Frenectomy in Camarillo
If your child has trouble moving their tongue, your teen's orthodontist has noticed a gap that keeps returning, or a tight band of tissue is pulling at your gumline, the cause may be a frenum. A frenum is the small fold of tissue that connects the lips and tongue to the mouth. When it is too short, too thick, or attached in the wrong place, a frenectomy can release it. At 805 Dentistry, we perform frenectomies for children and adults from Camarillo and throughout the surrounding communities, as part of the complete family dental care we provide in one office.
A frenectomy is a minor procedure that removes or releases a frenum that is restricting movement or causing problems. There are two main ones. The lingual frenum sits under the tongue, and the labial frenum connects the upper or lower lip to the gums. When the lingual frenum is too tight, it is often called a tongue-tie. A restrictive labial frenum is sometimes called a lip-tie.
Many families in Camarillo first hear the term during a routine exam, when our team notices tissue that seems to be limiting function. Others come in because they already suspect something is wrong. In either case, we start by looking closely at how the tissue attaches and how it affects movement. Then we explain plainly whether treatment makes sense.
People seek a frenectomy for several distinct reasons, and each one calls for a slightly different conversation. For younger patients, a tight tongue can make it hard to move the tongue freely. That can affect eating and how certain sounds are formed. Our pediatric care serves children ages 4 to 14, and parents are welcome to stay in the treatment room.
For orthodontic patients, a thick upper lip frenum can sit between the front teeth and make it harder to close a gap. Because we offer braces and clear aligners in the same practice, we can coordinate the timing of a frenectomy with orthodontic treatment. For adults, a frenum that pulls on the gums may contribute to gum recession or make it difficult to keep the area clean. It can also interfere with how a denture fits. Our board-certified periodontist and our gum-grafting services mean we can look at the gum health around the frenum as well.
Who is a good candidate for a frenectomy?
A good candidate is someone whose frenum is clearly limiting movement, affecting oral health, or getting in the way of other dental treatment. Having a visible frenum alone isn't a reason for surgery, because everyone has one. What matters is whether it is causing a problem.
During your visit, we evaluate the tissue and ask about the symptoms you or your child have noticed. We also consider any upcoming treatment, such as orthodontics or dentures. If a frenectomy isn't the right step, we'll tell you directly and discuss other options. Camarillo patients can also schedule a regular exam and cleaning at the same appointment, which saves an extra trip.
What happens during the procedure, and what is recovery like?
The procedure itself is typically brief, and we numb the area so you are comfortable throughout. We release or remove the restrictive tissue, and in some cases we place a few stitches. Our office also offers laser dentistry, and we will explain which approach we recommend for your situation.
For patients who feel anxious, we have more comfort options than many offices. A board-certified dental anesthesiologist is on our staff, and we offer:
- Nitrous oxide for mild relaxation
- Oral sedation for moderate anxiety
- IV sedation for deeper relaxation
- General anesthesia when it's appropriate
After the procedure, we give you written aftercare instructions specific to your treatment. These usually cover what to eat while the area heals, how to keep it clean, and how to manage any soreness. For tongue releases, we may recommend gentle movement exercises. Call us with any questions as you heal. If something feels wrong, we also offer emergency dental appointments.
How much does a frenectomy cost, and do you accept insurance?
The cost depends on which frenum is treated, the technique used, and whether you choose sedation. We give you a clear estimate before treatment begins. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team will help you understand what your plan may cover.
If you don't have dental insurance, we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available, so you can spread the cost over time instead of paying all at once. Many Camarillo families find it convenient to handle evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care at one office led by Dr. Dar Radfar. Call our office to schedule a frenectomy evaluation for yourself or your child, and we'll walk you through every step.