Restore Comfort and Natural Movement with a Gentle Frenectomy
A small tissue connection inside your mouth, called a frenum, plays an important role in movement and oral function. When this tissue is too tight, short, or thick, it can restrict how the tongue or lips move—creating challenges for eating, speaking, or maintaining oral hygiene. This condition, often referred to as a “tongue-tie” or “lip-tie,” can appear at any age and may impact speech development, feeding, or gum health.
At Whiteman Dental Associates in Cambridge, Dr. Daniel Whiteman provides safe, precise frenectomy procedures designed to improve mobility and comfort. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s age, anatomy, and specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome. Using advanced techniques and a gentle approach, we help patients regain normal function and confidence in their smile.
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Understanding Frenectomy Treatment
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or loosens a restrictive band of tissue called a frenum. There are two primary types of frenum connections inside the mouth:
- Lingual Frenum: Connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If too short, it can limit tongue movement and create a “tongue-tie.”
- Labial Frenum: Connects the inside of the lip to the gum tissue above or below the front teeth. If too tight, it can cause a gap between the front teeth or contribute to gum recession.
By carefully releasing or reshaping this tissue, a frenectomy allows for a natural range of motion, reducing discomfort and supporting proper oral development.
Frenectomies are performed on patients of all ages—infants who struggle with feeding, children who experience speech delays, and adults dealing with gum strain or spacing between teeth.
Who Can Benefit from a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy may be beneficial for patients experiencing restricted oral movement or related complications. The procedure addresses both functional and developmental concerns across different age groups.
Infants
An overly tight frenum can make breastfeeding difficult by limiting a baby’s ability to latch properly. Releasing the tissue improves feeding comfort and helps ensure healthy growth and development.
Children
In children, a restricted frenum can interfere with speech, cause difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, or lead to dental spacing issues. Early treatment can support clearer speech and proper tooth alignment.
Adults
For adults, a tight tongue or lip connection may cause gum pulling, speech challenges, or difficulty maintaining oral hygiene. A frenectomy can restore comfort, protect gum health, and enhance everyday oral function.
Types of Frenectomy Procedures at Whiteman Dental Associates
Whiteman Dental Associates provides two main types of frenectomy procedures, each designed to address a different area of the mouth with precision and care.
Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie Release)
A lingual frenectomy releases the tight band of tissue beneath the tongue, allowing for greater mobility. This simple procedure can make speaking, swallowing, and oral hygiene easier. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in comfort and function.
Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie Release)
This procedure targets the tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gums. A labial frenectomy can help close gaps between teeth, reduce gum strain, and improve oral hygiene. It’s also commonly performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatments to support long-term tooth alignment.
Both procedures are performed in a calm, comfortable environment and typically take less than half an hour to complete.
When to Consider a Frenectomy
You or your child may benefit from a frenectomy if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Limited tongue movement or difficulty extending the tongue
- Trouble eating, swallowing, or speaking clearly
- A noticeable gap between the two front teeth
- Pulling or tension along the gumline
- Ongoing speech development concerns in children
- Discomfort while performing daily oral hygiene
During your consultation, Dr. Whiteman will carefully evaluate your oral structures to determine if a frenectomy is the best solution for restoring proper function.
How the Frenectomy Procedure Works
At Whiteman Dental Associates, every frenectomy is performed with patient comfort and precision in mind. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:
Step 1 – Consultation and Assessment
Your visit begins with a thorough examination and discussion of your symptoms. Dr. Whiteman uses visual and functional assessments to evaluate how the frenum affects your oral health and movement.
Step 2 – Comfort and Anesthesia
Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area completely. For patients who experience dental anxiety, sedation options can be discussed to ensure relaxation throughout the process.
Step 3 – Tissue Release
The restrictive frenum is gently released or reshaped to restore mobility. The process is quick and minimally invasive, with little to no bleeding.
Step 4 – Immediate Improvement and Aftercare
After the procedure, patients often notice immediate improvement in movement and comfort. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to help the area heal smoothly. Most people can return to regular activities within a day or two.
Benefits of Frenectomy Treatment
A frenectomy offers lasting improvements in comfort, appearance, and oral function.
