A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. It can refer to frenula in several places on the human body. It is related to frenuloplasty, a surgical alteration in a frenulum. In the mouth, frenectomies are usually performed for periodontal or orthodontic reasons. In the oral cavity, a frenectomy performed to the frenum of the lip is called a labial frenectomy, under the tongue is called a lingual frenectomy. Frenectomies are performed on infants, children, and adults. A similar procedure is a frenulotomy, where the frenum is released but not completely excised (removed).