A frenectomy (or frenulectomy) is a minor surgical procedure that corrects issues with the frenum, a small tissue fold in the mouth. It’s commonly performed in children but can also help adults. The most common types treated are the lingual frenum (under the tongue) and the maxillary labial frenum (upper lip to gums). A frenectomy can improve speech, breastfeeding, oral hygiene, and prevent dental misalignment.
A frenectomy (or frenulectomy) is a procedure to correct issues with the frenum, a tissue fold in the mouth. Most often performed in children, it treats the lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the maxillary labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gums. A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenum is too tight, restricting tongue movement.
In some cases, a tight frenulum may be misdiagnosed as TMJ, with symptoms like jaw pain and clicking sensations. If you’ve been diagnosed with TMJ and treatment isn’t working, a frenectomy may be the solution.
At ToothHQ Dental Specialists, we use the latest dental technology to perform frenectomy safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn if this procedure is right for you or your child.
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An oversized frenum—whether it’s the lingual frenum (under the tongue) or the maxillary labial frenum (above the upper front teeth)—can lead to a range of oral and functional issues. These consequences may impact both children and adults and can affect speech, oral hygiene, and overall oral health.
A tight or oversized lingual frenum (tongue-tie) can restrict tongue movement, leading to challenges in speaking clearly, particularly with certain sounds like "T," "D," and "L."
Infants with a tight frenulum may struggle to latch properly, leading to difficulties during breastfeeding and discomfort for the mother.
An oversized labial frenum can pull on the gums, leading to gum recession and an increased risk of periodontal disease.
An oversized frenulum can cause teeth to become misaligned or create gaps between the front teeth (diastema).
The tension caused by an oversized frenulum can affect the alignment of teeth and gums, making it harder to maintain oral hygiene and increasing the risk of gum disease.
Important: If you or your child is experiencing any of these issues, a frenectomy can be a simple and effective solution to restore proper function and prevent long-term complications.
Here’s what you can expect during the frenectomy procedure:
Before the procedure, your dentist will evaluate your specific case, discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, and explain the benefits of a frenectomy. This includes reviewing any speech difficulties, breastfeeding issues, or TMJ symptoms that might be related to the tight frenulum.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the frenulum. In some cases, sedation may also be offered to help you relax during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, the dentist will use a laser or scalpel to carefully cut or release the frenulum. In some cases, the procedure is done using a laser for a more precise, less invasive approach.
After the frenectomy, your dentist will provide instructions for healing and aftercare. This may include avoiding certain foods, practicing gentle exercises to stretch the area, and maintaining oral hygiene.
The procedure is quick, often completed in under 30 minutes, and there is minimal downtime. Most patients experience little to no pain and can return to their normal routine shortly after.
Regular dental visits not only improve your oral health but also boost your overall well-being and enhance your confidence with a bright, healthy smile.
Proper frenectomy aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Whether treating tongue-tie or lip-tie, here are the key aftercare steps to follow:
Bite gently on gauze to stop bleeding and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Brush gently and rinse with salt water after 24 hours. Avoid brushing directly on the surgical site.
Stick to soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes, and avoid spicy or crunchy foods.
Refrain from smoking and using straws for a week to avoid disrupting healing.
Use over-the-counter pain relief as needed and take prescribed antibiotics.
Attend your follow-up visit to ensure proper healing.
If you notice severe pain, swelling, or infection, contact your dentist.
The cost of Frenectomy can vary based on several key factors, including the complexity of your case, the type of extraction (simple or surgical), and the anesthesia method used. Additional diagnostic procedures such as digital X-rays or 3D imaging may also affect the total cost. The price can differ depending on whether the tooth is erupted or impacted, the number of teeth being removed, and your dental insurance coverage or payment plan.
At ToothHQ Dental Specialists, our goal is to make the process simple and transparent. We assist patients with paperwork, insurance verification, scheduling, and billing questions, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. To streamline your care, we ask that you provide complete personal and insurance details with your New Patient Paperwork. This helps us give you accurate cost estimates and begin your treatment without delays.
