Frenectomy in Newbury Park
A frenum is a small fold of tissue, and when it is too short, tight, or thick, it can pull on the gums, hold the tongue back, or keep the front teeth apart. A frenectomy releases or removes that tissue so the lips and tongue can move more freely. At 805 Dentistry, we perform frenectomies for children and adults, and many of the families we see come to our Thousand Oaks office from Newbury Park for this and the rest of their dental care.
There are two frenums people usually mean when they talk about this procedure. The lingual frenum runs from the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When it is restrictive, people often call it a "tongue-tie." The labial frenum connects the upper or lower lip to the gums between the front teeth. A frenectomy is a minor procedure that frees or reshapes one of these attachments.
The reasons people consider it vary. A parent may notice that their child can't lift or stick out their tongue easily. A teenager in orthodontic treatment may have a gap between the front teeth that a heavy lip attachment keeps pushing open. An adult may have a frenum that tugs on the gum line near the front teeth. In each case, the goal is the same: relieve the tension that tissue is creating.
Your first visit with us is an evaluation, not a commitment. We look at how the frenum attaches, how the lip or tongue moves, and how that attachment relates to the surrounding gums and teeth. If we need a closer look at the teeth and bone, our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging, so we can usually get what we need in one place.
We also talk through what you have noticed at home, since those everyday details help shape our recommendation. Because we offer orthodontics, periodontics, and pediatric care under one roof, we can consider how a frenectomy fits with braces, clear aligners, or gum health. For Newbury Park families juggling school and work schedules, coordinating that care in a single office means fewer separate appointments to track.
Who is a good candidate for a frenectomy?
A good candidate is someone whose frenum is restricting movement or putting pressure on the gums or teeth. That can be a child, a teen, or an adult. Our pediatric team sees children ages 4 to 14, and parents are welcome in the treatment room, which many families find reassuring.
Not every visible frenum needs treatment. Some attachments look prominent but cause no problems, and in those cases we will tell you so. When treatment does make sense, it is often for one of these reasons:
- Limited tongue movement that may be related to a tongue-tie
- A lip attachment that keeps a gap open between the front teeth
- Tension that pulls on the gum tissue near the front teeth
- Coordination with orthodontic treatment before or after braces or aligners
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure itself is typically short and done right in our office. We numb the area first so you stay comfortable, then release or reshape the tissue. Our practice offers laser dentistry, and we will explain which technique fits your situation during your visit.
If you or your child feel nervous about dental work, we have options. Our office offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. We will talk through whether any of these makes sense for you, so a worried child or an anxious adult from Newbury Park can approach the appointment with a clear plan.
How should I care for the area afterward?
Plan on keeping things gentle for the first several days and following the specific instructions we give you. Soft foods, careful brushing near the treated area, and avoiding anything that irritates the tissue are common parts of aftercare. We send you home with clear directions so you know exactly what to do.
For tongue-tie releases, we may recommend simple movement exercises to help the tongue get used to its new range. If anything seems off while the area heals, call us. Our office offers emergency dental appointments, so Newbury Park patients don't have to wait and wonder if a concern comes up.
How can I pay for a frenectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Coverage for a frenectomy depends on your plan, so we are glad to help you understand your benefits before treatment.
Financing is also available for patients who prefer to spread out the cost. During your evaluation, we will go over your options so there are no surprises. If you live in Newbury Park and want to find out whether a frenectomy is right for you or your child, contact our office to schedule a visit with Dr. Dar Radfar and our team.