What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple and safe dental procedure that can help your child’s oral function by removing or loosening a small piece of tissue known as the frenum. When this little piece of tissue is too tight or thick, it can lead to problems with feeding, speech, oral hygiene, and dental development. Luckily, a frenectomy is a fast and effective fix that can improve your child’s comfort and overall oral health.

Types of Frenectomies

There are two main types of frenectomies that deal with restrictive tissue in the mouth.

• Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie Release): A labial frenectomy is a procedure that involves removing or loosening the labial frenum, which is the thin tissue that connects your upper lip to the gums right above your front teeth. Some kids have tissue that’s a bit too tight or thick, which leads to a condition called a lip-tie. This may lead to some challenges with breastfeeding or even create a space between the front teeth. A labial frenectomy corrects this by releasing the tissue, which can improve lip movement and help with dental development.
• Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie Release): A lingual frenectomy is a procedure that either removes or loosens the lingual frenum, which is the tissue that connects the bottom of your tongue to the floor of your mouth. If this tissue is too short or tight, it could cause a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), which can limit how the tongue moves. Kids with a tongue tie can have a tough time breastfeeding and might find it tricky to eat certain foods since their tongues can’t move around as they should. A lingual frenectomy helps by releasing that connective tissue, allowing your child to have better tongue mobility.

At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we perform frenectomies under local anesthesia to ensure your child’s comfort. The procedure is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery time, allowing for improved tongue or lip movement without much hassle.

If you suspect your child might have a lip- or tongue-tie, our team is ready to assess their situation and help you figure out the best treatment option.

Why Might a Child Need a Frenectomy?

There are several reasons why your child may need a frenectomy. Let’s take a look at some of those reasons:

• Difficulty with Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding: Feeding can be a bit challenging at times, especially for babies who have a tight frenulum. A tight frenulum can affect how easily they latch onto a bottle or breast. This can cause difficulty maintaining a strong latch, constantly slipping off the breast or bottle, slow weight gain due to inefficient feeding, and even fussiness or frustration during feedings. A frenectomy can help improve tongue or lip movement, making feeding a lot easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby.
• Problems with Eating and Swallowing: As your little one gets bigger, a tight frenulum can make mealtime a little challenging. Some kids might struggle a bit with chewing, swallowing, and moving food around in their mouths the right way. Some kids end up steering clear of certain foods altogether, finding it tough to eat on their own, or having a hard time getting food out from between their teeth and gums. Food getting stuck in their mouths can make it more likely for them to get cavities.
• Speech Difficulties: A restricted tongue can impact how your child pronounces certain sounds like L, R, S, T, D, N, and TH. A tongue-tie can make it tough for kids to speak clearly, and sometimes, it can even lead to speech delays. If speech therapy isn’t quite cutting it for improving pronunciation, a frenectomy may be recommended to help with tongue movement.
• Dental and Orthodontic Concerns: A lip-tie that extends between the two front teeth can create a noticeable gap, known as a diastema. While gaps can be a normal part of dental development, a persistent gap due to a tight frenum may require a frenectomy, especially if you’re thinking about getting braces later on. In some cases, a tight frenum can also pull on the gums, leading to gum recession or an increased risk of cavities.
• Breathing Difficulties: When tongue movement is restricted, it can cause kids to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. This can impact how their airways develop and even their posture while they sleep. If tongue ties aren’t treated, the tongue might fall back into the throat while you sleep. This can block the airway and lead to issues like snoring and sleep apnea.
• Mouth Discomfort or Limited Oral Mobility: Kids with a tight frenum might find it tricky to stick out their tongue, move their lips easily, or do everyday things like licking their lips or playing wind instruments. Some kids may also complain of discomfort, especially if the tight tissue pulls on their gums or teeth.

A frenectomy is a simple and effective procedure that can greatly enhance your child’s quality of life by tackling these concerns. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to check in with a pediatric dentist to find out if your child might need a frenectomy.

How Is a Frenectomy Performed?

A frenectomy is a quick and straightforward procedure designed to release a tight or thick frenum in the mouth. At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we perform frenectomies under local anesthesia so your child stays comfortable and relaxed during the whole process.

Here’s how we perform this procedure:

Step 1: Numbing the Area

Before starting the procedure, we apply a local anesthetic to the treatment area. This helps numb the tissue so your child doesn’t feel any pain during the frenectomy.

