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A frenum (also called frenulum) is a band of tissue that connects or holds down a part of the body such as the tongue, lip, or cheeks. The band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is called the lingual frenum, while the band connecting the lip to the gum in front of the teeth is called the labial frenum.
The major frena in the mouth can be found in three locations. The first is the maxillary labial frenum located on the underside of the middle of the upper lip, connecting it to the gum tissue above and between the front two teeth on top. Another frenum is the mandibular labial frenum, which is located on underside of the lower lip connecting it to the gum tissue below and between the front two teeth on bottom. The third is the lingual frenum, which is found on the underside of the tongue connecting it to the floor of the mouth.
In most cases these frena do not adversely limit tongue function, or affect the teeth or their surrounding hard and soft tissues. However, there are situations where they do and a surgical procedure is required to alleviate these problems. A maxillary labial frenectomy is the most common one performed, and is considered when a large and ropey frenum is attached too close to the crowns of the teeth or extends too far towards the roof of the mouth. Issues with the maxillary frenum can cause space between the two front teeth, keeps the teeth apart, and can even affect the gums and bone between the front two teeth. A lingual frenectomy is considered when the lingual frenum attaches too far forward on the tongue and is impairing function including, speech, swallowing or eating.
When an abnormal frenal attachment is present, certain surgical procedures like a frenectomy to remove a portion of the frenum can be performed. This surgery prevents further tissue damage, allows for appropriate tooth movement and stability, and restores normal function.
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or modifies the frenum (a band of tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth’s floor or gums) to improve function and oral health. During the procedure, the frenum is carefully released to allow better movement and prevent issues such as speech or eating limitations.
We provide both lingual frenectomy (for tongue‑tie) and labial/midline frenectomy (for lip‑tie) to address functional restrictions caused by abnormal frenum attachments in children and adults.
Candidates include patients experiencing functional issues from a restrictive frenum — such as difficulty with breastfeeding, eating, speaking, or dental spacing and gum health concerns — as well as those seeking improved oral comfort and function.
Most frenectomy procedures are quick, often completed in under 15–30 minutes in our office, depending on the complexity of the frenum and patient needs.
To ensure comfort, local anesthesia is typically used during the frenectomy. Many patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Specific anesthetic choices depend on age and individual preferences.
A frenectomy can improve tongue mobility, facilitate breastfeeding, enhance speech clarity, reduce discomfort with eating or oral hygiene, and help prevent gum recession or spacing between teeth.
Recovery is generally fast with mild soreness or swelling that can be managed with post‑op care instructions. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following any recommended stretching or therapy helps promote optimal healing.
Yes. In infants with tongue tie or lip tie, a frenectomy can significantly improve latch, reduce feeding frustration, and aid in more efficient breastfeeding when feeding difficulties are caused by restricted frenulum movement.
Many dental insurance plans cover frenectomy when it’s considered medically necessary to address functional or periodontal issues. We recommend verifying coverage with your provider ahead of the procedure.
Frenectomy is the primary treatment to release restrictive tissue when function is impaired. In mild cases, monitoring or non‑surgical therapy may be considered, but they do not replace the correction that a frenectomy provides for significant tongue tie or lip tie.
Please note: Summer hours may vary. We are open 1 Saturday a month, please call to confirm.
Please note: Summer hours may vary.