A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases restrictive tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth, restoring the normal range of motion and resolving functional problems caused by tongue-tie or lip-tie. At Wilmette Dental in Wilmette, IL, our doctors perform frenectomies with precision and care for patients of all ages, from infants experiencing feeding difficulties to adults affected by speech or dental concerns.
What A Frenectomy Treats
The frenum is a small band of connective tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lips to the gum tissue. When this tissue is unusually short, thick, or tight, it restricts normal movement and creates functional problems that affect feeding, speech, oral hygiene, and dental development.
A frenectomy releases this restriction by removing or repositioning the frenum, allowing the tongue or lip to move freely and function normally.
Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Conditions Explained
Tongue-tie, clinically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenum connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. Tongue-tie ranges from mild restriction with minimal functional impact to severe attachment that significantly limits tongue elevation, protrusion, and lateral movement.
Lip-tie occurs when the labial frenum connecting the upper or lower lip to the gum tissue is attached too close to the teeth, restricting lip movement and in some cases creating a gap between the upper front teeth or contributing to gum recession.
Signs A Frenectomy May Be Needed
In Infants & Young Children:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Poor weight gain associated with feeding difficulties
- Clicking sounds during feeding
- Delayed or unclear speech development
- Difficulty moving the tongue to the sides or the roof of the mouth
In Older Children & Adults:
- Speech difficulties, including trouble pronouncing certain sounds
- Gap between the upper front teeth related to labial frenum attachment
- Gum recession at a specific tooth associated with frenum tension
- Difficulty with oral hygiene around the frenum attachment
- Discomfort or tension during normal tongue movement
Laser Vs. Traditional Frenectomy Techniques
Frenectomies can be performed using traditional surgical techniques with a scalpel or scissors, or using soft tissue laser technology. At Wilmette Dental, laser frenectomy is performed when clinically appropriate, offering several meaningful advantages over traditional approaches.
Laser frenectomy produces minimal bleeding due to simultaneous tissue cauterization, reduces the risk of post-operative infection, eliminates the need for sutures in most cases, and typically results in faster healing and less post-operative discomfort compared to conventional surgical techniques.
The Frenectomy Procedure
Frenectomy is a brief, straightforward procedure performed under local anesthesia. For young children and anxious patients, additional comfort measures are available.
The procedure involves:
- Administering local anesthesia to completely numb the area
- Isolating and identifying the frenum to be released
- Releasing the restrictive tissue with a laser or a surgical instrument
- Allowing the tissue to reposition naturally or placing sutures if needed
- Providing detailed post-operative care instructions before discharge
Most frenectomy procedures are completed in less than 30 minutes. Patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and leave the office with immediate improvement in range of motion.
Healing & Post-Treatment Care
Healing following frenectomy is typically smooth and straightforward. Mild soreness and minor swelling are normal for several days following the procedure.
Post-Treatment Care:
- Keeping the area clean with gentle rinsing
- Performing any prescribed stretching exercises to prevent reattachment
- Eating soft foods while initial healing occurs
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed for comfort
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
For infants and young children, stretching exercises following a laser frenectomy are particularly important to prevent the released tissue from reattaching during healing.
Benefits For Speech, Feeding, & Oral Function
The functional improvements following frenectomy can be significant and immediate. Infants with tongue-tie often demonstrate improved latch and feeding efficiency within the first feeding after the procedure. Older children and adults typically notice improved tongue mobility, clearer speech, and greater ease with oral hygiene almost immediately.
Long-term benefits include improved speech clarity, better oral hygiene access, resolution of associated dental concerns such as gaps or gum recession, and unrestricted oral function that supports normal dental development.
Restore Full Function With Confidence
At Wilmette Dental, our doctors provide frenectomy procedures with the precision and patient-centered care that deliver meaningful functional improvements for patients of all ages.
Call our Wilmette, IL office or book online to schedule your evaluation.