The frenum is the fold of mucosa that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the lip to the gum. When it is too short or attached too low, it restricts movement, and a frenectomy releases it.
A short lingual frenum, medically called ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), prevents the tongue from lifting and extending normally. In babies it can make breastfeeding difficult; in children it can interfere with the pronunciation of certain sounds; in adults it frequently shows up as restricted movement and, sometimes, as a factor in gum recession around the lower incisors.
A low-attached labial frenum can maintain a gap between the upper incisors or can pull on the gum, contributing to recession. The procedure takes a few minutes and is done with a laser, which means minimal bleeding and quick healing.
Ankyloglossia means a lingual frenum that restricts the movement of the tongue. It is easy to spot: the tongue cannot touch the roof of the mouth with the mouth open, cannot be stuck out past the lower lip, and the tip takes on a heart shape when stuck out.
The important point is that appearance alone does not justify the procedure. Many frena look short but do not restrict any function. The decision is based on function: how the baby feeds, how the child pronounces sounds, how well the adult can clean their teeth.
A low-attached upper labial frenum, between the central incisors, is often the reason a gap remains between them. In children, however, this gap frequently closes on its own as the permanent canines erupt, so rushing does not help.
Labial frenectomy has a clear indication in two situations: when the frenum pulls on the gum and causes recession, and when the gap needs to be closed orthodontically, in which case the procedure is coordinated with the orthodontist. The order matters, and it is decided together.
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, then the frenum is released with a laser. The laser coagulates as it cuts, so bleeding is minimal, and in most cases no stitches are needed. The procedure itself takes a few minutes.
Discomfort afterwards is usually mild and is controlled with ordinary painkillers. Soft, cold foods are recommended for the first few days, and hygiene continues gently in the treated area.
With lingual frenectomy, what determines the outcome is not the cut but the exercises afterwards. The tongue has to learn the movement it could not make before; without exercises, the tissue can reorganise and the restriction can partly return.
It solves the mechanical restriction. If the tongue could not lift because of the frenum, it can lift after the procedure.
It does not automatically solve speech. Pronunciation is a motor skill, and a child who has compensated for years needs speech therapy after the procedure. Frenectomy opens up the possibility; practice turns it into a result.
It does not guarantee that the gap between the incisors will close. It releases the frenum, but in adults the teeth are brought together orthodontically or prosthetically, not on their own.
Indicative fees for frenectomy (lingual and labial frenum) at Smile by Ada, Bucharest. The final price is confirmed at your consultation and depends on the complexity of your case.
Laser frenectomy
Fees are charged in Romanian lei (RON). Euro amounts are approximate, at today's National Bank of Romania rate.
See all dental prices →Dr. George Stuparu
Specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery
Not every short frenum needs cutting. We first assess whether it actually restricts a function — sucking, speech, hygiene — because a procedure without a real indication brings no benefit.
What is a short lingual frenum?
A fold of mucosa that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and restricts its movement. Its medical name is ankyloglossia. It can be recognised because the tongue does not touch the roof of the mouth, does not reach past the lower lip, and the tip takes on a heart shape when stuck out.
Does every short frenum need to be cut?
No. Many frena look short without restricting any function. The indication is based on function — sucking, pronunciation, hygiene, gum recession — not on appearance.
Does frenectomy hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so no pain is felt during the procedure. Afterwards, discomfort is usually mild and is controlled with ordinary painkillers for one or two days.
How long does the procedure take?
A few minutes. With a laser, bleeding is minimal, and in most cases no stitches are needed.
Will my child speak correctly straight afterwards?
Not necessarily. Frenectomy removes the mechanical restriction, but pronunciation is a skill that has to be learned. A child who has compensated for years needs speech therapy after the procedure.
Does the gap between the incisors close after labial frenectomy?
In children, the gap often closes on its own as the permanent canines erupt. In adults, frenectomy releases the frenum, but the teeth are brought together orthodontically or prosthetically.
What should I do after the procedure?
Soft, cold foods in the first few days, gentle hygiene in the treated area and, after lingual frenectomy, the exercises you have been given. The exercises are what determines the outcome, not the cut.
The information above is for education only and does not replace a medical consultation.