If your child has trouble feeding, speaking clearly, or keeping up with dental care, a small piece of feeding problems, unclear speech, or difficulty keeping up with oral hygiene can sometimes point to an overlooked issue: a tight band of tissue inside your child’s mouth.
This tissue, called the frenum, may limit lip or tongue movement and is often referred to as a “lip tie” or “tongue tie.” A simple and minimally invasive treatment known as a frenectomy can help restore normal function.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the procedure involves, its benefits, and how to prepare your child for it
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgery that removes or loosens a tight frenum—the thin band of tissue that connects the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the gums. In children, the two most common types are:
- Upper Lip Frenectomy: Performed when the tissue between the upper lip and gum is too tight, limiting lip movement.
- Lingual Frenectomy: Done when the tissue under the tongue restricts motion, commonly known as a tongue tie.
Both conditions can affect a child’s ability to breastfeed, speak, eat, or maintain good dental hygiene. If left untreated, they might even lead to spacing issues between teeth or interfere with jaw development.
Frenectomy Before and After: What Changes Can You Expect?
Before the procedure, many children experience:
- Challenges latching during breastfeeding
- Difficulty forming certain speech sounds
- Trouble brushing or flossing near the front teeth
- A visible gap between the front teeth
- Discomfort while eating or speaking
After the procedure, parents often notice:
- Easier breastfeeding and feeding
- Improved speech clarity
- Better oral hygiene habits
- Greater comfort in daily activities
- Reduced tension around the lips or tongue
Keep in mind that each child responds differently, and changes may occur gradually depending on their age and how tight the frenum was.
How Much Does a Frenectomy Cost?
The cost of a frenectomy can vary based on:
- The type of frenectomy (upper lip vs. tongue tie)
- Whether a laser or traditional scalpel is used
- The provider’s experience and geographic location
- Sedation or anesthesia requirements
- Whether the procedure is medically necessary
On average, families can expect to pay between $250 and $800. If the procedure is necessary to improve feeding, speech, or development, insurance may help cover the cost. It’s best to check with your provider ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Understanding the Frenectomy Dental Procedure: Step-by-Step
When your child requires a frenectomy dental procedure, the experience is typically brief, minimally invasive, and handled with great care by a pediatric dental professional. Here’s what you can expect:
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Consultation and Diagnosis
The process begins with a thorough examination of your child’s mouth. The pediatric dentist evaluates how the frenum—a small band of tissue—may be restricting normal tongue or lip movement, which could be affecting speech, feeding, or oral hygiene.
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Comfort and Preparation
To ensure your child feels calm and pain-free, a local anesthetic is gently applied to the area. For younger children or those with dental anxiety, sedation may be considered to provide added comfort and minimize stress during the procedure.
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Performing the Frenectomy
Using a safe and precise method—either a soft tissue laser or a sterile surgical tool—the dentist carefully loosens or removes the frenum. The laser technique, often preferred, helps minimize bleeding and promotes faster healing.
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Aftercare Instructions
Once the procedure is complete, your dental team will walk you through care instructions for the days ahead. This may include recommended oral stretches, dietary tips, and guidelines for monitoring healing.
These steps support proper recovery and help prevent reattachment. In most cases, the entire frenectomy surgery takes 10–15 minutes, and your child can resume their regular routine shortly after. The experience is designed to be as gentle, safe, and reassuring as possible.
How Long Does a Frenectomy Take to Heal?
Healing time depends on the technique used:
- Laser frenectomy: Typically heals in 3 to 5 days
- Traditional scalpel frenectomy: May take 7 to 10 days
Recovery tends to be easier with laser treatment since it causes less bleeding and swelling. Dentists may recommend gentle stretching exercises to help prevent the tissue from reattaching.
To make healing smooth:
- Offer soft, cool foods (like yogurt or smoothies)
- Avoid spicy or crunchy foods for a few days
- Keep up with gentle oral hygiene
- Follow all post-care directions from your dentist
When Does a Child Need a Frenectomy?
Your child’s dentist may suggest a frenectomy if they notice:
- Trouble nursing or bottle-feeding in infants
- Delayed or unclear speech development
- Mouth discomfort during eating or brushing
- Difficulty moving the lips or tongue freely
- A persistent gap between front teeth linked to the frenum
Early treatment can prevent speech delays, feeding issues, and dental misalignment later on.
Frenectomy Procedure: Step-by-Step
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect on the day of your child’s frenectomy:
- Check-In and Prep: You’ll meet the care team and get your child ready with anesthesia if needed.
- Surgery: The dentist will perform the frenectomy using a laser or scalpel. The procedure is quick and safe.
- Immediate Care: After the surgery, your child will rest briefly before going home.
- Home Recovery: You’ll receive a care plan with stretching instructions and tips for keeping the area clean.
Tips for a Smooth Frenectomy Recovery
- Gently stretch the treated area as advised
- Offer cool drinks and soft foods
- Keep your child’s mouth clean with water or mild salt rinses
- Stick to routine dental checkups to monitor healing
- Use pain relief if needed (under the guidance of your dentist)
FAQs About the Frenectomy Procedure for Kids
Q: What is the purpose of a frenectomy procedure?
A: A frenectomy aims to release a tight frenum—the small band of tissue that may be restricting the tongue or lip. This helps improve your child’s ability to speak, feed, and maintain proper oral hygiene.
Q: How much does a frenectomy typically cost?
A: The cost of a frenectomy can vary, usually falling between $250 and $800. The total may depend on the type of technique used (laser vs. traditional surgery), your dentist’s fees, and your insurance coverage.
Q: What does an upper lip frenectomy involve?
A: An upper lip frenectomy removes or loosens the tissue between the upper lip and the gums. This is often done to correct a lip tie, which can interfere with feeding, speech, or oral development.
Q: Will my child be in pain during the procedure?
A: Most children feel minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is applied, and many pediatric dentists use lasers, which reduce bleeding and speed up healing. Your child might feel mild soreness for a day or two afterward.
Q: What is the expected frenectomy recovery time?
A: Recovery depends on the method used. Laser frenectomies usually heal within 3–5 days, while traditional procedures may take up to 10 days. Your dentist will provide stretching exercises to support healing.
Q: Is a second frenectomy ever needed?
A: While rare, some children may need a follow-up if the tissue partially reattaches or healing doesn’t go as expected. Performing the recommended aftercare exercises helps reduce this risk.
Final Thoughts
A frenectomy may be a small procedure, but it can make a big difference in your child’s daily comfort and long-term development. Whether it’s improving feeding in infancy or supporting better speech and dental alignment, timely treatment can bring lasting benefits.
At Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how important it is to support your child through every stage of their growth. If you think your child may need a frenectomy or have questions about frenectomy dental care, our experienced team is here to help with guidance, gentle care, and answers you can trust.
