Cerrahi

Frenectomy

Name: Frenectomy
Creator: Dore Medical Editorial Board
Published: 2026-05-11

Surgical correction of the lip or tongue frenulum (band of tissue). A simple and quick procedure used to treat diastema (gaps between front teeth), breastfeeding difficulties, and speech problems.

Medically reviewed. Last updated: May 18, 2026.

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Overview

Frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed to release or reshape the folds of tissue (frenulum) that connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lips to the gums. Frenula are small natural tissue attachments present in everyone. However, in some individuals, this tissue may be excessively thick, short, or incorrectly positioned. In such cases, it can cause significant problems related to feeding, speech, chewing, oral hygiene, and even tooth alignment. Frenectomy is a short, minimally invasive, and effective procedure used to correct these issues.

Frenectomy is most commonly performed in two areas: tongue-tie and lip-tie. In babies with tongue-tie, symptoms may include difficulty breastfeeding, while older children and adults may experience speech difficulties, limited tongue mobility, and problems pronouncing certain sounds correctly. Frenectomy is often planned following evaluation by paediatric dentists and orthodontists. Lip-tie problems are particularly common when the frenulum between the upper lip and front teeth is excessively thick or long. This may lead to diastema, meaning a gap between the front teeth. Even if the gap is closed with orthodontic treatment, stable long-term results may not be possible unless the frenulum is also corrected.

Before treatment, a clinical examination is performed to evaluate the position and thickness of the frenulum. In orthodontic cases, the timing of the procedure is carefully coordinated with braces treatment or clear aligner treatment. In many cases, frenectomy is performed after orthodontic closure of the diastema, allowing the tissue to adapt to the new tooth positions. Local anaesthesia is used, and the frenulum is released using surgical scissors, a scalpel, or a laser. Laser frenectomy is virtually bloodless, usually does not require sutures, and offers a very short recovery period. In traditional surgical techniques, small sutures may be placed. The procedure generally takes around 10–20 minutes.

Recovery after frenectomy is usually very fast. Following laser treatment, pain and sensitivity typically resolve within a few days. In conventional surgical procedures, sutures are removed after 7–10 days or dissolve on their own. Patients should follow the dentist’s recommendations regarding soft foods and oral hygiene. In infants and children, the procedure is generally performed by a paediatric dentist. For all paediatric dental treatments, you can visit our paediatric dentistry page. After frenectomy performed as part of diastema closure treatment, orthodontic retainer wires are important to help prevent the teeth from reopening. For treatment costs, you can visit our frenectomy prices page.

Treatment Process

Risks and Complications

Frenectomy is a commonly performed, simple, and short surgical procedure in dentistry. It is carried out under local anaesthesia, and the vast majority of cases are completed without complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are certain possible side effects and risks that patients should be aware of.

🩸 Bleeding

Mild bleeding during and after frenectomy is expected. The frenulum area contains a rich blood supply; however, because the treatment area is small, bleeding is usually controlled quickly. Slight oozing during the first few hours is normal, while significant or uncontrolled bleeding is very rare.

😣 Temporary Pain and Swelling

Mild pain, tightness, and slight swelling for a few days after the procedure are considered normal. Since frenectomy is a relatively minor surgical procedure, discomfort is usually mild and decreases significantly within 2–3 days. Pain relief medications recommended by the dentist are generally sufficient.

🔄 Scar Tissue Formation

Scar tissue may develop in the surgical area during healing. In most cases, this does not create an aesthetic concern because it is located inside the mouth. In rare cases, firm scar tissue may slightly affect lip or tongue movement; if necessary, a minor corrective procedure may be considered.

🔁 Reattachment of the Tissue (Very Rare)

In very rare cases, the released frenulum tissue may reattach during the healing process. This is more likely if postoperative exercises (especially in tongue-tie cases) are not performed regularly or if the tissue is not adequately mobilised during healing. If reattachment occurs, a small revision procedure is usually sufficient.

