Gentle, Precise Frenectomy Treatment for Improved Oral Function
A small band of tissue known as a frenum plays a big role in how your mouth functions. When it’s too tight or too short, it can restrict the natural movement of the tongue or lips, leading to difficulties with speech, eating, or oral hygiene. This condition—commonly called a “tongue-tie” or “lip-tie”—can affect infants, children, and adults alike.
At Whiteman Dental Associates in Boston, Dr. Daniel Whiteman provides gentle, effective frenectomy procedures to restore natural movement and improve long-term oral function. Using advanced techniques, our team ensures treatment is comfortable, efficient, and customized to each patient’s needs.
A frenectomy can have a transformative impact on daily comfort, speech clarity, and oral health—helping patients of all ages experience better balance and function.
What Is a Frenectomy?
The mouth contains small tissue bands called frenums that connect different parts of the oral cavity. There are two main types that may require treatment:
- Lingual Frenum: This connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When too tight, it restricts tongue movement and can cause “tongue-tie.”
- Labial Frenum: This attaches the inner side of the lip to the gum tissue above or below the front teeth. A tight labial frenum can cause spacing between teeth, gum recession, or difficulty cleaning teeth.
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that carefully releases or removes this restrictive tissue, allowing for a full range of motion and improved oral function. It’s a quick, straightforward treatment that often provides immediate relief and lasting results.
Who May Benefit from a Frenectomy?
Frenectomy treatment can help patients of any age who experience oral restriction or related symptoms. The procedure is especially beneficial when the frenum is causing functional or developmental challenges.
Infants
In newborns, a tight frenum can make breastfeeding difficult, leading to poor latching, fussiness, or feeding fatigue. A quick lingual frenectomy can improve feeding and comfort for both the infant and parent.
Children
For children, a restrictive frenum may contribute to speech difficulties or interfere with tooth alignment. Releasing it early can prevent future orthodontic issues and support clear speech development.
Adults
Adults with tongue-tie or lip-tie may experience discomfort, gum pulling, or difficulty maintaining oral hygiene. A frenectomy can relieve these symptoms and support improved dental health and comfort.
Types of Frenectomy Procedures
At Whiteman Dental Associates, Dr. Whiteman performs two primary types of frenectomy procedures, each designed to address specific concerns.
Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie Release)
A lingual frenectomy releases the tissue that restricts tongue movement. This can make a significant difference in how a patient eats, speaks, and maintains oral hygiene. For children, it can enhance speech development, while adults often notice improved comfort and mobility almost immediately.
Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie Release)
A labial frenectomy releases the tissue that connects the upper or lower lip to the gum line. This can help close gaps between the front teeth, prevent gum recession, and make brushing and flossing easier. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, a labial frenectomy can also prevent tooth gaps from reopening after braces.
Both procedures are performed with precision and minimal discomfort, ensuring optimal healing and functional improvement.
Signs That a Frenectomy May Be Needed
You or your child may benefit from a frenectomy if you notice one or more of the following:
- Difficulty moving the tongue freely while speaking or eating
- Trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words
- Persistent gap between the two front teeth
- Gum pulling or recession near the front teeth
- Speech delays in children
- Breastfeeding challenges in infants
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to restricted movement
A thorough evaluation with Dr. Whiteman can determine if a frenectomy is the best solution for restoring comfort and mobility.
The Frenectomy Procedure at Whiteman Dental Associates
Frenectomy treatment is a straightforward process that typically takes less than 30 minutes. Dr. Whiteman performs each procedure with meticulous care to ensure the best outcomes for function, comfort, and healing.
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Your visit begins with a detailed examination. We’ll assess how the frenum affects movement, alignment, or oral function, and discuss your symptoms and goals.
Step 2 – Local Anesthesia for Comfort
The treatment area is gently numbed to eliminate discomfort. For patients who experience anxiety or for younger children, sedation options can be discussed to make the visit relaxing.
Step 3 – Precise Release of the Frenum
Using delicate surgical instruments, Dr. Whiteman releases or removes the restrictive tissue. The procedure is minimally invasive, and there is little to no bleeding.
