Editorially reviewed by the Dental.me Editorial Team · Updated July 2026
A frenectomy is a short dental procedure that releases a tight band of tissue in the mouth so the tongue or lip can move freely. It is the standard fix for a tongue-tie or lip-tie, and it can be done in minutes with scissors, a scalpel, or a laser. Most people go home the same day and heal within one to two weeks.
If you are here because a baby is struggling to nurse, a child has a stubborn gap between the front teeth, or an adult has speech or gum-recession worries, this guide explains what the procedure actually does, how to spot the signs, and what it typically costs.
A frenum (also spelled frenulum) is a small fold of soft tissue that connects one part of the mouth to another. The two that matter most here are the lingual frenum, under the tongue, and the labial frenum, between the upper lip and the gums. A frenectomy removes or releases a frenum that is too tight, too thick, or attached in the wrong place.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the surgical release of a restrictive frenum. When that band is too short or too tight, it tethers the tongue or lip and limits normal movement. Releasing it restores range of motion. You may also hear the terms frenotomy and frenuloplasty. A frenotomy is a simple snip of the band; a frenectomy fully removes the restrictive tissue; a frenuloplasty releases the tissue and then closes the area with a few stitches for a more complex case. In everyday conversation, people use “frenectomy” as the catch-all term.
The procedure is common in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and periodontics. To find a provider who offers it, you can browse the dentist near me directory or filter by the relevant dental specialties such as pediatric dentistry or periodontics. Listings carry the practice’s public Google rating and review count where Google publishes them.
Tongue-tie vs lip-tie: what’s the difference?
Both are restrictive frenums, but in different spots and with different symptoms.
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a short or tight lingual frenum under the tongue. It can keep the tongue from lifting to the roof of the mouth, sticking out past the lips, or sweeping side to side. A classic sign is a heart-shaped notch at the tongue tip when the child tries to stick the tongue out.
A lip-tie is a tight labial frenum, most often the band that connects the upper lip to the gum above the two front teeth. A tight lip-tie can flare the lip, make a wide latch difficult for a nursing infant, and in some cases contribute to a gap between the upper front teeth.
| Feature | Tongue-tie | Lip-tie |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Under the tongue (lingual frenum) | Between upper lip and gum (labial frenum) |
| Infant sign | Shallow latch, clicking, tongue can’t lift | Lip won’t flange out, gumming the breast |
| Older-child/adult sign | Speech sounds, limited tongue reach | Front-tooth gap, difficulty cleaning gum line |
| Visual clue | Heart-shaped tongue tip | Tight band that blanches when lip is lifted |
What are the signs of tongue-tie and lip-tie?
Signs in infants
In babies, the earliest clues almost always show up at feeding. Watch for a shallow or clicking latch, feeds that take a very long time, poor weight gain, or a baby who slides off the breast or bottle repeatedly. Nursing parents often report cracked or painful nipples and low milk supply because the baby cannot create a proper seal. A pediatrician, lactation consultant, or dentist should evaluate feeding problems before assuming a tie is the cause, because reflux, low supply, and positioning can look similar.
Signs in older children and adults
Beyond infancy, the concerns shift. A tongue-tie can affect certain speech sounds that need the tongue to reach the roof of the mouth, such as “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r,” though many tongue-tied children speak perfectly well. Other signs include trouble licking an ice-cream cone, playing a wind instrument, or clearing food off the teeth. A prominent labial frenum can pull on the gums, keep a diastema (gap) open between the front teeth, or contribute to gum recession when the band tugs the tissue away from the tooth. Older kids and adults sometimes also report mouth breathing or a feeling that the tongue is simply “stuck.”
None of these signs alone confirms a tie. Diagnosis depends on a hands-on exam of how the tongue and lip actually function, not just how the frenum looks. That is why a professional evaluation matters.
How is a frenectomy performed?
There are three common methods, and the choice depends on the patient’s age, the thickness of the band, and the provider’s training and equipment.
- Scissors (frenotomy). For a thin infant tongue-tie, many providers simply snip the band with sterile surgical scissors. It takes seconds, usually needs no numbing beyond a topical, and bleeding is minimal. The baby can often feed right afterward.
- Scalpel. A thicker or more fibrous frenum may be released with a scalpel, typically under local anesthetic. This traditional surgical approach may involve a few dissolvable stitches.
