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Frenectomies are often associated with infants and children, but many adults also benefit from this simple procedure. Whether you have struggled with speech issues, jaw tension, or trouble wearing dentures, a tight or overgrown frenum may be the cause.
In this blog, we explain the frenectomy procedure, what signs may indicate you need one, and how it can improve your oral health, comfort, and function.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Frenectomy?
- What to Expect During a Frenectomy Procedure
- Recovery and Aftercare
- Explore Your Options for Adult Frenectomy Care
- FAQs About Adult Frenectomy
Key Takeaway
A frenectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure for adults with a tight frenum. It can significantly improve speech, tongue mobility, oral health, and overall quality of life.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that loosens a tight frenum.
A frenum is a small band of tissue connecting two parts of your mouth. This piece of tissue can become tight or overgrown, causing discomfort with dentures, gaps in teeth, speech issues, or restricted tongue movement. These dental issues can affect daily function and quality of life.
Types of frenectomies:
- Lingual frenectomy: Removes a tight band of tissue under the tongue (known as tongue-tie). This can improve tongue movement and relieve related issues like jaw tension or neck pain.
- Labial frenectomy: Releases the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (known as lip tie). It can help close a gap between the front teeth and prevent orthodontic relapse.
- Buccal frenectomy: Loosens the tissue between the cheeks and gums. While less common, it can improve denture fit and comfort.
Why Adults May Need a Frenectomy
A tight or overgrown frenum can cause long-term issues if left untreated. Many adults choose to have a frenectomy to relieve discomfort, improve function, or support dental treatment.
Common reasons adults consider a frenectomy include:
- Speech difficulties: Trouble pronouncing certain sounds, often mistaken for a speech impediment.
- Tongue discomfort: Pain or tension while eating, speaking, or moving the tongue.
- Orthodontic concerns: A tight frenum can cause teeth to shift after braces or interfere with proper alignment.
- Gum recession: A tight frenum can pull on the gumline, causing the tissue to recede and exposing more of the tooth over time.
- Poor denture fit: The frenum can push against dentures and affect stability or comfort.
No matter your age, it is never too late to improve oral function and feel more comfortable day to day.
What to Expect During a Frenectomy Procedure
Adult frenectomy procedures are quick, minimally invasive, and typically completed in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-step process:
- Consultation: Your oral surgeon will examine the frenum and evaluate how it affects your speech, movement, or oral health.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is used to keep the procedure comfortable. Sedation may be offered for patients with sensitivity or anxiety.
- Laser release: A CO₂ laser is used to remove or loosen the frenum. This approach reduces bleeding and typically requires no stitches.
- Post-op care: You will receive detailed instructions to support healing and minimize discomfort after the procedure.
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing is smooth with proper care and a good hygiene routine. The recovery time is typically short and supported by follow-up appointments.
Tips for healing:
- Use saltwater rinses: Keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection
- Eat soft foods: Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy items to reduce irritation during healing
- Avoid touching the area: Allow soft tissues to heal undisturbed
- Stretching exercises: Your surgeon may recommend gentle movements to prevent reattachment of the frenulum
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Help manage any mild discomfort or swelling
Explore Your Options for Adult Frenectomy Care
If you are experiencing discomfort, preparing for orthodontic treatment or dentures, or looking to improve oral function, a frenectomy may be a helpful solution.
Our experienced oral surgeons, Dr. J. Travis Thompson and Dr. Stephen Martin, are here to guide you.
To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs About Adult Frenectomy
Healing usually takes 7–10 days. Some minor tenderness may last for a few more days, but most adults return to normal eating and speaking quickly.
No, the procedure is performed using local anesthesia so there is no pain. After the procedure there may be some minor discomfort.