🦠 Risk of Infection (Very Rare)

There is always a theoretical risk of infection with oral surgical procedures; however, the risk is extremely low in frenectomy procedures. Due to the rich blood circulation inside the mouth, healing is generally rapid. Following postoperative instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene are the most important preventive measures.

How Are These Risks Managed at Doredent?

Comprehensive examination: Before frenectomy, the position, thickness, tension, and effect of the frenulum on surrounding tissues are carefully evaluated. Unnecessary intervention is avoided.
Specialist treatment approach: At Doredent, frenectomy procedures are performed by a periodontology specialist.
Postoperative instructions: Detailed guidance is provided regarding the healing process, including postoperative exercises for tongue-tie cases when necessary.
Regular follow-up: The healing process is monitored through follow-up appointments.

Who Is It For?

Frenectomy is not automatically required for every prominent lip tie or tongue tie. The presence of frenulum tissue alone is not an indication for treatment; intervention is only recommended when the tissue creates clinically significant problems.

〰️ Lip Tie Associated with Diastema (Gap Between Front Teeth)

This is one of the most common indications for frenectomy. If the upper lip frenulum extends between the teeth and physically prevents closure of the gap between the front teeth (diastema), frenectomy may be necessary. The procedure may be planned before or after orthodontic closure of the gap to reduce the risk of relapse.

If the lip tie extends between the teeth (positive papilla blanching test).
If orthodontic treatment is planned to close a diastema, frenectomy is often evaluated beforehand.
Diastema closure performed without frenectomy may carry a risk of reopening.
Evaluated together with Invisalign or braces treatment.

📏 Lip Tie Contributing to Gum Recession

If the lip frenulum is positioned too close to the gum margin, lip movement may create chronic pulling forces on the gums. Over time, this tension may contribute to gum recession. Frenectomy removes this tension and may help reduce the risk of further recession.

If visible pulling of the gums occurs during lip movement.
If the frenulum attachment is positioned very close to the gum margin.
If gum recession has already started or there is a high risk of progression.
May be planned together with gum graft treatment.

👅 Tongue Tie Restriction (Ankyloglossia)

When the frenulum beneath the tongue (tongue tie) is unusually short or tight, it may restrict tongue movement. In children, this may affect speech development, pronunciation of certain sounds, and oral hygiene. In adults, it may cause speech difficulties, problems while eating, and social discomfort.

If the tongue tip cannot touch the palate or has very limited mobility.
If the tongue tip pulls downward into a heart-shaped notch when extended.
May be evaluated following recommendation by a speech therapist in children.
Tongue exercises after frenectomy help improve mobility.

🔧 Preparation Before Orthodontic Treatment

If Invisalign or braces treatment is planned and the lip tie may compromise orthodontic stability (such as increasing the risk of diastema relapse), frenectomy may be recommended before or during orthodontic treatment. Since Doredent is a clinic strongly focused on orthodontics, frenectomy decisions are usually made together with orthodontic evaluation.

Frenectomy is evaluated early in cases involving diastema closure.
Supports the long-term success of orthodontic treatment.
Sometimes patients present for frenectomy and an orthodontic need is discovered during examination.
Both treatments may be planned together for optimal results.

🦷 Frenulum Interfering with Denture Stability

In patients wearing removable dentures or planning denture treatment, the frenulum may negatively affect denture fit, stability, or comfort. In such cases, frenectomy may be performed before prosthetic treatment to correct the problematic tissue attachment.

Lip or cheek ties preventing proper denture seating.
Frenulum tissue causing friction or sore spots under dentures.
Should generally be corrected before denture fabrication.

When Is Frenectomy Usually Not Necessary?