- Laser. A soft-tissue dental laser releases the band while sealing small blood vessels as it works, which can mean less bleeding and often no sutures. Many pediatric and general dentists favor lasers for older children and adults. Laser visits are typically quick, but they usually cost more because of the equipment involved.
What is recovery like?
Recovery is usually straightforward. Infants can nurse or bottle-feed immediately, and any fussiness generally settles within a day or two. For older children and adults, mild soreness or a small white patch at the release site is normal for several days and heals on its own.
The single most important part of aftercare is the stretching or wound-management routine your provider prescribes. Gentle stretches, done exactly as instructed, help keep the released tissue from reattaching as it heals. Providers often pair the procedure with a lactation consultant, a myofunctional therapist, or a speech-language pathologist so the tongue learns its new range of motion. Follow the aftercare plan you are given, and call your provider if you see heavy bleeding, spreading swelling, fever, or feeding that suddenly gets worse.
How much does a frenectomy cost?
Cost varies widely by method, provider type, region, and whether anesthesia or follow-up therapy is included. A simple infant scissors release is usually the least expensive option, while a laser procedure for an older child or adult sits at the higher end. Prices in a large metro area like Miami can differ from a smaller town, so it is always worth calling two or three offices for a quote. If you want to compare local price ranges and provider density before you book, our dental market data can help set expectations for your area.
Does insurance cover a frenectomy?
It depends on the diagnosis and the plan. When a frenectomy is tied to a documented feeding problem in an infant, medical insurance sometimes covers part of it. For older children and adults, dental insurance may apply, especially when the release is linked to periodontal (gum) health or orthodontic treatment. Coverage is never guaranteed, so ask both your medical and dental insurers for pre-authorization, and get the specific procedure code from your provider so you can check benefits in advance.
Key takeaways
- A frenectomy releases a tight frenum so the tongue or lip can move normally.
- A tongue-tie sits under the tongue; a lip-tie sits between the upper lip and gums.
- In infants the main sign is a feeding problem; in older kids and adults it is speech, tooth gaps, or gum recession.
- Methods include scissors, scalpel, and laser, each with its own cost and recovery profile.
- Aftercare stretches matter, and coverage varies, so confirm the diagnosis and check both medical and dental insurance first.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified dentist, pediatrician, or oral surgeon can determine whether a frenectomy is right for you or your child. To see how the offices we list are ordered, read our how we rank methodology, then find a provider through the dentist near me directory.
Frequently asked questions
Is a frenectomy painful?
Discomfort is usually mild. Infant releases are often done with only a topical numbing agent and cause brief fussiness. Older children and adults typically receive a local anesthetic, and any soreness afterward is manageable with the aftercare your provider recommends.
At what age should a frenectomy be done?
There is no single right age. Infant ties are often released in the first weeks when feeding is affected, while tongue or lip ties in older children and adults are treated whenever symptoms like speech issues, tooth gaps, or gum recession appear. A professional evaluation guides the timing.
What is the difference between a frenectomy and a frenotomy?
A frenotomy is a simple snip of the restrictive band, common for thin infant tongue-ties. A frenectomy removes the frenum more completely, and a frenuloplasty releases and then stitches the area. In everyday use, people often say frenectomy for all three.
Will a frenectomy close a gap between my child's front teeth?
Sometimes. A tight upper lip-tie can help keep a gap open, and releasing it may allow the teeth to move closer, especially alongside orthodontic treatment. A dentist or orthodontist should evaluate the gap before deciding, since not every gap is caused by the frenum.
Is a laser frenectomy better than scissors?
Neither is universally better. Lasers can mean less bleeding and often no stitches, which many providers prefer for older patients, but a quick scissors release works well for thin infant ties and usually costs less. The best method depends on the tie and the provider’s training.
How long does recovery from a frenectomy take?
Most people heal within one to two weeks. Infants often feed normally right away, while older children and adults may feel mild soreness for several days. Following the stretching or wound-care routine your provider gives you is the key to healing well and preventing reattachment.
Sources & further reading
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- NIH — National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
The sources above provide clinical background for this article. Cost ranges and comparisons are Dental.me editorial summaries and can vary by patient, practice, and location. This content is informational and is not a substitute for professional dental diagnosis or treatment.