Inside your mouth, a small band of tissue called the frenum connects the lips or tongue to the surrounding gum tissue. When this attachment is too short, too thick, or anchored too low, it creates tension that can affect how you eat, speak, and even breathe. In infants, a restricted frenum often interferes with breastfeeding. In children and adults, the same restriction can contribute to a gap between the front teeth, gum recession, speech difficulties, or problems with orthodontic treatment. A frenectomy removes or releases that tissue, restoring the range of motion the mouth needs to function comfortably.
At LALUME Dental Studio, frenectomies are performed within a preventive dentistry philosophy that prioritizes the least invasive path forward. Dr. Shahira Saad, who graduated Cum Laude from UCLA School of Dentistry and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, evaluates every patient individually before recommending treatment. For patients whose frenectomy connects to a broader smile plan, including orthodontic work or cosmetic treatment, Dr. Saad coordinates care so that the sequence is efficient and the outcome is cohesive.
We believe a frenectomy should feel like anything but an ordeal. At LALUME, three major factors set our approach apart:
We use advanced techniques to perform frenectomies with minimal discomfort and faster recovery, prioritizing your comfort from the first appointment to the last.
Dr. Saad will always recommend the least invasive path forward. If a frenectomy is the right solution, you can be confident it is truly necessary and thoughtfully planned.
No two patients are the same. We take the time to understand your goals and your concerns before any procedure begins, creating a treatment experience that is uniquely yours.
A frenectomy is a minor oral procedure that removes or releases the frenulum, the band of connective tissue that joins the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the gums. When that tissue is positioned abnormally or is too restrictive, it places continuous tension on surrounding structures. Over time that tension can cause a gap to open between the upper front teeth, contribute to gum recession, or prevent orthodontic treatment from holding its result. Research published in BMC Oral Health via the National Institutes of Health confirms that frenectomy is commonly indicated in cases involving diastema, gingival recession, restricted labial mobility, and certain orthodontic objectives. There are two types performed at LALUME.
A labial frenectomy addresses the frenum connecting the upper lip to the gum tissue between the front teeth. When this tissue attaches too low or is unusually thick, it can pull on the gumline and create persistent tension. The most common consequences are a midline gap (diastema) between the upper front teeth, gum recession in that area, and resistance to orthodontic closure. Many patients who have completed orthodontic treatment find that a labial frenectomy is needed to prevent the gap from reopening after braces or aligner therapy. The procedure is quick and performed under local anesthesia, with most patients returning to normal activity within a day or two.
A lingual frenectomy releases the frenulum beneath the tongue, a condition commonly called tongue-tie or ankyloglossia. When this tissue is too short or too tightly anchored, it restricts the tongue's range of motion in ways that can affect breastfeeding in newborns, speech development in children, and oral hygiene and comfort in adults. Releasing the frenum restores mobility and, in many cases, produces noticeable improvement quickly. As part of our broader approach to oral surgery and soft tissue care, our team evaluates lingual frenum concerns carefully to determine whether a frenectomy is clinically appropriate for each patient's age and presentation.
A frenectomy at LALUME Dental Studio is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure typically completed in a single appointment. Before anything begins, Dr. Saad reviews your full health history and walks you through the procedure in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
Local anesthesia is used to ensure the area is completely comfortable before we begin. Dr. Saad then carefully releases or removes the frenum using precise techniques designed to minimize disruption to the surrounding tissue. The procedure is brief, and most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is. Sutures may or may not be required depending on the technique used and the extent of the release. Dr. Saad will discuss this with you in advance so there are no surprises.
Recovery is typically smooth, with mild tenderness in the first few days that resolves quickly. For lingual frenectomy patients, myofunctional stretching exercises are often recommended in the weeks following the procedure to support full tongue mobility and prevent the tissue from reattaching. Soft foods are generally advised for the first day or two, and we provide clear written aftercare instructions at discharge. Our team remains available throughout recovery to answer any questions and ensure your healing stays on track.
Our Newport Beach patients often have questions before scheduling a frenectomy. Below are some of the most common ones we hear.
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad.
At LALUME Dental Studio, a frenectomy is never recommended unless it is genuinely the right treatment for your situation. When it is, the outcome is meaningful: better function, a more stable orthodontic result, relief from tension that has been affecting comfort, and in many cases a cleaner foundation for the cosmetic or restorative work that follows. Dr. Saad coordinates frenectomy care as part of a broader treatment plan wherever that makes sense, ensuring the sequence and timing serve your long-term goals.
If you have been told a frenectomy may be indicated, or if you have noticed signs like a persistent gap between your front teeth, gum recession near the frenum, or difficulty with tongue mobility, a consultation at LALUME is the right next step. Our team will evaluate your anatomy, explain your options clearly, and give you an honest recommendation. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.
Receive high-quality, personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Saad and get answers to all your smile questions from the comfort of your own home.
Ample secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
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