Not every prominent lip tie or tongue tie requires frenectomy. Treatment is usually unnecessary in the following situations:

If the frenulum is prominent but does not create any clinical problems.
If a diastema is present but unrelated to the frenulum attachment (for example, caused by other factors).
In children during the primary dentition stage, gaps between the front teeth are often normal and observation until permanent teeth erupt may be appropriate.
If a tongue tie is present but does not interfere with speech, feeding, or oral hygiene.

At Doredent, the decision for frenectomy is made after a careful clinical examination. Unnecessary procedures are avoided, but when treatment is genuinely needed, delaying intervention is generally not recommended.

After Treatment

Frenectomy is a short surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia in a clinical setting. It is usually completed within 15–30 minutes. The recovery period is generally fast, and most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days.

First 24 Hours

Until the anaesthesia wears off: The effects of local anaesthesia usually last 1–2 hours. During this time, eating should be avoided and the lips or cheeks should not be bitten accidentally. This precaution is especially important in children.
Bleeding: Mild oozing during the first few hours is normal. Gentle pressure may be applied using clean gauze if necessary.
Diet: Soft and lukewarm foods are recommended on the first day. Hot, spicy, and acidic foods should be avoided.
Pain: Pain after frenectomy is usually mild. Pain relief medications recommended by the dentist are generally sufficient.
Oral hygiene: The surgical area should not be brushed on the first day. An antiseptic mouthwash (chlorhexidine) recommended by the dentist may be used.

First Week: Healing Phase

Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity and a feeling of tightness around the surgical area are normal for several days. These symptoms usually decrease significantly within 3–5 days.
Sutures: Frenectomy procedures often involve small sutures. Sutures are usually removed after 7–10 days. Suture removal is quick and generally painless.
Brushing: From the second day onward, teeth outside the surgical area may be brushed gently. The surgical area itself should not be brushed until the sutures are removed.
Diet: Soft foods are recommended during the first few days, followed by a gradual return to a normal diet.

Special Care After Tongue-Tie Frenectomy

Tongue exercises: After tongue-tie frenectomy, regular tongue exercises are recommended to help the tongue adapt to its new range of motion and reduce the risk of tissue reattachment. Exercise instructions are demonstrated by the dentist.
Speech therapy: If tongue-tie frenectomy is performed in children with speech development concerns, continuing speech therapy after the procedure is usually recommended. Frenectomy removes the physical restriction, while speech habits are improved through therapy.

Healing Timeline

Sutures: Usually removed within 7–10 days.
Soft tissue healing: Generally completed to a large extent within approximately 2 weeks.
Complete healing: The surgical area usually heals fully and returns to a normal appearance within 3–4 weeks.
Starting orthodontic treatment: If frenectomy is performed before orthodontic treatment, orthodontic therapy is usually started after healing is completed (typically around 4 weeks later).

Is Frenectomy Alone Sufficient? Frenectomy is often part of a more comprehensive treatment plan. In diastema-related cases, frenectomy may be combined with Invisalign or braces treatment. In cases associated with gum recession, frenectomy may be evaluated together with gum graft treatment. In tongue-tie cases, frenectomy combined with speech therapy is often recommended. At Doredent, frenectomy is not considered an isolated procedure, but rather part of the patient’s overall treatment plan. Sometimes patients visit specifically for frenectomy and an orthodontic need is identified during examination; in other cases, the need for frenectomy becomes apparent during orthodontic treatment planning. In both situations, a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach is prioritised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure to modify or remove the lip tie (labial frenulum) or tongue tie (lingual frenulum) tissue in the mouth. These frenulum tissues are present in everyone's mouth, but in some people they may be unusually prominent, tight, or positioned too low, which can cause problems. A labial frenectomy is most commonly performed when the lip tie contributes to a gap between the front teeth (diastema) or when it contributes to gum recession. A lingual frenectomy is considered in cases of a short or tight tongue tie (ankyloglossia) that restricts tongue movement. At Doredent, frenectomy is performed in the clinic by a periodontist under local anesthesia. It is a straightforward surgical procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Is a frenectomy painful?

