Transseptal Fiberotomy

If one or several of your front teeth were severely rotated prior to orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may request surgical assistance in retaining your teeth in their new position. A transseptal fiberotomy releases the fibers which attach the teeth to the gum tissue. These fibers are like rubber bands. They are stretched to the new tooth position, and when the braces are removed, these fibers want to relax back and cause the teeth to be pulled back to their original position.

A transseptal fiberotomy is done under local anesthetic. An incision is made around the tooth to release the fibers. This allows the fibers to relax to their original position and then reattach to the tooth in its new position. Usually this procedure is done shortly before the orthodontic brackets are removed.  This treatment results in little post-operative discomfort and usually over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, are all that is needed. No sutures are placed and no post-operative follow-up appointments are needed.