. In some circumstances, dental insurance might pay for a frenectomy. Insurance plans for either the mother or the child may provide coverage for it. Therefore, it is wise to speak to the insurance provider or review the benefits to find out how much one can expect to pay out of pocket because each dental insurance plan differs in terms of what treatments are covered and how much is covered.
Conclusion
Although frenectomy is not as expensive as other procedures, financial worries are the most important factors people consider when deciding whether they want a procedure done. Also, frenectomy cost depends on a lot of factors, such as whether additional dental treatments, like gum repairs, are required. The amount of tissue removed, the patient’s age, the doctor’s location when conducting the surgery, the surgical technique, and the use of lasers can all affect the overall cost. Therefore, for better financial management, one should thoroughly grasp their insurance coverage prior to having the surgery.
If you are living in cities like Pleasanton, Dublin or Livermore contact Dr. Sharda Patel who provides various dental services including frenectomy. Schedule a dental appointment or call to know more about frenectomy cost and procedure. You can also check the insurance and payment page to check the insurance accepted by Dr. Sharda Patel.