Frenectomy

At Living Wellness Dental, we know that tongue and lip mobility affects much more than your smile—it impacts how a baby feeds, how a child speaks, and how an adult breathes, swallows, and maintains dental health. When restrictive tissue limits movement, a simple procedure called a frenectomy can restore proper function and support long-term wellness at any stage of life.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the lips to the gums. Everyone has them, but when a frenum is too short, thick or tight, it can restrict movement. This is commonly called a tongue-tie or lip-tie.

A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that releases this restrictive tissue so the tongue or lip can move freely.

How a Tight Frenum Can Affect Oral Health

A restrictive tongue-tie or lip-tie doesn't always cause problems. When it does, the effects tend to build gradually, and they're often mistaken for something else. Depending on where the tie is and how much it limits movement, it may contribute to:

• A gap between the front teeth. A thick upper-lip frenum that extends down between the two front teeth can hold them apart, and can allow a gap to reopen after orthodontic treatment.
• A "gummy" smile. Tension between the upper lip and the gums can affect how the lip moves, so more gum tissue shows when you smile.
• Gum recession. A frenum that pulls on the gum line can gradually draw the tissue away from the teeth, exposing more sensitive root surfaces—something we check for during a periodontal exam.
• A narrow palate and crowded teeth. When the tongue can't rest against the roof of the mouth, it doesn't help shape the upper arch as a child grows, which can leave less room for adult teeth.
• Mouth breathing. A tongue that rests low in the mouth often goes along with breathing through the mouth rather than the nose.
• Speech and swallowing challenges. Limited tongue movement can make some sounds harder to form and change the way we swallow.
• Teeth that are harder to keep clean. A restricted tongue or lip can't sweep food away from the teeth as easily, which can make daily hygiene more of a challenge.

None of these is certain to develop, and most have other possible causes too. That's why a careful exam always comes before any recommendation.

Who Can Benefit?

A frenectomy can help at any age, though the reasons for treatment change as we grow. Releasing tension between the lip and gums can help reduce excessive gum display, and freeing the tongue to rest comfortably on the roof of the mouth supports the natural development of the upper arch.

Infants

Infancy is the ideal time for a frenectomy. The tissue is thin, the procedure takes only moments, and healing is fast. Releasing a tie early can help with:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched while breastfeeding
• Clicking sounds, long feeds or slow weight gain
• Discomfort for the nursing parent

Toddlers and Children

A restricted tongue or lip can affect speech, eating, swallowing and oral habits, and the developing jaw. A frenectomy can be combined with Myofunctional Therapy to retrain healthy tongue posture. Learn more about our approach to dental care for children.

Adults

It's never too late. Adults may choose a frenectomy to address limited tongue movement, speech or swallowing challenges, gum recession near a tight frenum, or tension that affects comfort and oral hygiene.

Our Frenectomy Options

Traditional Frenectomy

The tissue is released with precise surgical instruments. This approach is very quick, which makes it our preferred option for infants.

Laser Frenectomy

Using laser technology, the tissue is gently released with focused light energy. Laser treatment typically means:

• Minimal bleeding
• No stitches
• Reduced post-procedure discomfort

Because laser treatment takes a little longer, it's often the preferred choice for older children, teens and adults, who can relax comfortably through the procedure.

Our team will recommend the approach that best fits your or your child's age, anatomy and comfort.

What to Expect After Treatment

Most patients heal quickly, with mild tenderness for a few days. In most cases, infants return to feeding immediately following the procedure. We'll give you clear aftercare instructions, including gentle stretches that help the tissue heal properly. Where helpful, we may also recommend working with a lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist or myofunctional therapist for the best long-term results.

Is a Frenectomy Right for You or Your Child?

A thorough exam is always our first step. Not every frenum needs to be treated, so we only advise a frenectomy if it offers clear benefits for your daily health and comfort. This simple step can help lay the foundation for healthy breathing, eating and everyday comfort.

Take the First Step Toward Freer, Healthier Function

Book a consultation to find out whether a frenectomy is right for your family. We offer personalized, holistic dental care that prioritizes your overall well-being.