Frenectomy
Release tongue and lip ties with gentle laser treatment.
Frenectomy Explained
A frenectomy is a brief surgical procedure to remove or modify a frenum, the small fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. At Wilson Dental Associates, we perform frenectomies for both children and adults to address tongue-ties, lip-ties, and other frenum-related issues that affect speech, eating, oral hygiene, breastfeeding, or orthodontic outcomes.
The two most common frenectomies are lingual (tongue) and labial (lip). A lingual frenectomy releases a tongue-tie, where the tissue under the tongue is too tight or extends too far forward, restricting tongue movement. This is often diagnosed in infants who have difficulty breastfeeding, but can also affect older children and adults causing speech difficulties, eating challenges, and even sleep problems. A labial frenectomy releases a lip-tie, where the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight and may cause a gap between the front teeth, gum recession, or breastfeeding difficulties in infants.
Modern frenectomies are typically performed using a dental laser, which offers several advantages over traditional scalpel techniques: greater precision, less bleeding (the laser cauterizes as it cuts), faster healing, less post-operative discomfort, and minimal need for stitches. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes for most cases. Local anesthesia is used for older children and adults; topical anesthesia may be sufficient for infants. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, and complete healing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
How Treatment Works
Evaluate
We examine the frenum, assess functional concerns (feeding, speech, hygiene), and determine whether a frenectomy is appropriate.
Plan
We discuss the procedure, expected outcomes, recovery, and any related care like lactation support or speech therapy that may be helpful.
Release
Under appropriate anesthesia, the frenum is released or modified, typically using a dental laser for precision and faster healing.
Heal
Most patients heal within 1 to 2 weeks. We provide post-operative care instructions and any needed exercises to support optimal healing.
Frenectomy Approach
A frenectomy is a small procedure with potentially significant impact, particularly when it addresses an issue that's been affecting feeding, speech, or oral health for years. At Wilson Dental Associates, we evaluate carefully whether a frenectomy is genuinely needed rather than performing the procedure routinely. Not every prominent frenum requires treatment.
We use modern laser technology when appropriate, which makes the procedure faster, more comfortable, and produces better healing than traditional methods. For infant cases, we coordinate with lactation consultants when relevant to make sure the frenectomy is part of a comprehensive approach to breastfeeding success. For older children and adults, we discuss what to expect from speech therapy or other follow-up care that may be needed to fully realize the benefits of the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident before your appointment.
