Periodontic Services

Frenectomy in Bel Air, MD: Fast, Comfortable Treatment for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie

A frenectomy is a simple, quick procedure that releases a tight or restrictive frenum, the small band of tissue that connects your tongue, lips, or cheeks to the gum and bone. Dr. Joshua Englander performs frenectomies for patients of all ages, from infants with tongue ties affecting feeding to adults with gum recession caused by a tight labial frenum.

What Types of Frenectomy Does Elevated Smiles Perform?

We perform two main types.

Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue Tie Release)

A lingual frenectomy releases the band of tissue beneath the tongue that is restricting its range of motion. This is commonly performed in infants who have difficulty latching during breastfeeding, in toddlers and children with speech difficulties, and in adults who experience limited tongue mobility that affects eating or speaking. The procedure is brief and healing is quick.

Labial Frenectomy (Lip Tie Release)

A labial frenectomy releases the frenum connecting the upper lip to the gum. It is most commonly performed when the frenum is causing gum recession, preventing proper oral hygiene in that area, or creating a gap between the two upper front teeth that orthodontic treatment cannot fully close without first addressing the underlying tissue.

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What Is a Frenum and When Does It Cause Problems?

A frenum is a small fold of tissue that provides attachment between two structures in the mouth. You have several: one under your tongue, one connecting your upper lip to your upper gum, and one connecting your lower lip to your lower gum. When a frenum is too short, too thick, or attaches too close to the gum margin, it restricts movement and can cause a range of problems. A tight lingual frenum, commonly called tongue tie, can interfere with speech development, breastfeeding in infants, and normal tongue range of motion. A tight labial frenum can pull on the gum tissue and cause recession, create a gap between the front teeth, or limit lip mobility.

What Does the Frenectomy Procedure Involve?

Dr. Englander performs frenectomies using a soft tissue laser, which offers significant advantages over traditional scalpel techniques. The laser precisely removes or releases the frenum tissue with minimal bleeding, no sutures required in most cases, and a much faster healing time. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia before any treatment begins. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. Infants and young children typically calm quickly because there is very little bleeding and minimal discomfort post-procedure.

What Is Recovery Like After a Frenectomy?

Most patients experience mild soreness for two to four days after a frenectomy. The treated area heals quickly, usually within one to two weeks. Dr. Englander will provide aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. For tongue tie releases, stretching exercises are often recommended to prevent the tissue from reattaching during healing. For infants, improved feeding is typically noticeable within the first day or two after the procedure. Adults who have the procedure for gum recession or orthodontic reasons will see the full benefit over the following weeks as the tissue heals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy

At what age can a frenectomy be performed?

Frenectomies can be performed at any age, including in newborns when tongue tie is affecting breastfeeding. There is no age that is too early or too late as long as there is a clinical reason to do it.

Is a frenectomy covered by dental insurance?

Coverage varies. Some plans cover frenectomy when it is deemed medically or dentally necessary. Our team will check your benefits before your appointment and let you know what to expect.

Will my child need to be sedated for a frenectomy?

In most cases, no. The laser procedure is fast, causes minimal discomfort, and produces little bleeding. Many infants and young children tolerate it with only topical numbing or brief local anesthesia. Dr. Englander will discuss the appropriate approach at your consultation.

Can a frenectomy fix a gap between my front teeth?

A labial frenectomy removes the tissue that may be holding the gap open, but it does not close the gap itself. Orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign is still needed to bring the teeth together. Most orthodontists recommend performing the frenectomy before or during final orthodontic movement.

What is the difference between a laser frenectomy and a traditional one?

Laser frenectomies produce less bleeding, require no sutures in most cases, and typically heal faster. The laser sterilizes the tissue as it works, which also reduces infection risk. Recovery is generally easier compared to traditional scalpel procedures.
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