A frenectomy can help when a restrictive frenulum affects feeding, tongue movement, speech, or oral health. At Hart Dental, Dr. Christopher Hart and our team provide frenectomy treatment in Mitchell with a focus on comfort, clear communication, and conservative care.
Whether you’re concerned about an infant’s feeding, a child’s tongue mobility, or tension along the gumline, we’ll evaluate the area carefully and explain whether treatment may be appropriate.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases or removes restrictive frenulum tissue under the tongue or upper lip. A restrictive frenulum under the tongue is often called a tongue-tie, while restrictive tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums may be referred to as a lip-tie.
When this tissue limits normal movement, it may contribute to problems with feeding, tongue mobility, speech, gum health, or dental spacing.
At Hart Dental, we use a Soft Tissue Laser to perform frenectomies with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. Laser treatment can help limit bleeding and may support a more comfortable recovery.
When Is a Frenectomy Necessary?
A frenectomy may be recommended when a restrictive frenulum is contributing to functional or oral health problems and conservative measures have not provided enough improvement.
Signs that may warrant an evaluation include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or maintaining a proper latch
- Limited tongue mobility
- Speech or articulation concerns related to tongue movement
- Persistent spacing between the front teeth in certain cases
- Gum recession or tension along the gumline near a tooth
Not every tongue-tie or lip-tie requires treatment. Dr. Christopher Hart evaluates each patient’s oral function, dental development, symptoms, and individual needs before recommending a frenectomy.
Who Can Benefit From a Frenectomy?
Frenectomy treatment may be appropriate for infants, children, teenagers, and adults.
For infants, releasing restrictive tissue may improve tongue mobility and support more effective feeding when a tongue-tie or lip-tie is contributing to latch difficulties.
For older children, greater tongue mobility may support speech and oral function. Some children may also benefit from working with a speech therapist before or after treatment depending on their individual needs.
Adults may undergo a frenectomy when restrictive tissue contributes to discomfort, limited movement, or tension around the gums.
Dr. Christopher Hart discusses the potential benefits, alternatives, and timing of treatment so you can make an informed decision.
What Happens During a Laser Frenectomy?
Most frenectomies at Hart Dental are performed using a Soft Tissue Laser. Our goal is to make the appointment straightforward and comfortable.
During your visit, we will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Examine the frenulum and surrounding tissues
- Explain the procedure and answer your questions
- Numb the treatment area when appropriate
- Use the Soft Tissue Laser to carefully release restrictive tissue
- Evaluate movement after the procedure
- Provide detailed aftercare instructions
We also offer comfort-focused amenities, including massage chairs, hot beverages, blankets, headphones, and TVs to help children and adults feel more at ease during their visit.
What Is Recovery Like After a Frenectomy?
Recovery after a laser frenectomy is generally straightforward, although every patient heals differently. Mild soreness or tenderness may occur for a few days after treatment.
To support healing, we may recommend that you:
- Apply a cold pack to the outside of the mouth for 10–15 minutes at a time
- Perform any movement or stretching exercises provided by our team
- Choose softer foods for 24–48 hours if the area is tender
- Use over-the-counter pain relief when appropriate, following label directions
Follow-up care is an important part of treatment. We will assess healing and provide guidance on exercises or other steps to help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of reattachment.
Frenectomy FAQs
Does a frenectomy hurt?
We take steps to keep patients comfortable during treatment, including numbing the area when appropriate. Using a Soft Tissue Laser can also help minimize bleeding during the procedure. Some tenderness afterward is normal and usually improves as the area heals.
How long does a frenectomy appointment take?
Most visits last approximately 30–60 minutes, including the consultation, procedure, and aftercare instructions. The exact length of the appointment depends on the patient’s age and the complexity of treatment.
Will my child need speech therapy after a frenectomy?
Not every child needs speech therapy after a frenectomy. Releasing a restrictive frenulum may improve tongue mobility, but established speech patterns may require additional support. When appropriate, we may recommend follow-up with a speech therapist.
Is a frenectomy covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Our team can help submit claims and work with you to maximize available benefits. Hart Dental accepts cash, checks, Cherry, credit cards, and debit cards, and we also offer in-house financing options.
Who performs the frenectomy?
Dr. Christopher Hart leads frenectomy treatment at Hart Dental and remains involved from the initial consultation through follow-up care.
Why Choose Hart Dental for a Frenectomy in Mitchell?
Families looking for frenectomy treatment in Mitchell can expect careful evaluation, clear explanations, and a comfort-focused approach at Hart Dental.
Our approach includes:
- Precise treatment with a Soft Tissue Laser
- Individualized recommendations based on function and oral health
- Clear instructions before and after treatment
- Follow-up care to monitor healing and mobility
- Comfort amenities including blankets, massage chairs, headphones, hot beverages, snacks, and TVs
- Financing and payment options to help make care more manageable
Our goal is to recommend treatment only when it can meaningfully support a patient’s oral function or health.
Schedule a Frenectomy Consultation in Mitchell
If you have concerns about feeding difficulties, limited tongue movement, speech-related issues, gum tension, or a restrictive frenulum, Hart Dental can help you determine the next step.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Hart in Mitchell to learn whether a frenectomy may be appropriate for you or your child. We’ll evaluate your concerns, explain your options, and help you understand what to expect before, during, and after treatment. You can also explore our other general and cosmetic services.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment today.