Everything Parents Need to Know About Frenectomies: Your Questions Answered

When your pediatric dentist or orthodontist mentions that your child may need a frenectomy, it’s natural to have questions—and maybe even some concerns. What exactly is a frenulum? Why does it need to be removed? Will the procedure hurt? At Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian and our compassionate team understand that when it comes to your child’s health, you want clear, thorough answers before moving forward with any procedure.

This comprehensive guide addresses the most common questions parents ask about frenectomies, helping you feel confident and informed as you make decisions about your child’s oral health in the South Bay area.

What Exactly Is a Frenulum?

A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects one part of the mouth to another. Your child actually has several frenulums in their mouth, but two are most commonly associated with problems requiring surgical intervention.

• The Lingual Frenulum: This band of tissue connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this frenulum is too short or tight, it restricts tongue movement—a condition commonly known as “tongue-tie” or ankyloglossia.
• The Labial Frenulum: This tissue connects the inside of the upper lip to the gums just above the front teeth. A similar structure exists on the lower lip as well. When the upper labial frenulum extends too far down between the front teeth, it can create spacing issues and other complications.

These frenulums serve a normal function when properly positioned, but when they’re too thick, too tight, or attached in the wrong location, they can interfere with important oral functions and development.

Why Would My Child Need a Frenectomy?

Dr. Yagoubian may recommend a frenectomy for several important reasons related to your child’s oral health, speech development, or orthodontic treatment. Understanding the specific issue your child is facing helps clarify why this procedure is beneficial.

• Tongue-Tie Concerns: When the lingual frenulum is too restrictive, it limits your child’s ability to move their tongue freely. This can affect eating, speaking, and oral hygiene. Infants with severe tongue-tie may have difficulty breastfeeding, while older children might struggle with speech sounds that require tongue elevation, such as “t,” “d,” “l,” and “th.” The restricted tongue movement can also make it difficult to clean food debris from teeth, potentially increasing cavity risk.
• Spacing and Orthodontic Issues: A tight labial frenulum that extends between the upper front teeth can prevent these teeth from coming together naturally, creating a gap called a diastema. While small gaps between baby teeth are normal and often close on their own, a prominent labial frenulum can maintain this space even after permanent teeth erupt. Orthodontists frequently recommend frenectomies before or during orthodontic treatment to allow teeth to move into proper position.
• Gum Recession and Periodontal Problems: When a labial frenulum pulls too tightly on the gum tissue, it can cause the gums to recede over time, exposing the tooth roots. This gum recession makes teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. Addressing the problem early through frenectomy can prevent progressive gum damage.
• Speech Difficulties: Children with restrictive frenulums often develop speech patterns that compensate for limited tongue or lip movement. Speech therapists sometimes recommend frenectomy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help children achieve clearer articulation.

What Happens During a Frenectomy Procedure?

Understanding what occurs during the frenectomy helps both you and your child feel more prepared and less anxious. At Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, Dr. Yagoubian performs frenectomies as straightforward outpatient procedures that typically take only 15 to 30 minutes.

• Before the Procedure: Your child will receive appropriate anesthesia to ensure complete comfort throughout the surgery. For younger children or those who experience dental anxiety, Dr. Yagoubian often recommends nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas.” This gentle sedation helps children feel relaxed and calm while remaining conscious and able to respond. For more complex cases or highly anxious patients, IV sedation may be offered, and in some situations, Dr. Yagoubian works with trained anesthesiologists to provide the safest, most comfortable experience possible.
• The Surgical Technique: Dr. Yagoubian uses precise surgical techniques to release the restrictive frenulum. The procedure involves making a small incision to free the tissue band, removing excess tissue if necessary, and sometimes placing a few small sutures to promote optimal healing. Modern techniques minimize discomfort and promote rapid recovery.
• After the Procedure: Most children tolerate frenectomies remarkably well. Dr. Yagoubian provides detailed post-operative instructions to ensure smooth healing, and he personally calls families after surgery to check on how the patient is doing—a level of care that parents consistently praise in their reviews.

How Much Discomfort Will My Child Experience?

