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Have you noticed that your child struggles to stick out their tongue, has trouble with certain sounds, or has a noticeable gap between the front teeth? Or maybe you have dealt with tightness under your own tongue or lip for years without knowing why. In some cases, the cause is a small band of tissue called a frenum.
Everyone has frenums. They are the thin folds of tissue that connect your tongue to the floor of your mouth and your lips to your gums. Most of the time, they cause no problems. But when a frenum is too short, too thick, or too tight, it can limit movement and affect eating, speaking, oral hygiene, and even the position of your teeth.
A frenectomy is a quick, minor procedure that releases or removes this tissue. Here is what you should know about when a frenectomy may help, what the procedure involves, and what recovery looks like.
Tongue-Tie vs. Lip-Tie: What's the Difference?
Tongue-Tie (Lingual Frenum)
The lingual frenum connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth. When it is too tight or attaches too close to the tip of the tongue, it is called tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). Tongue-tie can make it hard to lift the tongue, move it side to side, or stick it out past the lips.
Lip-Tie (Labial Frenum)
The labial frenum connects the inside of your upper or lower lip to your gums. When this tissue is too thick or attaches low on the gums, it is called lip-tie. A tight upper lip frenum can pull on the gums and may contribute to a gap between the front teeth.
Signs a Frenectomy May Help
A tight frenum affects everyone differently. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others notice problems such as:
- Difficulty moving the tongue up, out, or side to side
- Trouble pronouncing certain sounds, like "l," "r," "t," or "th"
- A gap between the upper front teeth that keeps returning
- Gum tissue pulling away from the teeth (gum recession) near the frenum
- Difficulty cleaning teeth, especially behind the lower front teeth
- Trouble chewing or swallowing certain foods
- Discomfort or tension in the tongue, lip, or jaw
A tight frenum is not a problem on its own. Treatment is usually recommended only when it is causing symptoms or affecting oral health.
Who May Need a Frenectomy?
Children
A frenectomy can be done at any age, including in infants. At Dimension Dental Care, we provide frenectomies for children ages 4 and up. In children, a frenectomy may be recommended when tongue-tie affects speech development or eating, or when a lip-tie affects the gums or front teeth. Your dentist may work together with your child's pediatrician or speech therapist to decide on the right timing.
Adults
Many adults live with a tongue-tie or lip-tie without realizing it. A frenectomy may be helpful for adults who have gum recession near the frenum, ongoing gaps between the teeth, or limited tongue movement that affects speech or comfort. It is also sometimes recommended before or after orthodontic treatment to help close a gap and keep it closed.
What to Expect During a Frenectomy
Your Evaluation
It starts with an exam. Your dentist will check how your tongue and lips move, look at where the frenum attaches, and talk with you about any symptoms. This helps determine whether a frenectomy is likely to help.
The Procedure: Laser Frenectomy
A frenectomy is typically a short, in-office procedure that takes only a few minutes. The area is numbed so you stay comfortable. In most cases, Dr. Kaso uses a Fotona dental laser to gently release or remove the frenum. Laser treatment typically means less bleeding, often no stitches, and a more comfortable recovery for many patients.
Recovery After a Frenectomy
Most patients recover quickly. You may have some mild soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Healing time varies, but the area typically heals within one to two weeks.
To help your recovery go smoothly:
- Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days.
- Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that may irritate the area.
- Keep the area clean and follow your dentist's rinsing instructions.
- Do any stretching exercises your dentist recommends. These help prevent the tissue from reattaching too tightly as it heals.
For children with speech concerns, working with a speech therapist after the procedure can help them get the most benefit from their new range of motion.
Are There Risks?
A frenectomy is considered a safe, low-risk procedure. As with any procedure, there can be minor side effects such as swelling, soreness, or slight bleeding. In some cases, the tissue can reattach as it heals, which is why follow-up care and stretching exercises are important. Your dentist will review what to watch for and when to call the office.
Find Out if a Frenectomy Is Right for You
A tight frenum is small, but it can affect how you speak, eat, and care for your teeth. The good news is that a frenectomy is a quick procedure with a short recovery, and for many patients it makes a real difference in comfort and function.
The best way to know whether you or your child could benefit is a personal evaluation. At Dimension Dental Care, Dr. Kaso will examine how the tongue and lips move, explain what is going on, and recommend a plan that fits your needs. To learn more, visit our frenectomy in Holmdel, NJ page.
Ready to get answers? Schedule your consultation by calling (732) 444-8822 or booking online. Your consultation is $150, and that amount is applied toward your treatment if you decide to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a frenectomy hurt?
The area is numbed before the procedure, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually easy to manage.
How long does a frenectomy take?
The procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes. Your full appointment will be a little longer to allow time for numbing and aftercare instructions.
How long is recovery after a frenectomy?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, and the area typically heals within one to two weeks.
Can adults get a frenectomy?
Yes. Many adults have a tongue-tie or lip-tie that was never treated. A frenectomy can help with gum recession, gaps between teeth, or limited tongue movement at any age.
What age can my child have a frenectomy?
A frenectomy can be performed at any age, even in infants, depending on the child's needs. At Dimension Dental Care, we provide frenectomies for children ages 4 and up, as well as for adults.
Will a frenectomy fix a gap between my front teeth?
A frenectomy can remove the tissue that pulls on the gums and helps keep a gap open. In many cases, orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners is also needed to close the gap fully.
Can the frenum grow back?
The tissue can sometimes reattach as it heals. Following your aftercare instructions and doing any recommended stretching exercises helps prevent this.
