{"id":988915,"date":"2026-06-10T08:09:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T05:09:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cagrialtuntas.com\/?p=988915"},"modified":"2026-06-10T08:16:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T05:16:37","slug":"frenectomy-guide-when-and-how-should-lip-and-tongue-ties-be-cut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cagrialtuntas.com\/en\/frenectomy-guide-when-and-how-should-lip-and-tongue-ties-be-cut\/","title":{"rendered":"Frenectomy Guide: When and How Should Lip and Tongue Ties Be Cut?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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In our previous article, we discussed those small layers of tissue inside the mouth that connect the lips, tongue, and cheeks to the gums\u2014that is, frenulums<\/b>\u2014we discussed their hidden roles in our smile aesthetics and oral health. However, the biggest concern for patients coming to our clinic begins after these ligaments are diagnosed as causing structural issues: “Does this frenulum have to be cut?”, “Will the procedure be painful?”, “Will my speech or smile be affected?”<\/i><\/p>

In cosmetic dentistry and periodontology (gum disease treatment), releasing an anatomically misplaced frenulum at the right time and with the correct technique prevents many future major problems from arising. As Dr. \u00c7a\u011fr\u0131 Altunta\u015f, in this surgical guide, I boldly explain the millimeter-level details of the frenulum procedure (frenectomy<\/ a>), the differences between traditional methods and laser technology, the healing process, and all the clinical facts you\u2019re curious about regarding the procedure.<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. What Is a Frenectomy? Is It Just \"Cutting the Frenulum\"?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In the dental literature, frenectomy<\/b> refers to the surgical procedure of completely removing or repositioning frenulum tissue that is of abnormal size, thickness, or position. If the tissue is not completely removed but is simply released with a small incision to reduce tension, this is called frenotomy<\/b>.<\/p>

Although this procedure is often simplified in lay terms as “lip tie release” or “tongue tie surgery,” it is actually a form of tissue engineering performed at the microscopic level. The goal is to eliminate the pulling force exerted by the muscle fibers attached to the frenum on the gum tissue. Because that small piece of tissue triggers biological damage by pulling your gums up or down every time you speak or eat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2. When Should Intervention Be Performed? Indications for Frenectomy<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is perfectly normal to have a frenulum<\/a> in the mouth; however, if any of the following 5 critical issues are present, intervention on that frenulum becomes an aesthetic and functional necessity:<\/p>\n\n

A. Unclosed Gaps Between the Front Teeth (Diastema)<\/h3>\n

The labial frenulum (the frenulum running through the exact center of the upper two front teeth) is sometimes so thick and positioned so low that it physically prevents the two teeth from coming together. Even if these gaps are closed through orthodontic treatment<\/a> (braces or clear aligners), if the thick frenulum beneath is not cut via frenectomy, the teeth will return to their original separated state shortly after treatment ends.<\/p>\n\n

B. Gum Recession and Root Exposure<\/h3>\n

When the cheek or lip ligaments attach directly to the gum line (marginal ridge), every time you move your mouth, they pull on the gum tissue, attempting to detach it from the bone. This chronic pulling force, over time, leads to severe gum recession<\/b> in front or side teeth, exposure of root surfaces, and consequently, severe sensitivity to hot and cold.<\/p>\n\n

C. Speech Disorders (Ankyloglossia \/ Tongue-Tie)<\/h3>\n

When the frenulum under the tongue is too short and located very close to the tip of the tongue, a condition commonly referred to as “tongue-tie” or “speech impediment” develops. The person cannot stick out their tongue or lift it upward; they have difficulty pronouncing letters such as “R,” “L,” “T,” and “S.” This condition negatively affects speech development in children and undermines social confidence in adults.<\/p>\n\n

D. Denture Mismatch and Teeth That Constantly Fall Out<\/h3>\n

Especially in completely edentulous patients, the hidden culprit behind removable dentures (false teeth) not staying in place, constantly popping out, or falling out every time the patient opens their mouth is active buccal frenums. When these frenums are released through frenectomy, the denture\u2019s retention improves significantly. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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3. Traditional Surgery or Laser Technology?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As a dentist, the fear I encounter most often in the clinic relates to the surgical aspect of the procedure (the use of a scalpel). Advances in dental technology have transformed this process into a completely comfortable and pain-free experience for our patients. Today, we can perform frenectomy using two different methods:<\/p>\n\n

Method A: Traditional Surgical Method Using a Scalpel<\/h3>\n

In the traditional method, the frenulum tissue is cut and removed using a scalpel, and the area is sutured. Although this method has proven clinically successful, bleeding during the procedure is normal; since sutures are applied, the healing process may take a few days, and the patient must return to the clinic to have the sutures removed.<\/p>\n\n

Method B: Frenectomy with Next-Generation Laser (The Most Comfortable Approach)<\/h3>\n

In the laser technology we frequently use at our clinic, there is no need for a scalpel or a surgical procedure involving bleeding. The laser light vaporizes the tissue at the micron level, effectively removing the frenulum.<\/p>\n\n

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    Zero Bleeding:<\/b> Since the laser seals the capillaries in the tissue as it cuts, the procedure is completely bloodless.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Suture-Free Process:<\/b> There is no need for sutures in the area. The tissue heals on its own without the tension caused by sutures. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Maximum Sterilization:<\/b> Since the laser light instantly eliminates all bacteria in the surgical area, the risk of post-operative infection approaches zero. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    4. The Surgical Process: What to Expect, Step by Step<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Contrary to what you might think, a frenectomy is a much shorter and less invasive procedure than getting a dental filling at the dentist\u2019s office:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    [1. Local Anesthesia (Light Spray\/Gel)] \u2500\u2500> [2. Laser or Surgical Procedure (5\u201310 Min)] \u2500\u2500> [3. No Stitches \/ Quick Recovery]<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Local Anesthesia:<\/b> Anesthetic gels are first applied to the small area to be treated, followed by a minimal dose of local anesthesia. This ensures you feel absolutely no stinging or pain during the procedure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Procedure: <\/b> Depending on the chosen method (most commonly laser), the connective tissue is completely released within 5 to 10 minutes<\/b>. Our patients usually get up from the chair in surprise, asking “Is it over?”<\/i>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Post-Op (Post-Procedure):<\/b> If a laser was used in the treatment area, a light white-yellowish protective tissue layer forms. This is a completely normal healing tissue (fibrin layer) and must not be disturbed under any circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      5. Clinical Comparison Matrix of the Two Methods<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      The table below transparently summarizes the effects of the two different frenectomy methods performed at our clinic on patient comfort and recovery speed:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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