What to Expect During the Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy at Fusion Children’s Dentistry is quick, gentle, and completed right here in our kid-friendly office. Most procedures take only a few minutes, and children typically return to normal activities the same day.

Your child will be kept comfortable throughout the process, and we will guide you through every step so you know exactly what to expect.

Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue-Tie Treatment)

A lingual frenectomy addresses a restricted lingual frenum—the tissue beneath the tongue. When this tissue is too tight, a child may experience difficulty lifting, moving, or extending the tongue. This condition, often called a tongue tie, can affect breastfeeding, speech clarity, swallowing, and even oral hygiene habits later in childhood.

Benefits of a Lingual Frenectomy

Improved ability for infants to breastfeed effectively
Enhanced speech development and clearer articulation
Better swallowing and eating habits
Greater tongue mobility for oral hygiene
Reduced risk of future dental and developmental issues related to limited tongue movement

Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie Treatment)

A labial frenum connects the upper or lower lip to the gums. When overly tight or positioned too low, it may contribute to spacing between teeth, tenderness during brushing, difficulty cleaning the gumline, or even gum recession over time.

A labial frenectomy gently releases this tissue to restore comfortable lip movement and support healthier dental development.

Benefits of a Labial Frenectomy

Lower risk of gum recession
Improved spacing and alignment of the front teeth
Easier brushing and flossing
Better support for orthodontic treatment and bite development
Increased comfort with lip movement, smiling, and speaking

Frenectomy for Newborns and Infants

A restrictive frenum can make breastfeeding challenging for both baby and parent. Signs may include:

Difficulty latching
Long or ineffective feeding sessions
Slow weight gain
Excessive gas or fussiness
Maternal discomfort or nipple pain

A gentle release of the affected tissue can often improve latch quality, milk transfer, and overall feeding comfort—leading to a more positive breastfeeding experience.

Is Your Child a Candidate for a Frenectomy?

Not every child needs a frenectomy, but for those who do, the improvement can be significant. Your child may benefit from an evaluation if they are experiencing:

Difficulty breastfeeding or poor latch
Speech delays or unclear articulation
Trouble swallowing or chewing certain foods
Persistent spacing between the front teeth
Limited tongue or lip mobility
Gum irritation or difficulty brushing
Oral discomfort related to restricted movement

Our pediatric dental team considers your child’s age, symptoms, development, and medical history before recommending treatment.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the procedure, healing is usually fast and uncomplicated. You may notice:

Mild discomfort or fussiness (especially in infants)
Temporary reluctance to eat immediately following treatment
Rapid improvement in feeding for newborns
Gradual improvements in mobility, speech, or oral comfort

To support healing and prevent the tissue from reattaching, our team provides detailed aftercare instructions, which may include gentle stretching exercises. These exercises are an important part of long-term success.

Meet Your Plano Frenectomy Dentist

Tongue-tie and lip-tie concerns can feel stressful for parents, but our team at Fusion Children’s Dentistry is here to make the process easy and reassuring. We provide high-quality care and stay current with the latest pediatric treatment standards, making us a trusted choice for frenectomies in Plano and North Dallas.

If you’re looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable pediatric dentist experienced in treating tongue and lip ties, Dr. Niloo is here to help.

Schedule your child’s visit with a Plano pediatric frenectomy dentist today.

Frenectomy for Children at Fusion Children’s Dentistry