Even though it’s one of the most common procedures in dentistry, most people have never heard of it. A frenectomy is usually recommended in connection with tongue-tie or lip-tie in babies, braces in teens, or gum problems in adults. If a dentist or specialist has brought up a frenectomy for you or your child, the name may sound intimidating, but the procedure is quick and safe.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenulum is a small band of tissue that connects one part of the mouth to another. Everyone has several of them in their mouth. The two that most often cause problems are the lingual frenulum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the labial frenulum, which connects the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. In most people, these bands of tissue are thin and flexible enough to stay out of the way. But in some cases, a frenulum is too short, too thick, or attached too tightly, and it starts to cause problems. This is when a specialist may recommend a frenectomy.
A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes or loosens a tight frenulum so the patient can move their tongue or lip more freely.
Types of Frenectomies
There are two main types of frenectomies, based on which frenulum is involved.
Lingual frenectomy: This type of frenectomy alters the tissue under the tongue. A lingual frenectomy is needed when the lingual frenulum is too short or tight, limiting how far the tongue can move—a condition known as “tongue-tie,” or ankyloglossia. This type of frenectomy is often called “tongue-tie surgery.”
Labial frenectomy: In this type of frenectomy, the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums is altered. When the labial frenulum is too tight or thick, it can result in a condition sometimes referred to as “lip-tie.”
Why Would a Dentist Recommend a Frenectomy?
A dentist or specialist will usually recommend a frenectomy when the frenulum is actively causing a problem or is likely to get in the way of another treatment. The most common reasons include:
Feeding difficulties in infants. A tight lingual frenulum can make it hard for a baby to latch properly during breastfeeding. This can lead to poor weight gain in the baby and pain for the mother. In many of these cases, a simple release of the tissue can make feeding easier right away.
Speech problems. A restricted tongue can make it hard to form certain sounds, especially “l,” “r,” “t,” and “d.” A lingual frenectomy or tongue-tie surgery can give the tongue the range of motion it needs for clearer speech. Many patients also work with a speech therapist after the procedure to build new habits.
Orthodontic treatment. A thick labial frenulum can pull on the gums and keep a gap between the front teeth from closing, even with braces. In these cases, the orthodontist and dentist may work together to remove or reduce the frenulum so the teeth can move into the right position and stay there.
Gum health. When a frenulum is attached too close to the gum line, it can tug on the tissue every time the patient talks or eats. Over time, this pulling can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth and increasing the risk of sensitivity and decay.
Denture fit. In older patients, a labial frenulum that sits too low can interfere with how a denture fits along the upper gum. Removing or reducing the tissue helps the denture sit more securely.
What Happens During a Frenectomy?
Whether it is being done to repair a tongue-tie or lip-tie, a frenectomy is a short procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes. It can be done by a general dentist, a periodontist, an oral surgeon, or an ENT specialist, depending on the patient’s age and the reason for the procedure.
Some patients receive medication or “laughing gas” to help them relax during the surgery. Then, the area around the frenulum is numbed with a local anesthetic. The provider makes a small cut in the frenulum to free up the tissue using a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a dental laser. Laser frenectomies have become more common in recent years because they tend to cause less bleeding and less swelling, which usually means a faster recovery.
For infants with tongue-tie or lip-tie, the procedure is even simpler. The tissue in very young babies is thin and has few nerve endings, so it can often be released quickly with little discomfort and no anesthesia.
Frenectomy Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a frenectomy is usually straightforward. The patient may feel some soreness or mild swelling for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically enough to manage any discomfort. Soft foods are recommended for the first day or two, and the patient should avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods until the area heals.
The dentist may also give the patient stretching exercises to do at home. These exercises are especially important after a lingual frenectomy because they help keep the tissue from reattaching as it heals. When aftercare instructions are followed well, a frenectomy should last a lifetime.
Most patients are fully healed within one to two weeks. Complications such as prolonged bleeding and infection are quite rare, and the dentist will usually schedule a follow-up visit to check on healing and make sure the tissue is not tightening back up.
Find a Dentist Near You
A frenectomy is a minor procedure that can solve a wide range of problems, from feeding difficulties in newborns to gum recession in adults. It is quick, low-risk, and well-studied.
If you think you or your child may need to be evaluated for a frenectomy, reach out to a dentist near you to get checked out. Try our online search tool to find a dentist in your area.