Because a frenectomy is performed under local anesthesia, you will not feel pain during the procedure. In children, a topical anesthetic gel is applied before the injection to minimize any discomfort from the needle. After treatment, mild soreness, sensitivity, and tightness for a few days are normal. Because a frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure, discomfort is usually very mild and decreases noticeably within 2 to 3 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers recommended by your dentist are typically sufficient. Most patients and families report that the frenectomy experience is much easier than they expected. In children, some fussiness may occur in the first few hours after the procedure due to sensitivity, but most children return to their normal activities the next day.

If the lip tie is not removed, will the diastema not close?

The relationship between a lip tie and diastema is not the same in every case. In some cases, the lip tie is the physical cause of the diastema, and if the gap is closed without removing the tie, there is a high risk of the gap reopening. In other cases, the diastema is caused by different factors (tooth size discrepancy, habits, bite relationship) and is not directly related to the lip tie. Making this distinction correctly is critical for treatment success. At Doredent, when evaluating a diastema, we clinically test whether the lip tie actually contributes to the gap (papilla blanching test). If the tie contributes to the diastema, a frenectomy is planned in conjunction with Invisalign or braces treatment. If the tie does not contribute to the diastema, an unnecessary frenectomy is avoided. Timing also matters: a frenectomy is usually planned before orthodontic treatment so that when the gap is closed, the frenulum tissue no longer poses an obstacle. In some cases, it may also be done during orthodontic treatment.

When should a tongue tie frenectomy be performed in children?

At Doredent, tongue tie frenectomy is performed in children and adults; however, we do not perform newborn tongue tie frenectomy. In children, the timing of a tongue tie frenectomy is determined by the degree of tongue movement restriction and the child's development. In cases where the tie is found to affect speech development, a frenectomy is typically planned following a speech therapist's recommendation. The frenectomy removes the physical barrier, and speech therapy supports the correction of speech habits. Not every short tongue tie requires a frenectomy. If the tongue tie is short but does not cause noticeable restrictions in speech, feeding, or oral hygiene, monitoring may be sufficient. At Doredent, the decision is made after a careful examination and functional assessment of the child.

Can the frenulum tissue grow back after a frenectomy?

Although very rare, it can happen. During the healing process, there is a risk of reattachment in the area where the tissue was removed. This risk is higher in tongue tie frenectomies, especially when postoperative exercises are not performed regularly. To reduce the risk of reattachment: in tongue tie cases, tongue exercises demonstrated by your dentist should be performed regularly, follow-up appointments should be kept, and mechanical trauma to the surgical site should be avoided during healing. If reattachment occurs, a minor revision session is usually sufficient. At Doredent, the healing process after a frenectomy is monitored through regular follow-up visits.

Is a frenectomy planned together with orthodontic treatment?

Yes, they are often planned together. Because Doredent is an orthodontics-focused clinic, the decision to perform a frenectomy is usually made as part of an orthodontic evaluation. The most common scenario is this: a patient comes in for a gap between the front teeth (diastema), the examination determines that the lip tie contributes to the diastema, and a frenectomy plus orthodontic treatment are planned together. The frenectomy is usually performed before orthodontic treatment; orthodontic treatment begins after healing is complete (4 weeks). The reverse also happens: a patient comes in only for a frenectomy, the examination reveals diastema or other alignment issues, and orthodontic treatment is recommended. In both situations, Doredent takes a comprehensive approach and presents the most appropriate treatment plan to the patient.

Treatment Pricing

Pricing

Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Release) Pricing

At Doredent, we offer transparent pricing for our international patients. As every case is different, the final treatment cost depends on your individual evaluation.

The cost of Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Release) varies based on factors such as the type of procedure (tongue-tie or lip-tie), the technique used, and the patient's age. For an accurate quote, a personalized assessment is recommended.

For pricing details, reach out via WhatsApp or book your initial consultation.

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