Close-up view of a periodontal procedure

Periodontics

Frenectomy

Release a restrictive frenulum in a quick, laser-precise procedure.

Three clinicians during a periodontal procedure

Periodontics

A quick release with lasting benefits.

A frenectomy is a procedure that helps to correct issues with the frenum. These issues are most often diagnosed in children. Frenums are connective tissues that connect your lips, cheeks, and tongue to your gums. The most common frenums that develop issues and require a frenectomy are the lingual frenum (which can cause patients to become tongue-tied) and the maxillary labial frenum, which attaches the gums and upper lip to the top two front teeth. A frenectomy can be performed using either a scalpel or a laser.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the frenectomy procedure, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.

Frenectomy in Children

One of the most common symptoms that presents in children who have enlarged frenums is difficulty speaking, or what is commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied”. Additional symptoms that may develop include:

There are two schools of thought concerning when a frenectomy should be performed. Some doctors and lactation consultants believe an abnormal frenum should be corrected as soon as it is noticed, even before a newborn is discharged. The other school of thought is to wait to see how the child develops. It is possible that the problem will correct itself, or if it remains unchanged, the impacted frenum will not cause any significant developmental issues and can be addressed at a later date.

Frenulum frequently stuck between teeth
Difficulty talking
Issues with breastfeeding or nursing
Limited ability to stick out the tongue
Gum recession, which can result in periodontal issues
Baby teeth do not naturally erupt

Consequences of Not Having a Frenectomy

Patients who have issues related to their frenum run the risk of developing the following issues if they do not correct the issue:

Crowded teeth
Inadequate lip seal
Periodontal disease
Altered development of dental arches
Limited jaw growth
Orofacial muscle movement becomes limited
Improper swallowing
Deep bite
Mouth breathing
Constriction of the airway or sinuses

Frenectomy in Adults

There are numerous problems that can develop in adults due to an over-sized frenulum, the most common of which include the following:

A frenectomy may also be necessary if you are preparing to get dentures and the position of the frenum interferes with the fit of the dentures.

Jaw Pain: Patients who experience chronic pain, soreness, or a clicking sensation when opening and closing their mouths may be incorrectly diagnosed as having TMD. If you are currently being treated for TMD and your symptoms are not improving, talk to your periodontist about whether or not a frenectomy is right for you.
Difficulty Eating: Patients with a tight frenulum have limited tongue movement, which makes swallowing more difficult due to the limited mobility of the tongue. A frenectomy can be an effective method for helping patients enjoy eating foods again.
Dental Health: When a frenum develops issues, it can make it difficult to move food through your mouth efficiently, which can result in food particles remaining on your teeth longer than they would otherwise. One method for addressing this issue is frequently rinsing your mouth, but scheduling a frenectomy will help significantly decrease the likelihood of your developing periodontal disease.
Difficulty Talking: One of the most common symptoms of frenum issues is that a patient’s tongue becomes limited in movement, which can make it difficult to speak at lower or higher volumes and clearly enunciate.
Difficulty Kissing: A frenum that is too tight can make kissing difficult or not as natural as it would otherwise be.
Difficulty Playing Certain Instruments: Patients with frenum issues may find it difficult to play certain instruments that require the use of the tongue tip and lips, such as the trumpet or trombone.

Recovery & Aftercare

A short recovery, a long-term result.

Most patients return to normal daily routines within a few days. Your periodontist will provide personalized aftercare instructions specific to your procedure and progress.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about this treatment.

What is Frenums and the Frenectomy Procedure?

The connective tissue membranes that attach surfaces of the mouth together are known as frenums. There are two types of frenums in the mouth, which are the lingual and the labial. The lingual frenum is found at the base of the tongue and floor of the mouth, whereas the labial frenum is in the upper arch. If these frenums are abnormally sized or become damaged, a frenectomy alexandria va may be performed to restore oral function and correct any issues that have developed as a result. The most common consequence of an abnormally shaped frenum is a condition commonly referred to as being tongue tied. This develops because tongue movement is restricted. Another common frenum related issue is space developing between two front teeth due to the frenum being too large. Fortunately, these issues can easily be corrected with a frenectomy procedure. This simple procedure involves removing part of the frenum using a scalpel or laser. This procedure is safe and can be performed on most patients. Labial frenectomy looks specifically at the upper lip attachment, which is the most common site we treat in older children and adults.

What should I know about Frenectomy Cost?

Every patient has slightly different needs, which means the price of a washington dc frenectomy is variable. Factors that may inform total costs include things such as where you are located, the professional reputation of your periodontist, and whether your procedure is covered by your insurance plan (if applicable). More costs can also be accrued if diagnostic exams are needed as well as whether dental sedation is used. You should also factor in the cost of the initial evaluation and whether additional procedures are being performed along with the frenectomy. If so, and if you are covered under a dental insurance plan, you may consider scheduling your procedure towards the end of the year so your benefits will roll over. There may also be small costs associated with after treatment care, as antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, or if there is a need for over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to help alleviate discomfort.

What should I know about Infant Frenectomy?

Normally, a child’s lingual frenulum separates before birth. In some instances, however, children are born with their lingual frenulum still attached to their tongue’s bottom. Although this issue can develop in any child, it is slightly more common among males. This can result in a variety of oral health issues, one of the most common being what is commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied”. Fortunately, this is a very simple issue to fix by performing a frenectomy . Although frenectomies have not historically been performed on infants, due to procedural advancements and more studies that support the efficacy and safety of the procedure, more and more infants have this procedure performed. Our page on infant frenectomy goes into more detail on timing, feeding, and what recovery looks like for the youngest patients.

Cost & Payment

Money shouldn't stand between you and the care you deserve.

The cost of a frenectomy will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your or your child’s case.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.

For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.

For your convenience, we accept: