Oral Surgery & Extraction
A frenectomy removes or releases the frenum, the small fold of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. When the frenum is too tight, it can cause a gap between teeth, gum recession, or limited tongue movement.
It is a short procedure, often done under local anaesthetic and sometimes with a laser. Your dentist will assess whether it is necessary and explain aftercare.
Benefits
- Helps free restricted lip or tongue movement
- Can help with gaps or gum pull
- Quick procedure
- Usually minimal discomfort
- Suitable for adults and children in selected cases
What to Expect
- Assessment of the frenum and symptoms
- Local anaesthetic
- Release or removal of the frenum
- Stitches or laser sealing as appropriate
- Aftercare instructions
- Review of healing
Frequently Asked Questions
The area is numbed, and most people find the procedure comfortable. Some soreness afterwards can be managed with the advice given.
In selected cases involving tongue-tie that affects feeding, an assessment may be recommended. Your dentist or paediatrician will advise.
Healing usually takes one to two weeks.
