Frenectomy in West Hills
A small band of tissue can affect a surprising amount of daily life. When the tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth is unusually short or tight, it can make speaking, eating, cleaning the teeth, or wearing a denture more difficult than it should be. For families and adults in West Hills, our team at 805 Dentistry offers frenectomy as part of the full range of care we provide under one roof. We explain each step clearly, so you know what to expect and why it may help.
A frenum (also called a frenulum) is a thin fold of soft tissue in the mouth. The one beneath the tongue is the lingual frenum, and the one connecting the upper lip to the gums is the labial frenum. Everyone has them. Sometimes, though, a frenum is thicker, shorter, or attached in a position that restricts movement or pulls on the gums. A restricted tongue is often called "tongue-tie," and a tight upper lip attachment is sometimes called "lip-tie."
A frenectomy is a minor procedure that releases or removes that restrictive tissue. The goal is to give the tongue or lip a more natural range of motion and to relieve tension on the surrounding gum tissue. Because our practice also offers laser dentistry, oral surgery, and periodontal care, we can choose the approach that best fits each patient after a careful exam.
Patients from West Hills come to us with a wide range of concerns related to the frenum. A parent may notice that a child's tongue can't easily reach the roof of the mouth or extend past the lips. An adult may find that a lip attachment pulls on the gums, which can make brushing that area uncomfortable. Others are getting ready for orthodontic treatment or a denture and need the tissue addressed first so their care can move forward smoothly.
Depending on the situation, a frenectomy may help with:
- Freer movement of the tongue or upper lip
- Easier brushing and flossing around the front teeth
- Reduced tension where the frenum pulls on the gum line
- Better comfort and fit for dentures or other dental appliances
- Preparing the mouth for orthodontic or periodontal treatment
Not every tight frenum needs treatment. Part of our job is to help you understand whether a release is likely to make a practical difference for you or your child.
Who is a good candidate for a frenectomy?
A good candidate is someone whose frenum restricts movement, affects oral hygiene, or interferes with other planned dental care. We make that determination through an in-person exam rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
We see both children and adults. Our pediatric care serves kids ages 4 to 14, and parents are welcome in the treatment room, which many West Hills families find reassuring. For adults, a frenectomy is often considered alongside other treatment, such as orthodontics, gum grafting, or dentures. Our team includes a board-certified periodontist, and our office brings general, pediatric, orthodontic, and surgical care together. That lets us coordinate frenectomy with your broader treatment plan instead of sending you elsewhere.
What happens during the procedure, and is it painful?
The procedure is typically quick, and we use local anesthetic to numb the area so you stay comfortable. Before we begin, we review the plan with you and answer any questions.
During treatment, the tight tissue is carefully released or removed. For patients who feel nervous about dental visits, we offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. A board-certified dental anesthesiologist is on staff, and general anesthesia is also available when appropriate. These options can make the visit easier for anxious children and adults alike. Once the procedure is finished, we go over home care before you leave.
How do I care for my mouth afterward?
Aftercare focuses on keeping the area clean and following the specific instructions we give you at the end of your visit. Some tenderness is common at first, and we'll explain what is normal and what is worth a call to our office.
Your instructions may include guidance on eating soft foods, keeping the area clean, and, in some cases, gentle stretching or movement exercises to support healing. If something doesn't feel right, reach out to us. We also offer emergency dental appointments, so West Hills patients have a dependable point of contact if questions come up after treatment.
How can I pay for a frenectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Our team can help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.
Coverage for a frenectomy varies by plan and by the reason for treatment, so we encourage you to bring your insurance information to your consultation. If you don't have dental insurance, or if you'd like to spread out the cost, our financing options can make care more manageable. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, 805 Dentistry serves West Hills and neighboring communities with family-focused care. We look forward to helping you decide whether a frenectomy is the right next step.