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A frenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove or modify the frenulum that restricts movement of the tongue (lingual frenulum) or lips.
This procedure is often done to address tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), which can interfere with breastfeeding, speech development, or proper tongue movement.
While frenectomies are quick and straightforward—especially with modern tools like the soft tissue laser—proper care during the recovery process is key to avoiding complications like infection.
In this blog, we will walk you through what to expect during frenectomy healing, how to spot signs of infection, and what steps to take to ensure a smooth recovery.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Frenectomy Healing
- Normal vs. Abnormal Signs After Frenectomy
- How to Prevent Infection & Support Healing
- When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
- Book A Frenectomy Consultation with Oral Facial & Implant Specialists Today
Key Takeaway
Watch closely for signs of infection after a frenectomy—like persistent pain, fever, excessive bleeding, or pus—and follow aftercare instructions (gentle oral hygiene, soft foods, ice packs) to support healing. If unusual symptoms arise, contact your oral surgeon promptly to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Understanding Frenectomy Healing
After the procedure, the surgical site will need time to heal.
Most people recover fully within 10 day, though minor bleeding, mild discomfort, and slight swelling are normal in the first few days. Here’s what a typical recovery looks like:
- Days 1-3: Mild discomfort, slight bleeding, and swelling. Use ice packs (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) to reduce swelling.
- Days 4-10: A white or yellowish film may form over the wound—this is part of the healing process, not necessarily infection. The tissue starts to close, and any residual soreness fades.
It’s important to stick to soft foods (like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or ice cream), avoid crunchy or spicy foods, and practice good oral hygiene during this time.
Normal vs. Abnormal Signs After Frenectomy
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your oral surgeon or healthcare provider right away. Untreated infections can lead to abscesses or other severe complications.
Normal healing signs
- Mild discomfort (manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen).
- Slight bleeding that stops within 24 hours.
- Swelling that improves with ice packs.
- Temporary changes in speech or tongue movements.
Signs of infection
- Persistent or worsening pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with medication or gets worse after 3-4 days.
- Excessive bleeding: Blood clots that keep breaking open or bleeding that soaks gauze repeatedly.
- Fever or chills: A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) could indicate infection.
- Foul odor or pus: Yellow/green discharge or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Redness or heat: The area around the wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, or warm to the touch.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing: Rare but serious—seek immediate help.
How to Prevent Infection & Support Healing
Proper aftercare is essential for preventing infection and ensuring a smooth recovery after a frenectomy.
By following your oral surgeon’s recommendations, you can support healing and reduce the risk of complications. Here’s what you need to know to care for the area and promote optimal results.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
- Rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. water) 2-3 times per day to keep the area clean.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours to prevent dislodging blood clots.
- Use a cold compress or ice packs to minimize swelling.
Prioritize Oral Hygiene
- Brush teeth gently, avoiding the surgical site.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Stick to Soft Foods
- Choose easy-to-eat foods like smoothies, applesauce, and scrambled eggs.
- Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods that could irritate the wound.
Attend Follow-Up Visits
- Your oral surgeon will monitor healing progress and address concerns like frenulum reattaching (a rare complication).
Consider Tongue Exercises
- For tongue-tie releases, gentle stretches or oral exercises prescribed by your provider can improve range of motion and reduce reattachment rates.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
While infections after frenectomy are rare with proper care, stay vigilant. Contact your provider if you notice:
- Unusual symptoms like persistent pain, fever, or pus.
- No improvement in healing after 1 week.
- Difficulty breastfeeding (in infants) or worsening speech issues.
For parents: Never give aspirin to children. Use child acetaminophen as directed, and keep your child comfortable with cold foods like ice cream or popsicles.
Book A Frenectomy Consultation with Oral Facial & Implant Specialists Today
Most frenectomy procedures heal without issues when patients follow aftercare instructions closely.
If you have questions about your healing process our team is ready to help. No referral is required to book an appointment.
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.
