A frenectomy is the surgical alteration of a frenum which is a fold of tissue which restricts movement. In the mouth this is generally a small portion of tissue related to the upper lip, the tongue, or the lower lip. A labial frenectomy may be needed when a frenulum is attached too high on the gums causing space between the teeth. The tissue attachment between the two teeth is removed since it can continue to push teeth apart A lingual frenectomy is when the large fold of tissue under the tongue is removed.