What Is a Frenulectomy?
A frenulectomy (also called a frenectomy) releases a restrictive band of tissue called a frenulum. We treat two kinds: tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), where a tight lingual frenulum restricts tongue movement, and lip-tie, a tight labial frenulum between the upper lip and gums.
When It’s Recommended
- Infant feeding challenges — difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, poor weight gain
- Speech delays or difficulty forming certain sounds
- Oral hygiene difficulties and increased cavity or gum-disease risk
- Dental development issues — spacing between the upper front teeth, potential orthodontic problems
- Discomfort eating or speaking, or social hesitation in older children
What Happens During the Procedure
We numb the area with local anesthesia (mild sedation is available for anxious or younger children), then a soft-tissue dental laser gently releases the frenulum — minimal bleeding, minimal discomfort, and no sutures required. The whole procedure typically takes just a few minutes, with rapid recovery.
It’s a safe, effective procedure when performed by trained pediatric professionals, and complications are rare. Our team is experienced in pediatric soft-tissue procedures and trained in laser dentistry.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Mild discomfort or swelling for several days is normal — children’s OTC pain relievers are usually enough
- Keep the area gently clean
- In some cases we recommend simple oral exercises to prevent reattachment
- Soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies) for the first 1–2 days
- Call us for heavy bleeding, prolonged pain, or signs of infection
What Families Notice
- Improved infant feeding
- Clearer speech
- Better oral hygiene from improved tongue and lip mobility
- Straighter teeth and fewer spacing concerns
- Greater comfort and confidence
