A frenectomy is a straightforward procedure that releases a tight band of tissue in the mouth to improve everyday function. It’s often performed on infants, but older children and adults can benefit just as much. At Haven Dentistry, our team in Richmond, TX, is here to help you or your child feel more comfortable with every smile and every bite. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn if a frenectomy is right for you.
What Is A Frenectomy & Who Needs One?
A frenectomy focuses on removing or loosening a small piece of tissue that can restrict the movement of the lips or tongue. When this tissue, called the frenum, is too tight, it can interfere with speech, feeding, and oral hygiene. This simple treatment helps make those everyday functions much easier.
- Performed with precision: A quick, minimally invasive procedure done with comfort in mind.
- Suitable for all ages: From newborns to adults, many patients benefit from this release.
- Quick recovery time: Most patients resume normal activities within just a few days.
- Improves daily function: Helps with eating, speaking, and maintaining better oral hygiene.
Lip Tie & Tongue Tie: Differences & Signs
Lip tie and tongue tie both involve an unusually tight or short frenum, but they impact different parts of the mouth and lead to different challenges. A lip tie restricts the upper lip from moving freely, while a tongue tie limits the tongue’s ability to lift or extend. Although these conditions are often noticed in infancy, they can continue to affect children and adults if left untreated.
- Lip tie overview: The upper lip remains too tightly connected to the gumline, limiting movement.
- Lip tie impact: Can make breastfeeding difficult, cause discomfort, or affect tooth alignment.
- Tongue tie overview: The tongue is held down by tight tissue that restricts motion.
- Tongue tie impact: May cause lisping, chewing problems, or difficulty cleaning the mouth.
Benefits For Infants, Children, & Adults
While this treatment is often recommended for newborns, it offers meaningful benefits to patients of any age. From feeding and speech improvements to long-term oral wellness, a frenectomy can create lasting change. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
- For infants: Improves latching during breastfeeding and reduces frustration for baby and parent.
- For children: Supports clear speech, better eating habits, and oral development.
- For adults: Relieves discomfort when eating or speaking and improves oral function.
- For all ages: Encourages confidence and promotes healthy habits for the future.
Healing & Post-Operative Care
Recovery after a frenectomy is typically quick and manageable with just a little care at home. We’ll walk you through simple stretches and aftercare tips to support proper healing and prevent reattachment. Most patients are back to their routine in just a few days.
- Quick recovery: Most people feel back to normal within 24–72 hours.
- Post-care guidance: Gentle stretching exercises help ensure the tissue heals correctly.
- Follow-up included: We monitor healing and answer any questions during follow-up visits.
- Supportive team: We’re here for you with helpful advice and reassurance every step of the way.
Impact On Speech & Feeding
Tight tissue under the tongue or lip can interfere with eating, nursing, and clear speech. Once released, the improvement in movement can help make feeding easier and speech more natural. Many patients notice a change almost right away.
- Speech development: Helps with pronunciation and reduces speech delays.
- Feeding function: Makes swallowing, chewing, and latching more comfortable and effective.
- Oral freedom: Increases range of motion in the tongue or lip for better daily function.
- Confidence boost: Helps children and adults feel more at ease when speaking or eating in public.
Releasing Restrictions So You Can Smile,
Speak & Thrive
You or your child shouldn’t have to struggle with feeding, speaking, or daily comfort. A frenectomy is a fast, gentle treatment that helps unlock better movement and greater ease. The experienced team at Haven Dentistry in Richmond, TX, is here to help you feel confident in your smile and care.