Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nancy Herbst on August 10, 2026
A frenectomy is a short surgical procedure that releases or reshapes a frenulum, the band of connective tissue that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gums, when that tissue is tight enough to restrict normal movement. It is one of the treatments used for tongue-tie and lip-tie, and in the right patients it may help with feeding, speech, or gum health in infants, children, and adults.
The mouth has several frenula, and their length and thickness vary naturally from person to person. A visible frenulum is not a problem on its own; treatment is considered only when it restricts movement enough to cause functional issues. Our team of oral surgeons at Legacy Oral Surgery & Implants performs frenectomy procedures at our Union City, Elizabeth, and Staten Island locations. This guide explains the terms you may hear, how the need for a release is decided, and what recovery involves.
Frenectomy, Frenotomy, and Frenuloplasty: What the Terms Mean
These three words often appear together, and they overlap. Knowing how each is used helps you understand exactly what is being recommended for you or your child.
The Cleveland Clinic treats frenotomy and frenectomy as two names for the same procedure, a release of the restrictive frenulum. For infants, it notes the release with scissors takes about a minute on average and that infants do not need anesthesia for it. Some clinicians use frenectomy to mean removing more of the tissue, and frenuloplasty describes a release in which the tissue is repositioned and closed with stitches to lengthen it. Older children and adults with thicker tissue, or with gum concerns, are more likely to need one of these more involved approaches, which is why it helps to ask your surgeon exactly what the plan includes.
Lingual and Labial Frenectomy
The two main types of oral frenectomy depend on where the restrictive tissue is located:
- Lingual frenectomy: Treats a short or tight frenulum under the tongue, informally called tongue-tie, which can limit how far the tongue lifts and extends.
- Labial frenectomy: Treats a tight band between the upper lip and upper gum, often called lip-tie. Also called a maxillary frenectomy, it may be recommended when the tissue pulls on the gums or holds a gap open between the front teeth.
If you are trying to sort out which kind of tie you or your child may have, our article explaining how tongue ties and lip ties differ covers the anatomy in more detail.
Signs a Frenectomy May Be Needed
In infants, a restrictive tongue-tie may show up as difficulty latching during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, clicking sounds while feeding, or nipple pain for the nursing parent. In older children and adults, possible signs include difficulty with certain speech sounds, trouble moving the tongue past the lower lip, discomfort eating certain foods, gum recession near the front teeth from a tight labial frenulum, or a gap between the front teeth that keeps reopening.
Patients preparing for orthodontic treatment are sometimes referred for a frenectomy so the frenulum does not interfere with closing a gap or with long-term stability. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon may coordinate on timing, since a labial frenectomy is often done after the gap has been closed.
How the Decision to Treat Is Made
The appearance of the frenulum alone does not decide whether it should be released. What matters is function: whether the restriction is causing a real feeding, speech, or dental problem that other measures have not solved.
For infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a clinical report in 2024 encouraging pediatricians to evaluate breastfeeding concerns carefully and consider non-surgical support, such as working with a lactation consultant, before recommending a release. The report describes frenotomy as an option when a tight frenulum and feeding difficulties persist despite that support, and it does not recommend the procedure for infants who are feeding well. For older children and adults, a speech-language pathologist, orthodontist, or dentist may be part of the evaluation, depending on the concern.
How the Procedure Works
An oral surgeon first confirms the need for a frenectomy through an examination, assessing how much the frenulum restricts movement and whether it is contributing to the issue in question. The procedure itself is brief and can typically be completed in a single visit.
For older children and adults, the area is numbed with local anesthetic before the frenulum is released or reshaped using a scalpel, surgical scissors, or a soft-tissue laser. A laser may cause less bleeding and does not always require stitches, while scissors and scalpel techniques remain well-established options. For infant frenotomy, the 2024 AAP report notes there is no evidence that a laser works better than other methods, so the choice of instrument matters less than an accurate diagnosis.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a frenectomy is generally short. For older children and adults, mild soreness and slight bleeding are normal for the first day or two, and the area typically heals within one to two weeks. Soft, cool foods for the first few days help, and very hot or spicy items can irritate the healing tissue.
Your surgeon will tell you whether any aftercare exercises are needed. Recommendations vary by age and technique, and the AAP report does not recommend routine stretching exercises after infant frenotomy, so follow the specific instructions you are given rather than general advice found online. Call your surgeon if bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure, if swelling increases after the first few days, or if you notice signs of infection.
Consult With a Qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Frenectomy is one of the oral surgery procedures listed on our treatments page, and our surgeons evaluate each case based on symptoms and function rather than appearance alone. Our team supports you from the initial consultation through healing, and we work with insurance companies on your behalf to help you understand your coverage.
If a tight frenulum may be affecting speech, gum health, or orthodontic treatment, start the process today by using our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy
Is a frenectomy only performed on infants?
No. Infant releases are common when feeding is affected, but older children and adults may also benefit when a tight frenulum affects speech, pulls on the gums, or interferes with orthodontic treatment. Candidacy depends on symptoms and function rather than age alone.
What is the difference between a frenotomy and a frenectomy?
The terms are often used for the same procedure, a release of a tight frenulum, and the Cleveland Clinic treats them as interchangeable. Some clinicians use frenectomy to mean removing more of the tissue, and a frenuloplasty releases and repositions the tissue with stitches. Ask your surgeon which approach is planned and why.
Is a laser frenectomy better than a traditional frenectomy?
Both approaches release the restrictive tissue. A soft-tissue laser may cause less bleeding and does not always require stitches, while scissors and scalpel techniques remain effective, well-established options. For infant frenotomy, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes there is no evidence that lasers work better than other methods. Your surgeon will recommend the technique suited to your case.
Is a frenectomy painful?
Older children and adults receive local anesthetic before the procedure, and most describe mild soreness for a day or two afterward. This is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your surgeon, along with soft, cool foods while the area heals.
How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?
For infants, persistent latching trouble, poor weight gain, or nipple pain that does not improve with lactation support are reasons to ask your pediatrician about an evaluation. For older children, watch for difficulty with certain speech sounds, trouble moving the tongue past the lower lip, or a gap between the front teeth that keeps reopening. An examination confirms whether a release is appropriate.
Will insurance cover a frenectomy?
Coverage varies by plan and by whether the procedure is considered medically necessary, such as for feeding difficulties or a documented speech concern. Our team works with insurance providers to help you understand your benefits before the procedure is scheduled.
About the Author
Dr. Nancy Herbst
Dr. Nancy Herbst is an oral surgeon with more than 25 years of experience and the owner of Legacy Oral Surgery & Implants, which opened in 2011. She serves patients in Union City, Elizabeth, and Staten Island, and she trains residents at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Jersey City Medical Center.