Step 2: Releasing the Frenum

Using precise instruments, we carefully make a small incision in the tight frenum to free the lip or tongue. This allows for better movement and function. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes only a few minutes.

Step 3: Checking for Mobility

After we release the frenum, we make sure that the tongue or lip can move freely. In severe cases, if needed, stitches are put in place to help it heal and avoid issues like sticking to nearby tissues.

Step 4: Recovery and Aftercare Instructions

Since a frenectomy is a pretty simple procedure, you can expect a quick and easy recovery. Most children experience minimal discomfort and can return to their normal activities the same day. We provide parents with clear aftercare instructions, including:

• Gentle stretches and exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching
• Pain management tips, if needed (such as over-the-counter pain relievers)
• Oral hygiene recommendations to keep the area clean and promote healing

After a frenectomy, most children notice immediate improvements in how they can move their tongue or lip. Infants usually pick up feeding skills pretty quickly, while older kids might have an easier time with talking, eating, or closing their lips comfortably.

Benefits of a Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple and effective surgical procedure that can really improve your child’s oral function, comfort, and overall well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of a frenectomy:

• Improved Feeding for Infants: For infants with tongue-tie or lip-tie, a frenectomy can lead to immediate improvements in breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Lots of parents see that their baby is able to latch on better and feed more efficiently right after the procedure.
• Enhanced Speech Development: A frenectomy can help toddlers and older kids with tongue-tie or lip-tie by letting their tongues move more freely. This can help them speak better and make speech therapy more effective. It can really boost their confidence when talking and connecting with others.
• Easier Eating and Swallowing: A frenectomy can make it easier for kids to chew and swallow their food, lower the risk of gagging or choking, and even let them enjoy a wider variety of foods without any discomfort.
• Better Oral Hygiene and Dental Health: A frenectomy can help close gaps between the two front teeth, and it’s often done alongside orthodontic treatment. It can help ease tension on the gums, which may prevent long-term gum recession and make brushing and flossing much easier, ultimately boosting your overall oral hygiene.
• Increased Comfort and Mobility: A frenectomy can help with tongue and lip movement, making it more comfortable to speak, eat, and drink. It can also make kids feel more at ease in their everyday activities.

A frenectomy procedure can greatly improve your child’s oral function, comfort, and overall well-being, paving the way for healthier growth as they get older.

Is a Frenectomy Safe for My Child?

Yes! A frenectomy is a very safe and routine procedure that can significantly improve your child’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain good oral health. At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we take every precaution to ensure a gentle and comfortable experience for your child.

Here’s why a frenectomy is considered safe:

• Minimally Invasive: A frenectomy involves a small incision to release the tight frenum, allowing for better tongue or lip movement. The procedure is quick and simple and is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
• Performed by Experienced Professionals: Our team specializes in pediatric dentistry and is highly skilled in performing frenectomies with precision and care.
• Fast Recovery: Healing is typically quick and uncomplicated, with most children experiencing minimal discomfort. Most kids can return to normal activities the same day with little to no restrictions.
• Low Risk of Complications: The risks associated with a frenectomy are very low. Some children may experience slight swelling or tenderness for a day or two, but serious complications are extremely rare.

We encourage parents to have an open discussion with our pediatric dentist about any questions or concerns they might have. We really care about your child’s well-being, and we’re here to offer the best care and support every step of the way.

Does a Frenectomy Hurt?

A frenectomy is a quick and gentle procedure, and most children experience little to no pain during or after the treatment. We take extra care to make sure your child feels comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire process.

During the procedure, we use local anesthesia to completely numb the area so your child won’t feel any pain. The procedure itself is very fast, usually taking just a few minutes. Since the frenum is just a small, thin piece of tissue, the incision is pretty minor—no deep cuts or stitches are needed.

After the procedure, some children might feel a bit sore or uncomfortable, kind of like having a little scrape in their mouth. This usually clears up in a day or two. Any discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers (if needed) and simple aftercare instructions. Many children resume normal activities the same day with no significant discomfort.

At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible for everyone. We go over everything in advance so you and your child will know exactly what to expect. Our team uses gentle techniques to minimize discomfort, and we provide easy aftercare tips to help with healing.