This question tops the list of parental concerns, and for good reason—no parent wants to see their child in pain. The reassuring news is that frenectomies are generally well-tolerated procedures with minimal discomfort, especially when performed by an experienced oral surgeon like Dr. Yagoubian.

• During the Procedure: With appropriate anesthesia and sedation, your child should feel no pain during the frenectomy. The numbing medication completely blocks sensation in the treatment area, and sedation helps children remain relaxed and comfortable throughout.
• Immediately After: Once the anesthesia wears off, your child may experience some soreness or tenderness in the treated area. Most children describe this as mild discomfort rather than significant pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen typically provide adequate relief.
• The Recovery Period: Discomfort generally peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, then steadily improves. Many children return to their normal activities within a day or two. The mouth heals remarkably quickly, and most patients are surprised by how soon they feel back to normal.

Dr. Yagoubian and our team provide comprehensive pain management guidance tailored to your child’s age and specific procedure. We’re always available to address concerns and ensure your child remains comfortable throughout recovery.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Understanding what to expect during the healing process helps you prepare appropriately and recognize normal healing versus situations that might require a call to our office.

• Immediate Post-Operative Period: Your child may experience some bleeding, swelling, and tenderness in the hours following surgery. Gentle pressure with clean gauze typically controls any bleeding within 30 minutes. Applying ice packs to the outside of the face near the surgical site can help minimize swelling.
• Diet Modifications: For the first few days, stick with soft, cool foods that won’t irritate the surgical site. Think yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and ice cream—foods your child will likely enjoy. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that could cause discomfort or disrupt healing.
• Oral Hygiene: Keeping the mouth clean is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing, but you’ll need to be gentle around the surgical site. Dr. Yagoubian provides specific instructions about brushing, rinsing with salt water, and caring for the area during recovery.
• Activity Restrictions: Most children can return to school within a day or two, though you may want to limit strenuous physical activity for a few days to minimize bleeding risk and allow proper healing.
• Stretching Exercises: For tongue-tie releases, Dr. Yagoubian may recommend specific stretching exercises to prevent the frenulum from reattaching during healing. These gentle exercises, while sometimes uncomfortable for children, are important for achieving the best long-term results.
• Complete Healing: The surgical site typically heals within one to two weeks, though complete tissue remodeling may take several weeks longer. Most families are amazed by how quickly their children bounce back from the procedure.

Will My Child Need Time Off School?

Most children who undergo frenectomies can return to school within one to two days, depending on the extent of the procedure and their individual recovery. Many parents schedule frenectomies on Thursday or Friday, allowing the weekend for initial healing before returning to the classroom.

The minimal downtime associated with frenectomies is one of the procedure’s advantages. Unlike more complex oral surgeries, most children experience only minor discomfort and can quickly resume normal activities. Dr. Yagoubian’s gentle, precise surgical technique contributes to faster recovery times and helps children get back to their regular routines quickly.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs a Frenectomy?

Parents often notice signs that might indicate a frenulum problem before dental professionals formally diagnose the condition. While only a qualified oral surgeon or dentist can definitively determine whether frenectomy is necessary, several warning signs may prompt you to seek evaluation.

• For Tongue-Tie: Watch for difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth, a heart-shaped appearance of the tongue tip when extended, problems with certain speech sounds, or complaints about difficulty eating certain foods. Infants with tongue-tie often have trouble breastfeeding effectively.
• For Labial Frenulum Issues: Look for a persistent gap between the upper front teeth in children over age seven, a thick band of tissue visibly connecting the lip to the gums between the front teeth, or gum recession around the front teeth.

Your child’s pediatric dentist or orthodontist will typically identify frenulum concerns during routine examinations and refer you to an oral surgeon like Dr. Yagoubian for evaluation and treatment. If you suspect your child might have a frenulum issue, don’t hesitate to request a consultation.

What Makes an Oral Surgeon the Best Choice for Frenectomies?

While some dentists and other practitioners perform frenectomies, choosing a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Yagoubian offers distinct advantages for your child.

