Understanding Frenectomies: What They Are and Who Can Benefit
Frenectomies may not be a term you hear every day, but for many people, they are the key to a healthier mouth, improved speech, and a better quality of life. Whether it’s an infant struggling to breastfeed, a child with speech delays, or an adult with chronic tension or gum issues, this simple procedure can make a world of difference.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about frenectomies — from what they are to who needs them, the symptoms to watch for, and what to expect from the procedure and recovery process.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or modifies a frenum — the small fold of tissue that restricts the movement of a part of the body. In dentistry and oral health, frenectomies typically involve the lingual frenum (under the tongue) or the labial frenum (between the upper lip and gums or lower lip and gums).
These tissues are natural anatomical structures, but when they are too tight, thick, or short, they can cause a range of issues. When a restrictive frenum impacts function, it is often referred to as a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie.
Types of Frenectomies
There are three main types of oral frenectomies:
- Lingual Frenectomy
This procedure releases a tongue-tie by modifying the lingual frenum — the tissue beneath the tongue. It improves tongue mobility, helping with feeding, speech, and oral hygiene. - Labial Frenectomy
This procedure addresses a lip-tie, typically the upper frenum connecting the lip to the gums. It can help improve latch for breastfeeding babies, reduce spacing between the teeth, and relieve tension in the mouth. - Buccal Frenectomy
Less common, this procedure involves the buccal frenum, which connects the cheeks to the gums. When too tight, it can cause tension or movement restrictions in the cheeks and jaw.
Who Can Benefit from a Frenectomy?
Frenectomies can benefit all age groups — infants, children, teens, and adults — depending on their symptoms and needs.
1. Infants (0–1 Year)
For newborns and infants, tongue- and lip-ties can interfere with breastfeeding. Babies may struggle to latch properly, feed inefficiently, or cause pain for the breastfeeding parent.
Signs an infant may need a frenectomy:
- Poor or shallow latch during feeding
- Clicking or popping sounds while nursing
- Gassiness or colic-like symptoms due to swallowed air
- Falling asleep during feedings or feeding too frequently
- Inadequate weight gain
- Milk leaking from the sides of the mouth
- Nipple pain or damage for the breastfeeding parent
When left untreated, these feeding challenges can lead to early weaning, nutritional issues, and frustration for both parent and baby.
2. Children (Toddlers to School Age)
As children grow, a tight frenum can impact speech development, oral hygiene, and tooth alignment.
Signs a child may benefit from a frenectomy:
- Delayed speech or speech impediments (especially l, t, d, r, s, z sounds)
- Difficulty eating or chewing certain textures
- Messy eating or food aversion
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Chronic tension in the face, jaw, or neck
- Persistent gap between the front teeth
- Difficulty brushing and flossing due to restricted lip or tongue movement
Speech-language pathologists, pediatric dentists, or myofunctional therapists often help identify these issues early and recommend treatment if a restrictive frenum is the cause.
3. Teens and Adults
It’s not uncommon for tongue- or lip-ties to go unnoticed until later in life. Many adults live with chronic symptoms and compensations they’ve never connected to a structural issue in their mouth.
Common adult symptoms:
- Jaw tension or TMJ issues
- Frequent headaches or neck pain
- Sleep apnea or snoring
- Digestive issues from swallowing air while eating
- Poor posture or shoulder tension
- Receding gums or gum pulling (from tight labial frenum)
- Difficulty with certain sounds or fast speech
- Emotional strain or self-consciousness about speech or appearance
Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment, preparing for dentures, or experiencing unexplained oral tension may find a frenectomy to be the missing link in their overall health plan.
Why a Frenectomy Matters
Left untreated, restrictive oral frenums can lead to a lifetime of compensations — from improper swallowing and chewing patterns to altered facial growth, dental issues, and muscular tension. A frenectomy offers a permanent structural solution that helps restore natural function.
While many people adjust their habits and muscle patterns to “cope” with these issues, those workarounds often lead to fatigue, pain, or underdeveloped muscles.
