What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases or removes a frenum, the small band of tissue that connects the lip to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When a frenum is too tight, too short, or too thick, it can restrict movement and cause functional problems. A lip tie can pull on the gum tissue and contribute to recession or spacing between the front teeth. A tongue tie can restrict tongue mobility, affecting speech, feeding in infants, and oral hygiene. A laser frenectomy corrects these restrictions quickly, precisely, and with minimal discomfort.
Laser Frenectomy for Lip and Tongue Tie: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1, plus a review |
| Time needed | A few minutes for the release |
| Anesthesia | Topical or local anesthesia |
| Recovery time | One to two weeks, with daily stretches |
| How long it lasts | Permanent when stretches are done as instructed |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Signs of a Lip or Tongue Tie
A frenum is normal. It becomes a problem only when it is short or thick enough to restrict movement or pull on the gum. An assessment looks at function, not just appearance.
- An infant who struggles to latch or feed
- A tongue that cannot lift to the palate or extend past the lower lip
- Speech sounds that are hard to form
- A gap between the upper front teeth with a thick band of tissue running into it
- Gum being pulled away from a tooth by the frenum
Laser Frenectomy for Lip and Tongue Tie at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, frenectomies are performed by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein using advanced laser technology. The laser releases the restrictive tissue with pinpoint accuracy, sealing the area as it works. This means minimal bleeding, no sutures, and a significantly faster recovery compared to traditional surgical frenectomy. Most patients, including young children, tolerate the procedure very well and return to normal activities the same day.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Functional assessment. Tongue and lip movement are examined.
- Numbing. Topical or local anesthesia is applied.
- Laser release. The laser releases the tissue in a minute or two.
- Check. Movement is rechecked immediately.
- Stretching plan. You are shown exercises that keep the tissue from reattaching.
Lip tie and tongue tie
| Type | Where it is | Common effects |
|---|---|---|
| Lip tie | Between the upper lip and the gum | Feeding difficulty in infants, a gap between front teeth, gum recession |
| Tongue tie | Between the tongue and the floor of the mouth | Feeding difficulty, restricted tongue movement, speech sounds |
A frenectomy takes a minute. The stretching exercises afterward are what make the result last.
Recovery and Aftercare
After laser treatment
The first 24 hours
- A white or yellow patch at the site is normal healing tissue
- Offer soft foods, or feed infants as usual
- Use pain relief as advised for age
The following days
- Do the stretching exercises several times a day for the period advised
- Attend the review visit
- See a lactation consultant or speech therapist if one was recommended
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding that does not stop with pressure
- An infant refuses to feed
- Movement becomes restricted again after healing
Treatment at Any Age
Frenectomies are performed on patients of all ages. In infants, a tongue tie release can improve breastfeeding and feeding function. In older children and adults, releasing a lip or tongue tie can improve speech clarity, reduce gum recession risk, and support orthodontic treatment outcomes. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, addressing a restrictive frenum before or during alignment can help prevent relapse and ensure a more stable result.
Cost and Insurance
Laser treatment is priced by the procedure, not by the use of the laser itself. You are told the fee before treatment.
What affects the cost
- The procedure being carried out
- The number of teeth or areas treated
- The number of sessions needed
- Whether the laser is used alone or alongside another treatment
Insurance usually covers a laser procedure in the same way as the conventional version of that procedure. Therapy sessions for pain relief may not be covered. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
