Our practice specializes in frenectomy procedures that address restrictive tissue connections in the mouth. These small bands of tissue, known as frenula, can limit movement of the tongue or lips when they’re too tight or incorrectly positioned. Our expert surgical team employs advanced techniques to release these restrictions, helping patients of all ages achieve improved oral function, comfort, and quality of life.
A frenectomy is a precise, minimal intervention that can resolve numerous issues including speech difficulties, feeding problems in infants, gaps between teeth, and gum recession. Our board-certified oral surgeons combine technical expertise with compassionate care, ensuring each patient receives personalized treatment in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment designed to promote positive outcomes and rapid healing.
Key Benefits of a Frenectomy
- Enhanced Oral Mobility – Release of restrictive frenula allows for proper tongue and lip movement, improving ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. Patients often notice immediate improvement in comfort and function after healing.
- Speech Improvement – For patients with speech impediments related to tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), a frenectomy can dramatically improve articulation by enabling proper tongue placement and movement necessary for clear speech production.
- Better Feeding for Infants – Infants with tongue or lip ties often struggle with nursing or bottle feeding. A gentle frenectomy can significantly improve latching, reduce nipple pain for nursing mothers, and enhance feeding efficiency, supporting healthy weight gain and development.
- Prevention of Dental Problems – Lip ties can contribute to gaps between front teeth and gum recession. Releasing these ties helps prevent these issues, potentially eliminating the need for more extensive dental treatments later in life.
- Minimal Recovery Time – Our precise surgical techniques minimize tissue trauma, resulting in faster healing and less discomfort than traditional methods. Most patients return to normal activities within days, with complete healing typically occurring within 1-2 weeks.
- Long-lasting Results – A properly performed frenectomy provides permanent resolution of tissue restrictions, offering lifelong improvements in oral function without the need for repeat procedures.
What to Expect in a Frenectomy Consultation
We believe in informed decision-making, so we’ll thoroughly review all treatment options, including procedural details, anesthesia choices, and expected outcomes. Our team will address any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and financial considerations. We’ll also coordinate with other healthcare providers if needed, such as speech therapists or lactation consultants, to ensure comprehensive care before and after your frenectomy.
How is a Frenectomy Performed?
On the day of your frenectomy, our team will ensure your comfort throughout the entire process. The procedure begins with the administration of appropriate anesthesia—typically local anesthesia for adults and children, though sedation options are available for anxious patients. The surgical area is carefully prepared, and our surgeon uses either traditional surgical instruments or advanced laser technology to precisely release the restrictive tissue. Laser frenectomies offer the advantages of minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and faster healing for many patients.
The actual procedure is remarkably quick, usually taking only 15-30 minutes to complete. For tongue-ties, the surgeon will release the restriction under the tongue, while lip-ties involve addressing tissue connecting the lip to the gum. After the release, a few small sutures may be placed depending on the technique used and the extent of the procedure. Our surgeons work with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring optimal functional improvement while preserving surrounding healthy tissues.
How is the Recovery After a Frenectomy?
Recovery from a frenectomy is typically straightforward, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some mild swelling and sensitivity at the surgical site are normal during the first 24-48 hours. We recommend a soft diet initially, avoiding spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that might irritate the healing tissue. Good oral hygiene remains essential—we’ll provide specific instructions on gentle brushing and saltwater rinses to keep the area clean without disrupting healing.
For optimal results, patients may need to perform simple stretching exercises to prevent reattachment of the tissue during healing. These exercises are particularly important for infants and children, and our team will demonstrate these techniques before you leave our office. Most patients can resume normal activities, including work or school, the day after surgery, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for several days. Complete healing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks, at which point patients can enjoy the full benefits of their improved oral function.
For infants who undergo frenectomy for feeding issues, many parents notice immediate improvement in nursing or bottle feeding. We maintain close follow-up with all our patients, scheduling a post-operative appointment to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Our care team remains available throughout your recovery to answer questions and provide support as you adapt to your new oral mobility.
