Frenectomy in Norwalk, CT
Releasing tight tongue and lip attachments.
A frenectomy releases a tight band of tissue under the tongue or lip. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sung Han evaluates the attachment and explains whether treatment is likely to help.
Serving patients in Norwalk and throughout Fairfield County.
Evaluated by a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon
Dr. Sung Han, DMD
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Han evaluates tongue, lip and cheek attachments in children and adults, and recommends a frenectomy only when it is likely to help. If treatment is not needed, he will tell you.
Meet Dr. HanReleasing a Tight Band of Tissue
A frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue, lip or cheek to the gum or the floor of the mouth. Everyone has several of them. Sometimes one is short, thick or tight enough to limit movement or pull on the gums.
A frenectomy releases or removes that tissue so the area can move and heal more freely. Not every tongue-tie or lip-tie needs treatment, and Dr. Han will explain whether yours does.
Where a Frenectomy May Be Needed
Tongue-Tie
A short or tight band under the tongue that can limit how far the tongue moves.
Lip-Tie
A thick band between the upper lip and the gum that can pull on the gum or sit between the front teeth.
Cheek Attachments
Bands between the cheek and the gum that can pull on the gum near the teeth.
When a Frenectomy May Be Recommended
Limited Tongue Movement
Trouble moving the tongue freely can affect eating, speaking or cleaning the teeth.
Gums Pulled by a Tight Band
A tight attachment can pull on the gum and, in some cases, contribute to gum recession.
A Gap Between the Front Teeth
A thick upper lip attachment can be part of the reason for a space between the upper front teeth.
Orthodontics and Dentures
Releasing a tight attachment may help an orthodontic result stay stable, or help a denture fit comfortably, when appropriate.
Orthodontics →Your Frenectomy, Step by Step
Evaluation
Dr. Han examines the attachment, how it affects movement or the gums, and your health history. If treatment is not likely to help, he will say so.
The Procedure
The area is numbed with local anesthesia and the tight tissue is released. Other comfort options are discussed when appropriate. The procedure is often brief.
Healing
Some soreness and mild swelling are expected. You will receive written instructions for eating, cleaning the area and follow-up, which may include simple exercises when they are needed.
Frenectomy FAQ
No. Many tongue-ties and lip-ties cause no problems. Dr. Han recommends treatment only when the attachment is affecting movement, the gums, or other treatment.
Yes. Children and adults can be evaluated. Whether it helps depends on the individual case.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you should feel pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is expected, and you will receive instructions for managing it.
It may improve tongue movement, which can help some patients. Speech depends on many factors, and some patients also benefit from speech therapy. Dr. Han will explain what to expect for your situation.
Healing varies from patient to patient and with the type of frenectomy. You will receive instructions specific to your procedure.
Local anesthesia is commonly used. If additional comfort options would help you or your child, Dr. Han reviews them at your consultation. See IV Sedation and Anesthesia.
Wondering If a Tight Tie Needs Treatment?
Book a consultation and Dr. Han will take a look.