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A frenectomy is a minor oral surgery that removes or modifies the frenum, a small band of tissue in the mouth that can affect oral health, dental development, and speech development.
If it is too tight or improperly positioned, it can cause speech difficulties, gum recession, gaps between teeth, changes in your bite after you have completed orthodontics, or issues with eating and swallowing.
If you are scheduled for a frenectomy or have recently had one, understanding the procedure and healing timeline can help you recover smoothly.
Table of Contents
- When Do You Need a Frenectomy?
- What Happens During the Procedure?
- Healing Timeline
- Essential Frenectomy Aftercare
- Schedule Your Appointment Today
A frenectomy typically heals within 2 to 4 weeks, with laser procedures allowing for faster healing. Most discomfort fades within the first few days, but proper aftercare, including good oral hygiene, soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activity, is essential for smooth recovery.
When Do You Need a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is necessary when the frenum restricts movement or causes oral health problems. Common signs that may indicate a need for this procedure include:
- Lip-tie or tongue-tie: Difficulty moving the tongue or upper lip, especially in infants who struggle with breastfeeding.
- Speech difficulties: A restricted tongue may impact speech development in children.
- Gum recession: A tight frenum pulling on the gums can contribute to gum recession and periodontal issues.
- Orthodontic concerns: A large frenum between the front teeth can create spacing issues and interfere with orthodontic treatment.
What Happens During the Procedure?
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, a frenectomy is commonly performed. Depending on the case, it may be completed using a scalpel, surgical scissors, or laser.
- Laser frenectomy: Minimally invasive, causes less bleeding, and promotes faster healing.
- Traditional frenectomy: Uses a small incision and may require dissolvable stitches.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring a painless experience.
- Immediate improvement: Many patients notice increased tongue or lip mobility right away.
For a detailed explanation of the procedure, visit our Frenectomy Procedure Explained article.
Healing Timeline
Although a frenectomy is a minor procedure, proper healing involves several important steps. The tissue must regenerate correctly while preventing reattachment, and blood vessels need time to heal to minimize bleeding and support recovery.
The total healing time depends on factors such as age, tissue type, and whether a laser or scalpel was used.
Typical healing timeline:
First 24 hours: Mild swelling, slight bleeding, and tenderness are expected. A white or yellowish film over the area is part of normal healing.
Days 2-7: Swelling subsides, discomfort improves, and if sutures were placed, they begin dissolving. A healing patch may form over the area, which is a normal part of the recovery process. Soft foods and good oral hygiene help prevent irritation.
Weeks 2-4: Tissue fully heals, and most patients feel back to normal. Laser procedures typically heal faster due to less trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Essential Frenectomy Aftercare
For detailed aftercare tips and guidance on ensuring a smooth recovery, check out Frenectomy Aftercare: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery.
Managing pain and swelling:
- Pain relief: Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed.
- Cold therapy: Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes at a time within the first 24 hours.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days to prevent irritation and reduce the risk of infections.
Keeping your mouth clean:
- First 24 hours: Avoid brushing directly over the site or rinsing forcefully.
- After 24 hours: Use a saltwater rinse (1 teaspoon salt in warm water) a few times daily.
- Brushing and flossing: Resume carefully, avoiding direct contact with the area.
Eating and drinking tips:
- Eat soft foods: Stick to yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and scrambled eggs.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water but avoid using straws to prevent pressure on the healing site.
For a full guide on the best foods to eat after your procedure, check out Safe Foods to Eat After a Frenectomy.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Contact your oral surgeon if you notice the following signs:
- Excessive bleeding: If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours despite applying pressure.
- Signs of infection: Swelling, pus, fever, or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
- Severe pain: If discomfort worsens instead of improving after 48 hours.
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing: If a lingual frenectomy was performed to address tongue ties, poor speech development, or feeding issues, persistent discomfort beyond the healing period should be evaluated.
Pro Tips
- Follow all post-op care instructions from Foley & Le Oral Surgery to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Perform any recommended tongue or lip exercises to prevent tissue reattachment.
- If something does not feel right, contact your surgeon immediately.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, we specialize in performing frenectomies for patients of all ages.
If you recently had a frenectomy with us and need a follow-up appointment, we are here to support your healing process.
Schedule a consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, today. Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
