If you or your child experiences difficulty with tongue or lip movement, or if there’s an unwanted gap between teeth, a frenectomy might be the solution. At Forest Road Dental, we provide expert frenectomy procedures to restore proper oral function and improve comfort.
What Is a Frenum?
Inside your mouth are small bands of soft tissue called frenums (or frenulums). These flexible tissues connect different parts of the mouth:
Lingual Frenum: Connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Labial Frenum: Connects the inside of the lip to the gum.
Frenums vary in size and thickness. However, when they are too tight or thick, they can affect speech, swallowing, or create spacing between teeth.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgery that removes or reduces a restrictive frenum to restore normal mouth function.
Common reasons for a frenectomy include:
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): A tight lingual frenum that limits tongue movement, affecting speech and eating.
Lip-Tie: A thick or long labial frenum that causes spacing between front teeth or restricts lip movement.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
Improves speech and swallowing
Helps infants breastfeed more effectively
Prevents gaps between teeth from reopening after orthodontic treatment
Reduces discomfort during normal oral movements
The Frenectomy Process at Forest Road Dental
The procedure is simple, quick, and usually completed in 15 minutes:
Local Anaesthetic: The area is numbed for your comfort.
Frenum Removal: The restrictive tissue is released using precise surgical techniques.
Healing: Stitches may be placed if needed. Most patients heal within 7–10 days.
Is a Frenectomy Painful?
A frenectomy is virtually painless thanks to local anaesthesia. Mild soreness after the procedure is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Frenectomy in Hurstville | Forest Road Dental
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy
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Coverage depends on your insurance provider and the reason for the procedure. If it’s medically necessary—such as for speech, eating, or oral hygiene issues—insurance may cover part or all of the cost. Cosmetic frenectomies are typically not covered. Our team will review your plan and provide a clear estimate during your consultation.
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Yes. Several dental professionals can perform frenectomies, including:
General Dentists: Perform simple labial frenectomies.
Pediatric Dentists: Treat infants and children with tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Orthodontists: Recommend frenectomy to help close a gap between teeth.
Periodontists: Address gum-related problems caused by tight frenums.
Oral Surgeons: Handle complex cases involving bone or multiple tissues.
At Forest Road Dental, our skilled team ensures the right treatment in one location.
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A frenectomy may be needed when a frenum (a fold of tissue) is too short, thick, or tight, causing functional or cosmetic issues. Common reasons include:
For Infants and Children:
Tongue-tie causing breastfeeding or speech difficulties.
Lip-tie affecting feeding or causing gaps between teeth.
For Adults:
Gaps between teeth (diastema).
Gum recession linked to a tight frenum.
Supporting orthodontic treatment or denture stability.
Improving speech or oral hygiene.
A professional assessment will confirm if this procedure is necessary.
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Most patients experience little to no pain during a frenectomy because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. After the procedure, mild soreness is common but manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
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Recovery is usually quick. Most patients resume normal activities the same day or within 24 hours. Full healing of the gums typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
1. Is a Frenectomy Covered by Insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and the reason for the procedure. If it’s medically necessary—such as for speech, eating, or oral hygiene issues—insurance may cover part or all of the cost. Cosmetic frenectomies are typically not covered. Our team will review your plan and provide a clear estimate during your consultation.
2. Can a Dentist Perform a Frenectomy?
Yes. Several dental professionals can perform frenectomies, including:
General Dentists: Perform simple labial frenectomies.
Pediatric Dentists: Treat infants and children with tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Orthodontists: Recommend frenectomy to help close a gap between teeth.
Periodontists: Address gum-related problems caused by tight frenums.
Oral Surgeons: Handle complex cases involving bone or multiple tissues.
At Forest Road Dental, our skilled team ensures the right treatment in one location.
3. Why Would You Need a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy may be needed when a frenum (a fold of tissue) is too short, thick, or tight, causing functional or cosmetic issues. Common reasons include:
For Infants and Children:
Tongue-tie causing breastfeeding or speech difficulties.
Lip-tie affecting feeding or causing gaps between teeth.
For Adults:
Gaps between teeth (diastema).
Gum recession linked to a tight frenum.
Supporting orthodontic treatment or denture stability.
Improving speech or oral hygiene.
A professional assessment will confirm if this procedure is necessary.
4. Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients experience little to no pain during a frenectomy because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. After the procedure, mild soreness is common but manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
5. How Long is the Recovery?
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients resume normal activities the same day or within 24 hours. Full healing of the gums typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Book Your Frenectomy in Hurstville
If you suspect a tongue-tie, lip-tie, or abnormal frenum is affecting your oral health
📞 Call us on (02) 9570 4888
📍 Visit us in Hurstville
📅 Book your frenectomy consult online
Let us help you protect your natural smile—starting with healthy gums.
