Frenectomy
A tight band of tissue under the tongue or lip can limit movement in ways that affect speech, eating, and oral health. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the tissue, allowing for easier function and more comfortable everyday life.
Who Frenectomies Are For
Frenectomies help patients of all ages, though the reasons for needing one often look different at different stages of life.
For Infants and Children:
A tongue-tie or lip-tie can interfere with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or early speech development. Releasing the tissue helps with latching, feeding comfort, and the natural progression of speech.
For Adults:
A tight frenulum can lead to gaps between teeth, gum recession, or ongoing discomfort. A frenectomy can ease those issues and support better oral hygiene long term.
Types of Frenectomy
There are two main types, and the right one depends on where the restrictive tissue is located.
Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie):
A lingual frenectomy releases the band of tissue beneath the tongue, allowing for better mobility. This is often what helps infants latch more easily and gives older children more freedom of movement for clearer speech.
Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie):
A labial frenectomy releases the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. This can help close small gaps between the front teeth and improve access for daily brushing and flossing.
What to Expect
Most patients are surprised by how quick and straightforward a frenectomy is.
Before the Procedure:
Dr. Erakat will perform a visual exam and review your symptoms or your child’s symptoms. The consultation is also the time to talk through goals, expectations, and any concerns.
During Treatment:
The procedure carefully releases the frenulum, typically taking less than 30 minutes, and is performed with anesthesia for comfort.
After Treatment:
You’ll receive simple aftercare instructions, often including gentle stretches to prevent the tissue from reattaching. Most patients are back to their normal routine within a day.
Benefits of Treatment
A frenectomy is small in scope, but often meaningful in impact. Patients commonly experience:
- Improved tongue and lip movement for speech, feeding, and oral care
- Less discomfort during everyday tasks like eating and brushing
- Closed gaps between teeth and better gum health
- Quicker healing when laser techniques are used during the procedure
Schedule a Consultation
If you or your child have been struggling with feeding, speech, or oral discomfort, a frenectomy may be a simple solution. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and Dr. Erakat will let you know if it’s the right next step.
Common Questions About Bone Grafting
A few of the questions patients and parents ask most before this procedure.
A frenectomy releases a band of tissue, called a frenulum, that’s restricting movement in the mouth. When that tissue is too tight or positioned in a way that limits the tongue or lip, it can affect feeding, speech, oral hygiene, and even the alignment of teeth. The procedure restores normal function and is often a simple way to resolve ongoing issues.
The procedure doesn’t alter the appearance of the face. What it can change is the way the mouth and lip function, and for some patients, the position of the front teeth over time, especially when the frenectomy is performed alongside orthodontic care.
Coverage varies depending on your plan and the reason the procedure is being performed. For infants and children, medical insurance often provides coverage. For adults, dental insurance may apply. Our team will review your benefits before treatment so you know what to expect.