Frenectomy in Alliston, ON

Trouble with speaking, feeding, or oral movement may be caused by a tight or restricted frenum. A simple frenectomy can restore comfort, improve function, and support healthy development. We offer gentle frenectomy procedures for children, teens, and adults. Book your consultation today.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a quick, minor surgical procedure that removes or loosens a small fold of tissue in the mouth called the frenum.

There are two main types:

Lingual frenectomy – frees the tongue if the frenum under the tongue is too tight (commonly called tongue-tie)
Labial frenectomy – removes the frenum between the upper lip and gums, which can cause spacing or interfere with dentures/braces

This small adjustment can lead to big improvements in speech, feeding, comfort, and oral development.

Why Is a Frenectomy Needed?

Frenectomies are most commonly performed on infants, children, or teens, but some adults may also benefit.

We may recommend a frenectomy if you or your child experiences:

Trouble breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Delayed speech development or lisping
A gap between the front teeth
Discomfort with dentures or orthodontic appliances
Gum recession or pulling at the gumline
Restricted tongue or lip movement

Benefits of a Frenectomy

Improves breastfeeding success in infants
Supports clear speech development in children
Allows full tongue and lip movement
Can close gaps between front teeth
Improves comfort with dentures or orthodontic appliances
Quick procedure and fast recovery

We’re here to make the process as gentle and comfortable as possible—for every age and every smile.

Caring for Your Smile After a Frenectomy

Most patients recover within a few days. To support proper healing, we recommend:

Gently stretching or moving the tongue/lip (we’ll show you how)
Keeping the area clean
Eating soft foods for a day or two (for older children or adults)
Returning for follow-up if recommended

We’re happy to answer questions and support your recovery every step of the way.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At Family Dental Care Alliston, we make the frenectomy process simple, gentle, and stress-free—especially for younger patients.

Gentle Examination

We’ll begin with a full evaluation to assess your or your child’s oral tissues and determine whether a frenectomy is the right solution.

Local Anesthesia or Numbing

We use a topical or local anesthetic to keep the area completely numb and pain-free. For infants, the procedure is often done without anesthesia and takes just seconds.

Quick and Precise Procedure

Using specialized tools or a soft-tissue laser, we gently remove or release the tight frenum. Most procedures take only a few minutes.

Aftercare Guidance

We’ll provide simple instructions for healing at home. Discomfort is typically minimal, and recovery is quick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a frenectomy painful?

No. We use numbing agents or anesthesia to ensure the procedure is quick and comfortable. Infants often sleep through it.

How long is recovery?

Healing is typically fast—a few days for most patients. Minor soreness may occur but usually resolves quickly.

At what age can a frenectomy be done?

Frenectomies can be done as early as a few weeks old. We also perform them for teens and adults when needed.

Will my child need speech therapy after a frenectomy?

Some children may benefit from speech therapy after treatment to help retrain tongue movement, but not all will need it. We’ll guide you based on your child’s needs.