Frenectomy in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, TX.
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases a tight or restrictive band of tissue (called a frenum) in the mouth.
This small piece of connective tissue may sound insignificant, but when it’s too short or thick, it can interfere with oral function, speech development, breast feeding, and even dental health.
Our board-certified pediatric dentists perform this treatment using the advanced LightScalpel CO₂ soft tissue laser, offering a quick, comfortable experience with minimal discomfort and a low risk of complications.
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry offers frenectomies in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, TX.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the removal or modification of a frenum, a band of tissue that connects two parts of the mouth. While everyone has these oral attachments, they can sometimes limit movement or cause problems as a child grows.
There are two primary types of frenectomy procedures: lingual and labial.
Lingual Frenectomy
This procedure targets the lingual frenum, located under the tongue. A tight lingual frenum, often referred to as a tongue tie, can restrict proper tongue movement, affecting everything from breast feeding in infancy to speech development, swallowing, and oral health later on.
Benefits of a lingual frenectomy include:
- Improved breastfeeding in infants
- Clearer speech development
- Better swallowing and eating habits
- Better oral hygiene
- Reduced risk of future dental issues related to restricted tongue movement
Tongue Tie Ankyloglossia
Labial Frenectomy
A labial frenum connects the upper or lower lip to the gums. When this is too tight or extends too far down, it can lead to issues like gum recession, spacing between teeth, or difficulty with brushing and flossing.
A labial frenectomy corrects this by gently releasing the tissue, promoting better dental development and reducing the risk of long-term oral health concerns.
Benefits of a labial frenectomy include:
- Reduced risk of gum recession
- Improved spacing and alignment of teeth
- Easier brushing and flossing
- Better support for orthodontic treatment
- Greater comfort with lip movement and function
Lip tie before and after
Why Choose Laser Frenectomy?
Traditional surgical procedures for tongue or lip ties can involve scissors or scalpels, which may result in bleeding, stitches, or extended healing time.
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we use the LightScalpel CO₂ soft tissue laser for all tie surgeries. This state-of-the-art laser cauterizes and sterilizes the tissue as it works, helping reduce the risk of infection and promote clean healing.
Unlike older techniques, a laser frenectomy does not require general anesthesia. It is performed while your child is awake, right here in our kid-friendly dental offices.
Benefits of laser procedures include:
- Greater precision
- Less bleeding
- Faster healing
- Lower risk of complications
- No need for stitches
- Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure
Laser technology also helps preserve nearby oral tissues and offers excellent results for infants, children, and teens.
Frenectomy in Newborns
A tight labial frenum can interfere with a baby’s ability to latch properly during breastfeeding, leading to symptoms such as prolonged nursing sessions, poor weight gain, colic, or even maternal pain and nipple damage.
By releasing this connective tissue with a gentle laser procedure, we can help restore effective latching, improve milk transfer, and support both baby and parent during the early months of life.
Is Your Child a Candidate for a Frenectomy?
Not every child needs a frenectomy, but it can make a meaningful difference in those who do. We may recommend a frenectomy procedure if your child has:
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Delayed or unclear speech development, such as difficulty pronouncing certain letter sounds like ‘t,’ ‘d,’ ‘l,’ and ‘r’
- Trouble eating or swallowing
- Noticeable spacing between front teeth
- Limited tongue or lip mobility
- Ongoing issues with brushing or gum tissue irritation
We always consider your child’s medical history, age, symptoms, and stage of oral development before recommending treatment.
What to Expect During the Frenectomy Procedure
A laser frenectomy is a simple procedure typically completed in just a few minutes. Your child will be made comfortable, and the soft tissue laser will gently release the restrictive tissue. Most children return to normal activity the same day with little to no downtime.
Aftercare instructions will be provided to support healing and encourage proper movement and function. Stretching exercises may be recommended to maintain results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Because the soft tissue laser seals as it cuts, there is typically minimal bleeding and no need for sutures. This also reduces inflammation and helps promote faster healing.
Your child may experience some temporary fussiness, mild discomfort, or reluctance to eat immediately after the procedure, especially for newborns and infants. These symptoms usually resolve quickly.
To support healing and prevent reattachment of the tissue, we will provide specific aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises. These movements are an important part of the recovery process and help maintain the results of the frenectomy procedure.
If your child is an infant, you may notice improvements in breast feeding almost immediately after a newborn frenectomy. Better latching, shorter feeding times, and increased milk transfer are common outcomes.
Our team is here to answer questions and guide you through the recovery process. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns following your child’s procedure.
Schedule a Frenectomy Consultation Today
If you are concerned about your child’s oral function or suspect a tongue or lip tie, contact Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry. Our experienced team offers a wide range of pediatric dental services and a compassionate approach to care. We will evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the best path forward.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, TX call (214) 618-5200 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, TX call (214) 618-5200 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper.
FAQs About Frenectomy
The cost of a frenectomy can vary depending on the provider, the type of frenectomy, and whether laser technology is used. At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we offer competitive pricing and will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
In some cases, a frenectomy may be covered by medical or dental insurance, particularly if it is considered medically necessary. Coverage can vary widely, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your specific benefits. Our office can assist with paperwork and provide documentation to support your claim if needed.
A frenectomy can be performed at any age, but earlier intervention especially for newborns and infants struggling with breastfeeding can often prevent long-term complications. We treat patients from infancy through adolescence.
While many dentists can technically perform a frenectomy, it is best to see a provider experienced in pediatric care. At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, our board-certified pediatric dentists specialize in frenectomy procedures for children and use advanced laser technology for precision and comfort.