Benefits of a frenectomy may include:
- Easier and more effective breastfeeding
- Improved speech clarity
- Enhanced range of motion in the mouth and tongue
- Reduced tension in the neck and jaw
- Better dental hygiene and fewer gum issues
- Improved orthodontic outcomes
- Healthier oral and facial development
How Is a Frenectomy Performed?
Frenectomies are typically quick, minimally invasive procedures that can be performed using:
- Scalpel or scissors (traditional method)
- Laser frenectomy (modern, less invasive method)
Laser frenectomies have become more popular due to their precision, reduced bleeding, minimal discomfort, and faster healing times. The procedure is usually completed in just a few minutes under local anesthesia (or topical numbing for infants).
Does a Frenectomy Hurt?
For infants, the procedure is typically done in-office with numbing gel, and the discomfort is short-lived. Some babies are able to nurse immediately after. Parents may notice fussiness for a day or two as the area heals.
For older children and adults, local anesthesia is used, and the discomfort is minimal. Over-the-counter pain relief and ice can help ease any post-procedure tenderness.
Laser frenectomies usually require no stitches, and healing is quick — usually within 1–2 weeks.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Healing after a frenectomy is generally smooth, but there are important post-procedure steps to follow, especially for infants and children.
1. Post-Surgery Exercises
One of the most critical components of healing is stretching exercises, often guided by a provider or myofunctional therapist. These exercises help:
- Prevent the tissue from reattaching
- Encourage full range of motion
- Support healthy tongue or lip function
Without these exercises, the tissue can re-fuse, leading to a recurrence of the restriction.
2. Follow-Up Therapy
Depending on age and symptoms, some patients benefit from follow-up care:
- Lactation consultants help babies relearn how to latch properly
- Speech therapy helps with articulation and oral coordination
- Myofunctional therapy guides tongue posture, breathing, and muscle balance
These supportive therapies ensure the frenectomy leads to lasting results and not just temporary relief.
Is a Frenectomy Always Necessary?
Not always. Some individuals have prominent frenums that do not restrict function and cause no symptoms — in these cases, a frenectomy may not be necessary.
Before proceeding with treatment, a qualified provider will assess:
- Range of motion
- Impact on daily function (feeding, speech, hygiene, etc.)
- Related symptoms
- Age and developmental needs
A collaborative approach — involving pediatricians, dentists, speech therapists, lactation consultants, or myofunctional therapists — often yields the best decisions and outcomes.
How to Get Evaluated
If you or your child is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a provider trained in diagnosing oral restrictions. This might be:
- A pediatric dentist
- A general dentist with frenectomy experience
- A lactation consultant (for infants)
- An ENT or oral surgeon
- A speech-language pathologist
- An orofacial myologist or therapist
During the evaluation, they will assess the anatomy of the frenum, test the range of motion, and evaluate function to determine whether a frenectomy is recommended.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are several myths surrounding frenectomies, such as:
“They’ll grow out of it.”
While some children adapt to tongue- or lip-ties, structural restrictions don’t go away on their own. They often lead to compensations that can create new problems over time.
“It’s just cosmetic.”
Frenectomies are not about appearance — they are functional procedures that can improve health, comfort, and quality of life.
“Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt at first.”
Painful breastfeeding is not normal. While there’s an adjustment period, ongoing pain or feeding difficulties should always be evaluated for possible ties.
Final Thoughts
A frenectomy may be a small procedure, but its impact can be life-changing. From easier feedings in infancy to clearer speech, better oral health, and reduced facial tension later in life, this simple treatment can address a range of challenges.
If you suspect a tongue-tie, lip-tie, or oral restriction could be affecting you or your child, don’t wait. A professional evaluation and early intervention can make all the difference.
Interested in learning more or scheduling an evaluation?
Contact our team today to see if a frenectomy is right for you or your child. Whether it’s feeding challenges, speech delays, or unexplained tension — we’re here to help guide you toward comfort, function, and long-term wellness.