Frenulectomy Procedure

A frenulectomy procedure is a simple surgical procedure that involves the removal of the frenum, a thin piece of soft tissue in the mouth. A patient may consider undergoing this procedure if they have been diagnosed with ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie. This refers to an abnormally short or thick frenulum that restricts the movement of the tongue. This condition can affect an individual’s speech and eating, and can also cause discomfort and pain. 

This procedure is often referred to as a frenectomy as well, but these procedures are slightly different. While a frenulectomy refers to simply cutting the frenulum, a frenectomy can sometimes go further to correct other related, existing problems.

When is this Procedure Necessary?

Patients may consider it if their frenulum hinders their ability to speak or eat, or just causes discomfort. Due to the simplistic nature of this procedure, it is very common and most individuals notice significant improvement afterward. 

Patients may consider a frenulectomy if they experience the following symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty eating
• Speech or pronunciation difficulties
• Difficulty moving the tongue

Preparing for Your Procedure

This procedure is typically performed on infants and children but could be used for adults if necessary. During this procedure, patients receive local anesthesia to numb the area. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and after the surgeon snips the frenulum they will close it. 

The recovery should only take a few days and then patients should feel much better. If the patient continues to experience discomfort in the days following, they can take over-the-counter pain medications to manage it. 

Frenulectomy with Smith Medical