Frenectomy in Woodland Hills
A small band of tissue can have an outsized effect. When the thin fold connecting the upper lip to the gums, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is unusually short, tight, or thick, it can pull on the gums, limit how freely the tongue moves, or get in the way of other dental care. A frenectomy is a minor procedure that releases or removes that tissue. At 805 Dentistry, we perform frenectomies for children and adults, and many of our patients travel from Woodland Hills to our Thousand Oaks office for this and the rest of their family's dental care.
Everyone has several frena, the small folds of tissue that anchor the lips and tongue. The two that most often need attention are the labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gums above the front teeth, and the lingual frenum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When either one restricts movement or attaches in a problematic spot, people often call it a "lip-tie" or "tongue-tie."
A frenectomy releases that restriction. Depending on the situation, we may recommend it for a child whose tongue movement seems limited, for a patient whose tight lip tissue pulls at the gums near the front teeth, or as part of a broader plan involving orthodontics, gum treatment, or dentures. Because our practice brings general, pediatric, orthodontic, and periodontal care under one roof, Woodland Hills families can address the frenum as part of a coordinated plan.
Your first visit begins with a conversation and a careful exam. We look at where the frenum attaches, how it moves when you speak or lift your lip, and how it relates to the surrounding teeth and gums. For younger patients ages 4 to 14, parents are welcome in the treatment room, so they can see exactly what we see and ask questions along the way.
If a frenectomy makes sense, we explain why, what it involves, and how it fits with any other care you may need. Some patients are already in orthodontic treatment or considering it. Others are dealing with gum concerns or preparing for a denture. We take those details into account so the timing of the procedure supports your overall treatment.
What happens during a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is typically a short, in-office procedure. After the area is numbed so you stay comfortable, we release or remove the tight band of tissue so the lip or tongue can move more freely. Our practice also offers laser dentistry, and we will talk with you about whether that approach suits your situation.
Feeling nervous about any dental procedure is common, and we plan for it. Our office offers several levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team. Here is what most patients can expect:
- A review of your health history and the treatment plan before we begin
- Local numbing of the area, with sedation available if you need it
- Release or removal of the restrictive frenum tissue
- Clear, written-down aftercare guidance before you head home to Woodland Hills
How should I care for my mouth after a frenectomy?
Recovery is usually straightforward, and we give you specific instructions before you leave. The treated area needs gentle care for the first several days, which generally means sticking with softer foods, keeping the area clean as directed, and avoiding anything that irritates the tissue.
For tongue-tie releases in particular, we may recommend simple stretches or movements to help the tissue heal well. We will walk you or your child through these step by step. If anything seems unusual during healing, call us. We offer emergency dental appointments, so Woodland Hills patients don't have to wonder where to turn if a concern comes up after hours.
How can I pay for a frenectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and are happy to help you understand how your coverage may apply before treatment. Because coverage for frenectomy varies from plan to plan, we recommend reviewing your benefits with our team during your consultation so there are no surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who prefer to spread out the cost of care. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, our team serves families across the region, including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, West Hills, and Agoura Hills. If you've noticed signs of a lip-tie or tongue-tie in yourself or your child, contact us to schedule an exam and talk through your options.