To ensure we offer affordable care while maintaining the highest standards, we have the following financial policies:
Our goal is to provide you with quality care and clear, accessible payment options. If you have any questions about costs or payment plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
A common procedure to extract impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, preventing pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.This procedure ensures a smooth recovery and restores oral health. Early removal can help avoid complications later in life.
TMJ surgery addresses jaw pain and dysfunction caused by TMJ disorders, improving jaw movement and relieving discomfort. This procedure can enhance both function and quality of life for those suffering from chronic TMJ issues.
Socket preservation is a procedure performed after a tooth extraction to help maintain the shape and volume of the jawbone. When a tooth is removed, the bone around the socket can begin to deteriorate, potentially leading to issues with future tooth replacement options, such as dental implants.
Sinus lift surgery is a procedure designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the molars and premolars, to make dental implants possible. This surgery is often necessary when the sinus cavity is too close to the jaw or when there is insufficient bone to support a dental implant.
Ridge augmentation is a dental procedure used to restore the shape and volume of the jawbone, often following tooth extraction or bone loss. This surgery is essential for patients who wish to have dental implants but have insufficient bone in the jaw to support them.
A frenectomy is a procedure that addresses issues with the frenum, commonly performed in children. It treats the lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the maxillary labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gums. This procedure helps correct conditions like tongue-tie and improve oral function.
Emergency tooth extraction is a procedure performed when a tooth becomes severely damaged or infected, and it cannot be saved through other treatments. Common reasons for needing an emergency extraction include severe tooth decay, abscesses, impacted teeth, or trauma.
At ToothHQ Dental Specialists, we prioritize your health, confidence, and smile. Regular visits to maintain your teeth and gums not only improve your oral health but also boost your overall well-being and self-esteem. We understand the value of your time, which is why we are committed to making each visit as efficient as possible.
If you’re interested in learning more about Frenectomy, book your free consultation today with ToothHQ Dental Specialists. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you. Call us at 214-731-0123 to schedule your free appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
ToothHQ Dental Specialists
ToothHQ Dental Specialists 1500 W Hebron Pkwy Suite 108 Carrollton, Texas, 75010
ToothHQ Dental Specialists 3801 William D Tate Ave # 100 Grapevine, Texas, 76051
ToothHQ Dental Specialists 103 Belt Line Rd # H Cedar Hill, Texas, 75104
ToothHQ Dental Specialists 6333 E Mockingbird Ln # 254 Dallas, Texas, 75214
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or modifies the frenulum—the small fold of tissue connecting the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the gums—to improve mobility, function, or oral health.
Anyone with a restricted tongue (tongue tie), tight lip tie, or issues with movement, speech, or oral hygiene may need a frenectomy. It can be done in infants, children, teens, or adults.
Lingual frenectomy releases a tongue tie, labial frenectomy addresses an upper lip tie between front teeth, and buccal frenectomy treats cheek‑gum attachments. Each targets specific tissue restrictions.
Yes—laser frenectomy often reduces bleeding, shortens healing time, and minimizes discomfort compared to scalpel techniques, while achieving similar results in freeing restricted tissue.
Recovery is typically fast—most patients resume normal activities in a day or two, with full healing and tissue stabilization within a week or two when proper after‑care is followed.
Yes—by releasing a restrictive frenulum, a frenectomy can improve tongue movement (helping speech), allow closing of gaps between front teeth, and reduce tension on gum and bone structure.
In mild cases, therapy such as myofunctional exercises, speech therapy, or gentle stretching may be attempted, but a true tissue release via frenectomy is often the definitive solution.
At ToothHQ, our experienced specialists perform frenectomies using advanced laser and traditional techniques to ensure comfort, precision, and lasting results for patients of all ages.
Yes—DFW is served by dental and periodontal specialists skilled in frenectomy procedures. ToothHQ stands out as a top provider offering both laser and surgical frenectomy options.
Coverage depends on your plan and the medical necessity of the procedure (such as feeding issues, speech impairment, or orthodontic needs). Costs vary by age, complexity, and technique used—always verify with your provider.
