Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that removes or modifies a frenum, the small fold of tissue connecting your lips or tongue to your gums or mouth floor. When a frenum is too tight or restrictive, it can interfere with normal oral function, proper speech development, or gum health. Our periodontists and implant specialists at Rockland Dental Specialists perform oral surgery procedures like frenectomies to address these functional concerns and support long-term oral health.

Dr. David Peto and Dr. Shalom Mintz bring over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics and oral surgery, providing precise care for patients who need frenectomies. Whether the procedure addresses tongue-tie in infants or gum recession concerns in adults, our team uses advanced techniques to minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.

What Are the Types of Frenectomies?

Two main types of frenectomies address different areas of the mouth. A lingual frenectomy treats a tongue-tie, where the tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth floor restricts movement. This condition can affect feeding in infants, speech development in children, and oral hygiene in adults. A labial frenectomy treats lip-ties by releasing the tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gums. When this tissue is too prominent or positioned too low, it can pull on gum tissue and contribute to gum recession or create gaps between teeth.

Both procedures are straightforward and typically completed in a single office visit. Dr. Mintz evaluates each patient’s specific anatomy to determine which type of frenectomy will provide the best functional improvement.

Why Might You Need a Frenectomy?

Several functional issues indicate the need for a frenectomy. In infants, a restrictive lingual frenum can make breastfeeding difficult, preventing proper latching and causing discomfort for both baby and mother. As children grow, tongue-tie may affect speech clarity, particularly with sounds that require tongue tip elevation. Adults with undiagnosed tongue-tie often experience challenges with oral hygiene because restricted tongue movement makes it harder to clean all tooth surfaces effectively.

Labial frenums that attach too close to the gum line create tension on the gum tissue. This constant pulling can lead to gum recession, exposing tooth roots, and increasing sensitivity. The condition may also contribute to gaps between front teeth that persist even after orthodontic treatment. When gum recession threatens the stability of teeth or impacts oral health, our periodontists assess whether a frenectomy would prevent further tissue loss.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The frenectomy procedure at Rockland Dental Specialists begins with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment. Our periodontists carefully remove or release the restrictive tissue using precise surgical techniques that minimize trauma to surrounding areas. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity and location of the frenum.

For infant frenectomies, Dr. Peto or Dr. Mintz works quickly to complete the procedure with minimal disruption. Parents receive detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and help babies resume feeding comfortably. Adult patients appreciate our high-end office environment, which includes large dental chairs and in-room entertainment that creates a calm, stress-free experience during treatment.

After the procedure, most patients experience minimal discomfort that responds well to over-the-counter pain relief. Our team provides specific guidance on oral hygiene practices during healing and recommends soft foods for the first few days. Your first follow-up appointment typically occurs within two weeks to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

What Should You Expect During Recovery?

Recovery from a frenectomy is generally swift and uncomplicated. The treatment area may feel tender for several days, and some patients notice slight swelling or minor bleeding immediately after the procedure. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days as the tissue heals naturally. Maintaining good oral hygiene remains important during recovery, though you may need to modify your technique to avoid the treatment site.

For infants who undergo lingual frenectomy, feeding often improves noticeably within the first few days as they adjust to their increased tongue mobility. Gentle stretching exercises may be recommended to prevent the tissue from reattaching during the healing process. Our team demonstrates these techniques and ensures parents feel confident managing their baby’s recovery at home.

Adult patients typically return to normal activities within a day or two. The healing tissue continues to strengthen over several weeks, with most patients experiencing complete resolution within three to four weeks. Our periodontists schedule follow-up appointments at appropriate intervals to ensure optimal healing and address any questions that arise during recovery.

Why Choose Rockland Dental Specialists for Your Frenectomy?

Rockland Dental Specialists provides comprehensive oral surgery care in New York’s Rockland County with a focus on patient comfort and positive outcomes. Dr. David Peto and Dr. Mintz bring board certification in periodontics and implantology, using the most advanced technologies to deliver precise results with minimal discomfort. Our team’s experience with both pediatric and adult frenectomies ensures appropriate care for patients at any age.

The practice’s commitment extends beyond technical excellence. We offer 24/7 availability for our patients and provide complimentary insurance verifications to help you understand your coverage options. If you’re concerned about a restrictive frenum affecting your oral health or your child’s development, contact our team to schedule an evaluation