A small band of tissue in your mouth can have a surprisingly large impact on your smile, your speech, and even your ability to eat comfortably. The frenum, a thin fold of tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums, occasionally attaches too tightly or too far down the gum line, creating tension that affects both function and aesthetics. When this happens, a frenectomy, the gentle removal of that overattached tissue, may be recommended to restore balance and improve your oral health.
At LALUME Dental Studio, we approach every procedure through a conservative, minimally invasive lens, and frenectomies are no exception. Dr. Shahira Saad, who earned her dental degree Cum Laude from UCLA School of Dentistry and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, takes time to evaluate each patient individually before recommending any treatment. Our preventive dentistry philosophy guides every decision we make, ensuring that we protect your natural tissue while addressing issues that could compromise your health or smile over time.
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 involves the removal or adjustment of the frenum, the soft tissue attachment found inside your mouth. There are two common types performed in a dental setting.
A labial frenectomy addresses the frenum located between your upper lip and your gums. When this tissue attaches too low, it can pull on the gum line, contributing to gum recession, a gap between the front teeth known as a diastema, or difficulty with orthodontic treatment. This type of frenectomy is often recommended in conjunction with orthodontic care. Research published by the National Institutes of Health found that laser-assisted frenectomy significantly reduced pain compared to conventional surgical methods, with patients reporting minimal discomfort and no need for analgesics after the procedure.
A lingual frenectomy releases the frenum beneath the tongue, commonly referred to as a tongue-tie or ankyloglossia. When the tongue is restricted in its movement, it can affect speech, feeding in infants, and even breathing patterns. Addressing a lingual frenum that is too short or too tightly attached can make a meaningful difference in both function and comfort. Our team carefully evaluates lingual frenum concerns as part of our broader approach to oral surgery and soft tissue care.
A frenectomy at LALUME Dental Studio is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure. Before anything begins, Dr. Saad reviews your full health history and discusses the procedure in detail so you feel fully informed and at ease.
A local anesthetic is used to ensure the area is completely comfortable before we begin. The frenum is then carefully released or removed using precise techniques designed to minimize tissue disruption. Many patients are surprised by how quick and gentle the experience is. Post-procedure healing is generally smooth, and most patients return to their normal routine within a short recovery period.
Following your procedure, Dr. Saad will provide clear aftercare instructions tailored to your specific treatment. You may experience mild tenderness in the days immediately following, which typically resolves quickly. For patients who have had a lingual frenectomy, myofunctional exercises are sometimes recommended to support full mobility as the area heals. We remain available throughout your recovery to answer any questions and ensure your comfort.
Our Newport Beach patients often have questions before scheduling a frenectomy. Below are some of the most common ones we hear.
Modern techniques have made frenectomies very comfortable. Local anesthesia is used throughout the procedure, and most patients report only mild tenderness afterward. Discomfort typically resolves within a few days, and over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks. Lingual frenectomy patients may benefit from follow-up exercises to rebuild a full range of motion, while labial frenectomy patients generally experience a straightforward healing process.
Frenectomies may be performed at virtually any age. Infant tongue-tie releases are sometimes addressed within days of birth if they are affecting feeding. Older children and adults can undergo the procedure whenever it is clinically appropriate.
This depends on the technique used. Certain methods allow for suture-free healing, while others may require a small number of dissolvable sutures. Dr. Saad will discuss this with you in advance so you know exactly what to expect.
Coverage varies depending on your plan and the clinical indication for the procedure. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and discuss our financing options, including Cherry and CareCredit, to make your care as accessible as possible.
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad.
When a small band of tissue is holding back your comfort, your smile, or your child’s development, you deserve care that is thoughtful, precise, and genuinely attentive to your needs. At LALUME Dental Studio in Newport Beach, Dr. Shahira Saad brings a Cum Laude UCLA education, an AEGD residency, and a deep commitment to conservative, patient-first care to every procedure she performs. To learn more about Dr. Saad’s approach and what makes LALUME different, we invite you to explore our practice.
We are proud to serve patients throughout Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, and Irvine. Whether you are scheduling a consultation for yourself or your child, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit to help make your care accessible. When you are ready to take the next step, we welcome you to contact our office and schedule your consultation today.
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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