Frenectomy

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or modifies a frenum (also spelled frenulum), which is a small fold of tissue that connects two structures in the mouth. The two most commonly treated frena are:

  • Lingual frenum: The tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too short, tight, or thick, it restricts tongue movement, a condition commonly known as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia).
  • Labial frenum: The tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. An overly thick or low-attaching labial frenum can create a gap (diastema) between the upper front teeth, contribute to gum recession, or interfere with denture fit.

A frenectomy is a quick, straightforward procedure that can significantly improve oral function, comfort, and aesthetics. At Serenity International Dental Clinic in Hanoi, our dentists perform frenectomies using precise techniques to ensure minimal discomfort and fast healing.

Who Needs a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy may be recommended for:

  • Infants who have difficulty breastfeeding due to tongue-tie, resulting in poor latch, insufficient milk transfer, or pain for the mother
  • Children with tongue-tie that affects speech development, eating, or oral hygiene
  • Adolescents and adults with a tight lingual frenum that restricts tongue mobility, making it difficult to speak clearly, eat certain foods, or play wind instruments
  • Patients of any age with a thick labial frenum that causes a persistent gap between the front teeth, especially when orthodontic treatment alone cannot close the gap
  • Patients whose labial frenum pulls on the gum tissue, contributing to gum recession on the front teeth
  • Denture wearers whose frenum interferes with the fit and stability of a denture

The Frenectomy Process

Evaluation

Your dentist examines the frenum and assesses how it affects function. For infants, the evaluation includes observing feeding and assessing tongue mobility. For older children and adults, speech, tongue range of motion, and the relationship of the frenum to surrounding tissues are evaluated.

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. For very young infants, topical anesthetic alone may be sufficient, as the procedure is quick and the frenum has limited nerve supply.

Frenum Release

The frenum is released using a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a soft-tissue laser. Laser frenectomy offers the advantage of minimal bleeding, reduced need for sutures, and faster healing. The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Closure

If a scalpel or scissors are used, a few small sutures may be placed. With laser frenectomy, sutures are often not needed. A wound-healing agent or protective dressing may be applied.

Post-Procedure Exercises (for tongue-tie)

For tongue-tie releases, stretching exercises are prescribed to prevent the frenum from reattaching during healing. These exercises are particularly important for infants and young children.

Benefits of Frenectomy

  • Improved breastfeeding: Infants with tongue-tie can latch and feed more effectively after the procedure.
  • Better speech: Removing tongue restrictions allows clearer pronunciation of sounds that require full tongue mobility.
  • Enhanced oral hygiene: A freed tongue can sweep food debris from the teeth more effectively.
  • Closes diastema: Releasing a thick labial frenum supports orthodontic closure of gaps between front teeth.
  • Prevents gum recession: Removing a frenum that pulls on gum tissue protects against progressive recession.
  • Quick recovery: Most patients heal within one to two weeks, with minimal discomfort.

Aftercare

  • Apply ice or a cold compress to the outside of the mouth for the first few hours to reduce swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your dentist if needed.
  • Eat soft foods for the first one to two days after the procedure.
  • Keep the surgical site clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the procedure.
  • For tongue-tie releases in infants and children, perform the stretching exercises as instructed by your dentist to prevent reattachment.
  • Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods until the area has healed.
  • Attend your follow-up appointment so your dentist can check healing and assess functional improvement.

Why Choose Serenity International Dental Clinic

At Serenity International Dental Clinic, located at 16 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam, our dental team performs frenectomies with precision and care for patients of all ages, from newborn infants to adults. We offer both traditional and laser frenectomy options, recommending the approach best suited to each patient’s situation. Our gentle, patient-centered approach ensures comfort for even our youngest patients, and our multilingual team is available to guide families through every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a frenectomy painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients feel little to no pain during the treatment. Mild soreness at the site is normal for one to three days after the procedure and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does a frenectomy take?

A frenectomy is a quick procedure, typically completed in 10 to 15 minutes. Including preparation and aftercare instructions, the entire appointment usually lasts about 30 minutes.

At what age can a frenectomy be performed?

A frenectomy can be performed at any age, from newborn infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties to adults with functional or aesthetic concerns. The ideal timing depends on the specific issue being addressed.

Will my child need speech therapy after a tongue-tie release?

If a child has developed compensatory speech patterns due to long-standing tongue-tie, speech therapy after the frenectomy may be recommended to help retrain tongue movements. For infants and very young children treated early, speech typically develops normally without therapy.

Can the frenum grow back after a frenectomy?

Reattachment is possible but uncommon, especially when post-procedure stretching exercises are performed consistently as directed. If reattachment does occur, a revision procedure can be performed.