Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Treatment (Frenectomy)
The small bands of tissue that connect your tongue to the floor of your mouth and your lips to your gums are called frena. In some people, these tissues are unusually short, thick, or tight, limiting normal movement.
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that removes or reshapes this tissue to improve function. Depending on the individual, treatment may help with tongue mobility, oral hygiene, speech, orthodontic treatment, denture stability, or other dental concerns.
At Hunters Point Dentistry, we carefully evaluate whether a frenectomy is appropriate based on your specific symptoms and oral health. Not every tongue-tie or lip-tie requires treatment.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue beneath the tongue restricts normal tongue movement.
A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums limits normal lip movement or contributes to certain dental concerns.
The severity varies from person to person. Some individuals experience few or no symptoms, while others benefit from treatment.
When Might a Frenectomy Be Recommended?
A frenectomy may be considered if you have:
- Limited tongue movement
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene because of restricted tissue
- A gap between the upper front teeth associated with a tight frenum
- Difficulty wearing certain dental appliances or dentures
- Orthodontic concerns related to a prominent frenum
- Persistent tension or discomfort caused by restricted soft tissue
- Other oral health concerns identified during your examination
Treatment recommendations are always individualized and based on a comprehensive evaluation.
How Is a Frenectomy Performed?
A frenectomy is a relatively minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Depending on your individual case, the procedure may involve:
- Carefully releasing the tight tissue
- Reshaping the frenum to allow improved movement
- Controlling bleeding and promoting proper healing
- Providing instructions for home care and recovery
The procedure is typically completed in a single visit.
Benefits of Frenectomy
When appropriate, treatment may help:
- Improve tongue or lip mobility
- Make oral hygiene easier
- Support orthodontic treatment
- Improve denture comfort and stability in selected cases
- Reduce soft tissue tension
- Help maintain healthier gums around nearby teeth
- Improve overall oral function
The benefits vary depending on the reason the procedure is being performed. We will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Recovery
Most patients recover quickly after a frenectomy.
It is common to experience mild soreness for several days. We will provide detailed instructions regarding oral hygiene, diet, and activity to help promote comfortable healing.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing and answer any questions during recovery.
Why Choose Hunters Point Dentistry?
At Hunters Point Dentistry, we believe every surgical procedure should have a clear purpose and long-term benefit.
Before recommending a frenectomy, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the restricted tissue is contributing to your dental concerns. If treatment is appropriate, we will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, and postoperative care in detail.
Our practice offers:
- Comprehensive oral evaluations
- Conservative, evidence-based treatment recommendations
- Modern diagnostic technology
- Collaboration with our in-house periodontist when appropriate
- Personalized treatment planning
- Care focused on long-term oral health and function
Our goal is to provide treatment only when it is expected to improve your oral health, comfort, or function.
Frequently Asked Questions
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or reshapes a tight frenum—the small band of tissue connecting the tongue or lip to surrounding structures—to improve function or support dental treatment.
A tongue-tie restricts tongue movement because the tissue beneath the tongue is too tight. A lip-tie affects the movement of the upper lip due to a tight attachment between the lip and the gums.
No. Many people have a tongue-tie or lip-tie without experiencing any problems. Treatment is recommended only when the restricted tissue is contributing to functional or dental concerns.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Mild soreness afterward is common and usually resolves within a few days.
Most patients return to normal daily activities quickly. The surgical area typically heals over the following one to two weeks, depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure.
Some frenectomies require sutures, while others do not. Your dentist or periodontist will discuss the appropriate approach based on your specific case.
Yes. Although frenectomies are commonly associated with children, adults may also benefit from treatment depending on their symptoms, oral health, or restorative and orthodontic needs.
Coverage varies depending on your dental insurance plan and the reason for treatment. Our team will review your benefits and discuss your estimated coverage before treatment begins.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have concerns about a tongue-tie, lip-tie, or restricted oral tissue, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Hunters Point Dentistry.
We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation, discuss your symptoms and treatment options, and determine whether a frenectomy is appropriate for your individual needs.