Step 4 – Immediate Results and Aftercare
Most patients notice improved tongue or lip mobility right away. After the procedure, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing. Mild tenderness typically lasts only a day or two, and full recovery occurs within one to two weeks.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
Frenectomy procedures can have wide-ranging benefits that enhance both oral function and long-term dental health.
1. Improved Speech and Communication
By freeing restricted tissue, a frenectomy can improve speech clarity and pronunciation, especially for children who previously struggled with certain sounds.
2. Easier Eating and Swallowing
A full range of motion allows for comfortable chewing and swallowing without strain or fatigue.
3. Better Oral Hygiene
Removing a tight frenum makes it easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum irritation.
4. Prevention of Gum Recession and Tooth Gaps
A restrictive lip-tie can pull on the gum tissue or create spacing between front teeth. Releasing the tissue supports healthier gums and a more balanced smile.
5. Enhanced Orthodontic Stability
For patients with braces or aligners, a frenectomy can help maintain proper tooth positioning and prevent unwanted shifting after treatment.
6. Increased Comfort and Confidence
With improved mobility, patients often experience greater ease in speaking, eating, and smiling—leading to more natural comfort and self-assurance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after a frenectomy is typically brief and uncomplicated. Most patients return to their normal activities the same day or the following day.
Post-Treatment Care Tips:
- Avoid touching or stretching the area unnecessarily during the first 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup, or scrambled eggs for the first day.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods that may irritate the tissue.
- Keep the mouth clean with gentle rinsing after meals.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief if mild soreness occurs.
Healing usually completes within 7–10 days. For children, Dr. Whiteman may recommend gentle exercises to prevent reattachment and ensure lasting results.
Why Choose Whiteman Dental Associates for a Frenectomy in Boston?
At Whiteman Dental Associates, patient comfort and safety are always the top priorities. Dr. Whiteman’s extensive background in restorative and surgical dentistry ensures that each frenectomy is performed with skill and care.
Our Approach:
- Experience You Can Trust: Decades of experience treating patients of all ages with precise, minimally invasive techniques.
- Comfort-Focused Care: Local anesthesia and optional sedation ensure a relaxed and painless procedure.
- Personalized Attention: Each case is carefully evaluated to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
- Proven Results: Patients often experience noticeable improvements in movement and comfort immediately after treatment.
- Supportive Environment: Our friendly team provides step-by-step guidance before, during, and after your procedure.
Every frenectomy is performed with attention to both function and aesthetics, ensuring your results support lasting oral health.
Book a Frenectomy in Boston, MA
If you or your child is experiencing tongue or lip restrictions that interfere with speech, eating, or comfort, a frenectomy may be the solution. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we provide compassionate care that improves function, confidence, and long-term health.
Dr. Whiteman and his team will guide you through every step—from consultation to recovery—ensuring a comfortable, successful experience. Take the first step toward greater freedom and oral comfort today.
Frenectomy FAQs
How long does a frenectomy appointment take?
Most frenectomy procedures are completed in about 15–30 minutes, depending on the type of frenum being treated.
Will I be able to speak or eat right after the procedure?
Yes. Most patients can speak normally and eat soft foods soon after treatment, though some minor tenderness may occur for a day or two.
Are frenectomies safe for infants?
Yes. The procedure is commonly performed on infants to improve feeding, and it is both safe and well-tolerated when done by an experienced professional.
Do adults recover more slowly than children?
Healing time is similar for all age groups, though adults may experience slightly more post-procedure tenderness due to denser tissue.
Can a frenectomy prevent orthodontic relapse?
Yes. By releasing a tight frenum, a frenectomy can help maintain proper tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment.
Will I need follow-up visits after my frenectomy?
A short follow-up visit is typically scheduled to ensure the area is healing properly and that full mobility has been restored.
Can a frenectomy improve gum health?
Yes. A tight frenum can pull on gum tissue, leading to recession. Releasing it helps protect gum stability and health.
Is bleeding common after a frenectomy?
Minor bleeding may occur immediately after the procedure, but it usually stops quickly. Applying light pressure with gauze helps control it.
How soon can children return to school after a frenectomy?
Most children can return to school the next day, as discomfort is minimal and short-lived.
What happens if a frenum reattaches after surgery?
In rare cases, tissue can reattach during healing. Gentle stretching exercises and proper aftercare prevent this from occurring.