Lip Tie & Tongue Tie Surgery Frenectomy

When the frenulum is very short, large, or thick, it can cause various problems. Issues with the tongue-tie often lead to speech disorders and gum recession, while issues with the lip-tie can cause gaps between the teeth. Problems with the frenulum are most frequently observed in cases where there is a gap between the front teeth.

The treatment used to remove the problematic frenulum tissue is called a frenectomy. This procedure is commonly performed by dentists and oral surgeons. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. No pain or discomfort is felt during the procedure. It can be performed using traditional cutting methods, electrosurgery, or lasers. It is a very simple and comfortable procedure, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure.

If the frenectomy is performed using a cutting method and non-resorbable sutures are used, the sutures need to be removed one week after the procedure. If resorbable sutures are used, this is not necessary. No sutures are required when a laser frenectomy is performed.

A frenectomy can be necessary in some cases. This procedure has no negative effects on the patient. There will be no scarring on the oral mucosa after the procedure.

A frenectomy can be performed on children experiencing speech disorders due to problematic frenulum tissue, in cases where the frenulum causes gum recession or gaps between the upper front teeth, for aesthetic reasons, when it interferes with the fitting of dentures, or in infants when it hinders the proper sucking reflex.

There is no specific age range for a frenectomy. It should be done without delay if the sucking function is affected, after the canine teeth have erupted in cases of gaps between the front teeth, at around age 5 for speech disorders, or according to the orthodontist’s recommendation. For more detailed and specific information, a consultation with a specialist is necessary.

After a frenectomy, babies can start sucking immediately if there are no other issues. For children and adults, it is better to wait until the local anesthesia has worn off before eating. Proper oral hygiene should be maintained to prevent infection, and the use of mouthwashes can be beneficial.

Due to the high healing rate of the oral mucosa, significant healing occurs within the first week after the procedure. Complete healing may take up to three weeks. During this period, there is usually little to no pain, and a simple pain reliever is often sufficient.