• Extensive Specialized Training: Dr. Yagoubian completed six years of surgical training beyond dental school, including earning both his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and Medical Degree from Columbia University. His residency at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital provided intensive training in complex oral and facial surgeries. This extensive education far exceeds what general dentists receive and translates to superior surgical skill and outcomes.
• Expertise in Sedation and Anesthesia: As a dually trained oral surgeon, Dr. Yagoubian has comprehensive training in sedation techniques and can safely administer various levels of anesthesia. This expertise ensures your child remains comfortable throughout the procedure while maintaining optimal safety.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center features cutting-edge equipment, including 3D cone-beam CT scanning for precise treatment planning when needed. This advanced technology supports the most accurate, effective surgical outcomes.
• Experience with Pediatric Patients: Dr. Yagoubian and his team specialize in treating children, understanding the unique considerations required when working with young patients. We know how to communicate with children at their level, ease their anxiety, and create positive experiences that won’t negatively impact their perception of dental care for life.
• Comprehensive Care Approach: From your initial consultation through post-operative follow-up, Dr. Yagoubian provides thorough, personalized attention. His practice of personally calling patients after surgery to check on their recovery demonstrates the level of care you can expect.

Does Insurance Cover Frenectomies?

Insurance coverage for frenectomies varies depending on your specific plan and the medical necessity of the procedure. Many insurance plans cover frenectomies when they’re deemed medically necessary—for example, when tongue-tie interferes with feeding in infants or when a labial frenulum prevents proper orthodontic treatment.

The knowledgeable staff at Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center can help you navigate insurance questions and understand your coverage. We accept many forms of insurance and also offer third-party financing options through CareCredit and Wells Fargo for families who need flexible payment solutions.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider before the procedure to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may incur. Our billing specialists are happy to work with you to maximize your benefits and make treatment affordable.

What Results Can We Expect After a Frenectomy?

The outcomes following frenectomy depend on the specific issue being addressed, but most families report significant positive changes that make the procedure worthwhile.

• For Tongue-Tie Release: Parents often notice improved tongue mobility immediately, though it may take time for children to fully adapt to their new range of motion. Speech improvements typically develop over weeks to months, especially when combined with speech therapy. Infants with feeding difficulties often nurse more effectively within days of the procedure.
• For Labial Frenulum Issues: Gaps between front teeth may begin closing naturally after frenectomy, particularly in younger children. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, removing the restrictive frenulum allows teeth to move into proper position more easily. Gum recession issues typically stabilize once the pulling force is eliminated.
• Long-Term Benefits: Beyond the immediate improvements, frenectomy can prevent future problems like worsening speech difficulties, progressive gum recession, and orthodontic complications. Many parents express relief that they addressed the issue early, preventing more complex interventions later.

Dr. Yagoubian discusses expected outcomes during your consultation, providing realistic expectations based on your child’s specific situation. Every patient is unique, and results can vary, but most families are highly satisfied with the improvements they see following frenectomy.

Your Child Deserves Expert, Compassionate Care in Torrance

When your child needs oral surgery, choosing the right surgeon makes all the difference in both outcomes and experience. At Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian combines exceptional surgical skill with genuine compassion for young patients. His dually trained background, board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and years of experience create the foundation for outstanding results.

But expertise alone doesn’t define excellent care. What truly sets Torrance Oral Surgery apart is the warm, welcoming environment and patient-centered approach that puts children and parents at ease. From the friendly front desk staff to the skilled surgical team to Dr. Yagoubian’s personal post-operative phone calls, every interaction reflects our commitment to your family’s comfort and satisfaction.

Schedule a Consultation at Our Torrance Location

If your child has been referred for a frenectomy, or if you’ve noticed signs that might indicate a frenulum issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Yagoubian offers thorough consultations where he evaluates your child’s specific situation, answers all your questions, and helps you understand the best path forward.

Serving patients throughout the South Bay area including Torrance, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, San Pedro, El Segundo, and Carson, Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center provides convenient access to expert pediatric oral surgery care. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and experience the difference that specialized training, advanced technology, and compassionate care make in your child’s oral surgery journey.