At Richmond Hill Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics, our pediatric dentists perform frenectomies to remove a frenum when it is limiting movement in the mouth, most commonly in babies and young children.

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Reasons for a Frenectomy

A frenum is a small piece of tissue that connects your cheeks, tongue or lips to your gum area. The restriction of any of these frenums is a natural condition that babies are born with.

Leaving a baby with a restricted frenum may lead to problems with breast feeding and latching. It could eventually lead to complications later in life, such as speech difficulties and orthodontic problems.

A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure to remove a frenum from the mouth when it is too tight or short and limits movement in the mouth. This procedure can be performed at any age, but is most common for babies and young children.

Frenectomy, Richmond Hill Pediatric Dentist

Types of Frenums

Lingual frenum is the tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. When this frenum restricts movement in the mouth, it’s referred to as a tongue tie.

Labial frenum is the tissue that connects the lips to the bottom of your upper and lower gums. When this frenum restricts movement in the mouth, it’s referred to as a lip tie.

Buccal frenum is the tissue that connects the gums to the inside of the cheeks. When this frenum restricts movement in the mouth, it’s referred to as a cheek tie.

The Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy procedure usually lasts only 10 to 15 minutes, where your dentist will cut your child's frenum to free the tongue, lip or cheek.

Recovery generally takes about two weeks, during which time the patient may receive pain medication to help with any soreness.

Proper aftercare procedures include keeping the area clean and avoiding unnecessary movement of the tongue.

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Frenectomies for Babies & Kids

Reasons for a Frenectomy

Types of Frenums

The Frenectomy Procedure

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