Frenectomy
A Key Procedure for Oral Health
At Farm Park Pediatric Dentistry, we know that even small things—like a little band of tissue in your child’s mouth—can have a big impact. A tight frenulum, also known as a tongue tie or lip tie, can affect various aspects of daily life, including speech, eating, and oral hygiene. That’s why Dr. Ngozi Okoh offers gentle frenectomy procedures right here in East Norriton, PA, to help your child’s smile grow happy and healthy. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or older child, we’re here to make this common procedure simple, quick, and as comfortable as possible.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that removes or releases a tight or restrictive band of tissue, called a frenum or frenulum, in the mouth. This procedure is also commonly referred to as a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Release. Kids have several of these soft tissue bands:
- The lingual frenulum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- The labial frenulum connects the upper or lower lip to the gum area near the front teeth.
If these frenulum are too tight, short, or thick, they can limit tongue movement, interfere with normal development, and even make brushing teeth harder.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs a Frenectomy?
You might notice that your child is having trouble with things like:
- Nursing or bottle feeding
- Eating or chewing comfortably
- Speaking clearly (speech difficulties or delayed speech sounds)
- Sticking their tongue out or moving it freely
- A visible gap between the upper front teeth
In older children, tight frenula may also affect oral hygiene by making it harder to brush near the gum tissue or cause discomfort when moving the lips or tongue. Dr. Okoh will examine your child to see if a tight frenulum is affecting their range of motion or causing problems with tongue or lip mobility.
Types of Pediatric Frenectomy Procedures
We offer several types of frenectomy procedures, depending on your child’s needs.
Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue Tie Release)
This procedure involves the excision of the lingual frenulum, located under the tongue, which helps restore full movement of the tongue. It can resolve feeding issues, speech difficulties, and limited tongue mobility caused by posterior tongue tie or tight attachments near the floor of your mouth.
Labial/Maxillary Frenectomy (Lip Tie Release)
If the band of tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gum area is too tight, it can create a gap between the upper front teeth or cause pain during brushing. A laser frenectomy removes or releases this fold of tissue, allowing for better lip movement and supporting proper oral development.
Is a Frenectomy Safe?
Frenectomy is a standard procedure and is very safe, primarily when performed by a skilled pediatric dentist like Dr. Okoh. We use gentle techniques and child-friendly anesthesia to keep your little one comfortable. The procedure may be referred to as a frenotomy when no tissue is removed, just released.
While some minor bleeding or discomfort can happen, most children recover quickly, often without needing stitches. We’ll give you simple aftercare instructions to keep the area clean and help it heal.
Treating a tongue tie or lip tie early can improve your child’s speech, comfort, and ability to maintain good oral hygiene. Dr. Okoh has helped many families in East Norriton and surrounding areas with gentle frenectomy procedures, setting kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Call us at 484-531-7620 to schedule an appointment!