Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure to remove or release a frenum, which is a small band of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. The most common types are a lingual frenectomy (for tongue-tie or ankyloglossia) and a labial frenectomy (for a high lip attachment that can cause a gap between front teeth or contribute to gum recession). It is performed when the frenum limits function — for example, interfering with breastfeeding in infants, causing speech difficulties, contributing to a midline gap between front teeth, or pulling on the gums.

The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and can be performed with a scalpel or laser; healing is generally quick and most people experience minimal discomfort. Aftercare may include simple wound care, short-term pain relief and, in some cases, speech therapy or orthodontic follow-up to address residual function or tooth position; risks are small but can include bleeding, infection or scarring. Clinicians assess timing individually, as infants, children and adults may have different needs and potential benefits from a frenectomy.