Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a minor procedure that removes or releases a frenum, the small band of soft tissue that connects one part of the mouth to another. You have several of them. The lingual frenum connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth. The labial frenum connects your upper or lower lip to the gums. When one of these bands is unusually short, thick, or tight, it can limit how freely the tongue or lip moves. A tight lingual frenum is often called a tongue-tie, and a tight labial frenum is often called a lip-tie.

Not every noticeable frenum needs treatment. Many people have prominent tissue that never causes a problem. A frenectomy becomes worth discussing when the tissue interferes with everyday function, comfort, or the health of nearby teeth and gums. Because we see patients of all ages, we can look at the whole picture, including how the frenum relates to your bite, your gum line, and any other care you may be considering.

Families and adults come to us for frenectomy evaluations for a range of reasons. For some parents, the concern starts with a child who has trouble moving their tongue freely. For others, it comes up during an orthodontic conversation, because a strong upper lip frenum can sit between the two front teeth. Adults sometimes notice that tight tissue pulls on the gum line near the lower front teeth, or that a frenum makes oral hygiene or the fit of a dental appliance uncomfortable.

Some of the situations that commonly prompt a visit include:

• A child whose tongue appears restricted when lifting or extending it
• A noticeable band of tissue between the upper front teeth, especially when orthodontic treatment is planned
• Lip or cheek tissue that tugs at the gums when you smile or talk
• Tight tissue that makes brushing or flossing a specific area difficult
• Discomfort or interference with the fit of dentures or other appliances

Because our office includes orthodontic and periodontal care, we can coordinate a frenectomy with braces, clear aligners, or gum treatment when that makes sense, rather than sending you elsewhere.

What is recovery like after a frenectomy?

Recovery is typically straightforward, and we'll give you clear aftercare instructions tailored to your procedure before you leave. Those instructions usually cover what to eat in the first few days, how to keep the area clean, and how to manage any tenderness at home.

For some patients, especially those treated for tongue-tie, we may also recommend gentle exercises or stretches to support healing and help the tongue or lip get used to its new range of motion. Following your aftercare plan matters, so we encourage you to call our office with any questions as you heal. If anything feels unexpected, we also offer emergency dental appointments, so you're never left wondering what to do.