A frenectomy is a simple yet transformative dental procedure.
It removes or adjusts a small fold of tissue—called a frenulum—to improve oral function and dental health 🦷.
Whether it’s for an infant struggling to breastfeed or an adult with speech or orthodontic issues, a frenectomy can make a big difference.
📌 What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy involves the removal or alteration of a frenulum, a small band of tissue that connects the tongue, lips, or cheeks to the gums.
It’s often done to improve speech, eating, oral hygiene, and orthodontic outcomes.
❓ Why Is a Frenectomy Needed?
A dental professional may recommend a frenectomy if a frenulum is:
- Too tight or thick, restricting movement
- Causing speech problems (like tongue-tie) 🗣️
- Creating gaps between teeth (diastema)
- Leading to gum tension or recession
- Interfering with denture fit or braces
🔄 Types of Frenectomy
1. 👅 Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie Release)
Removes the frenulum under the tongue.
Improves feeding, speech, and tongue movement—common for those with ankyloglossia.
2. 👄 Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie Release)
Removes the frenulum between the upper or lower lip and gums.
Helps correct front tooth spacing or improves denture fit.
3. 😊 Buccal Frenectomy (Cheek Frenulum Removal)
Removes a restrictive frenulum that connects the cheeks to the gums.
Improves denture stability and reduces oral discomfort.
🏥 Frenectomy Procedure: Step by Step
1. 📋 Consultation & Diagnosis
The dentist or surgeon examines your frenulum.
They may use photos or speech evaluations to decide if surgery is needed.
2. 💉 Anesthesia & Prep
Local anesthesia numbs the area.
A scalpel or laser is used depending on the situation.
3. ✂️ Frenulum Removal
The tissue is carefully cut or modified.
Laser procedures result in less bleeding and faster healing.
Scalpel methods may require stitches.
4. 🧼 Aftercare Instructions
You’ll get tips on pain relief, oral hygiene, and healing support.
Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks.
💡 Recovery and Aftercare
🕒 Immediate Effects
- Mild swelling and soreness
- Slight bleeding (especially with traditional surgery)
- Noticeable improvement in tongue or lip movement
🧊 Healing Tips
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Use pain relievers as advised
- Eat a soft diet for a few days 🥣
- Do gentle oral exercises to prevent scar tissue
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection
⏳ Healing Timeline
- 1–2 days: Swelling starts to go down
- 1 week: Most discomfort is gone
- 2 weeks: Full healing expected
- 4–6 weeks: Soft tissue fully adjusts
🌟 Benefits of a Frenectomy
- Enhances speech and oral function
- Helps align teeth for better orthodontic results
- Prevents gum recession from tissue tension
- Improves breastfeeding in infants 🤱
- Quick procedure with minimal downtime
⚠️ Risks and Complications
Though safe, risks include:
- Mild pain and swelling
- Infection (rare with proper care)
- Scar tissue that may affect mobility
- Incomplete results requiring additional treatment
🔁 Alternatives to a Frenectomy
If surgery isn’t ideal, other options may help:
- Speech therapy for mild tongue-tie
- Orthodontic treatment to manage spacing
- Myofunctional therapy to improve muscle coordination
❓ FAQs About Frenectomy
1. Is a frenectomy painful?
No, it’s done with local anesthesia. You may feel mild soreness afterward.
2. How long does it take?
Most procedures take 15–30 minutes, depending on the method.
3. Can adults get one?
Yes, frenectomies benefit people of all ages, including adults.
4. What’s the success rate?
Over 95% success, especially with laser techniques.
5. Can I eat normally after?
Stick to soft foods for a few days to ease discomfort.
6. Will it affect my speech?
It can improve clarity, especially with tongue-tie.
Some patients may also benefit from speech therapy after.
7. When can I return to work or school?
Most people return to normal activities within 24 hours.
✅ Conclusion
A frenectomy is a small but impactful procedure that can bring big improvements in speech, comfort, and dental alignment.
With minimal risk and a quick recovery, it’s a reliable treatment for tongue-tie, lip-tie, and other oral concerns 🦷✨.
If you’re experiencing issues due to a restrictive frenulum, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to see if a frenectomy is the right step for you.
Related articles
References
- Gujjari, S. K., & Shubhashini, P. (2012). Frenectomy: A Review with the Reports of Surgical Techniques. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, 6(9), 1587. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2012/4089.2572
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2016 Jun 15. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE. Frenectomy for the Correction of Ankyloglossia: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK373458/
- Carnino, J. M., Walia, A. S., Lara, F. R., Mwaura, A. M., & Levi, J. R. (2023). The effect of frenectomy for tongue-tie, lip-tie, or cheek-tie on breastfeeding outcomes: A systematic review of articles over time and suggestions for management. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 171, 111638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111638