1. Improved Speech and Pronunciation
By freeing the tongue or lips, a frenectomy allows for clearer articulation and easier pronunciation of sounds that were previously difficult.
2. Easier Eating and Swallowing
Patients often notice greater ease and comfort when eating or swallowing, as normal tongue and lip movement is restored.
3. Enhanced Gum and Tooth Health
Releasing the frenum reduces strain on the gums and makes daily brushing and flossing more effective, helping to prevent gum recession and plaque buildup.
4. Better Orthodontic Outcomes
A labial frenectomy can help maintain proper spacing and prevent gaps from reopening after orthodontic treatment.
5. Long-Term Comfort and Function
Once healed, the released tissue functions naturally, supporting lifelong comfort, improved oral mobility, and healthier alignment.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery following a frenectomy is typically quick and comfortable. Mild tenderness or swelling may occur for a day or two but can be easily managed with over-the-counter medication.
Post-Treatment Care Guidelines:
- Avoid stretching or touching the area unnecessarily during the first 24 hours.
- Eat soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, or scrambled eggs.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods that may irritate the healing tissue.
- Maintain oral hygiene by gently rinsing with warm saltwater.
- Follow any stretching exercises provided by Dr. Whiteman to prevent reattachment.
Healing is generally complete within 7–10 days, though most patients return to normal routines within 24 hours.
Why Choose Whiteman Dental Associates for a Frenectomy in Cambridge?
Whiteman Dental Associates is trusted for its combination of technical precision and compassionate care. Dr. Whiteman’s extensive experience in restorative and surgical dentistry ensures that every procedure is handled with accuracy and attention to detail.
Our Approach Includes:
- Personalized Evaluation: Every patient receives a tailored plan based on age, anatomy, and oral health needs.
- Comfort-First Care: Local anesthesia and optional sedation keep the experience stress-free and pain-free.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Advanced methods help reduce healing time and post-treatment discomfort.
- Comprehensive Support: From consultation to follow-up, you’ll receive clear guidance every step of the way.
- Long-Term Results: Our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to restore natural, lasting oral function.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, each patient’s comfort, safety, and satisfaction remain the highest priorities.
Book a Frenectomy in Cambridge, MA
If a restrictive frenum is affecting your ability to speak, eat, or maintain oral health, a frenectomy may be the solution. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we provide gentle, effective treatment designed to restore natural function and comfort.
Dr. Whiteman and his team will guide you through every step—from evaluation to recovery—with the professionalism and care you deserve. Take the first step toward better oral movement and comfort today.
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Frenectomy FAQs
At what age can a frenectomy be performed?
A frenectomy can be performed at any age—from infancy to adulthood—depending on the individual’s needs and the degree of restriction.
Will I need stitches after a frenectomy?
In some cases, small dissolvable sutures may be placed, but many procedures heal naturally without the need for stitches.
How soon after a frenectomy can I brush my teeth?
Gentle brushing can usually resume the next day, avoiding direct contact with the treated area for a few days.
Can a frenectomy help improve jaw movement?
Yes. For some patients, a tongue-tie can cause tension in the jaw. Releasing the frenum can improve jaw mobility and comfort.
Will my child’s speech improve immediately after treatment?
Many children experience noticeable improvement soon after the procedure, though some may benefit from short-term speech therapy to fully adjust.
How long should I avoid hard or crunchy foods after surgery?
It’s best to stick with soft foods for 48–72 hours before reintroducing your regular diet.
What signs indicate that my frenum has reattached?
Reattachment is rare, but if movement feels restricted again or tissue tightness returns, contact our office for an evaluation.
Does a frenectomy affect dental alignment?
A labial frenectomy can help prevent spacing issues or tooth shifting, especially after orthodontic treatment.
Can tongue-tie cause sleep or breathing issues?
In some cases, severe tongue restriction may contribute to mouth breathing or disrupted sleep. Releasing the tissue can help improve airflow.
How do I know if my baby needs a frenectomy?
Signs include difficulty latching, short feeding sessions, or visible restriction under the tongue. Dr. Whiteman can evaluate your baby to determine if a frenectomy would help.