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Frenectomy

Frenectomy for tongue-tie and lip-tie

A frenectomy is a short procedure that releases or removes a frenum, the small band of tissue under the tongue or behind the upper lip, when it is tight enough to cause problems. At North Georgia Oral Surgeon in Dawsonville, Dr. Abtin Shahriari evaluates the frenum and performs the release with local anesthesia.

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Who it is for

Signs a frenum is too tight.

Everyone has a frenum. It only needs attention when it limits movement or affects the teeth and gums. Many children with a tongue-tie speak normally, so an exam, together with your speech therapist's view, decides whether a release is likely to help.

  • The tongue cannot reach the roof of the mouth or stick out past the lower lip
  • Speech sounds such as L, R, T or TH are hard to make, and your speech therapist suspects a tie
  • A gap between the upper front teeth keeps reopening after orthodontic treatment
  • The gum is pulling away from a front tooth where the lip frenum attaches
  • Your dentist, orthodontist or pediatrician has suggested an evaluation
Dr. Abtin Shahriari seated at a desk in a white coat, smiling

How it works

A short, simple visit.

For most patients, the release itself takes only a few minutes once the area is numb.

  1. Evaluation

    Dr. Abtin checks how the tongue or lip moves, looks at the gums and teeth, and asks about speech, eating or orthodontic concerns.

  2. Numbing

    The area is numbed with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide can help if you or your child feels nervous.

  3. Release

    The tight band is gently released or removed. Dr. Abtin explains the technique, and whether stitches are needed, before he begins.

  4. Exercises and follow-up

    You get simple stretching exercises to keep the area from tightening as it heals, and a visit to check progress.

A consultation room with framed diplomas, a round white desk and two chairs
ConsultationMost of a consultation is for listening. Then you look at your scan together and decide on a plan.

Recovery

How long does a frenectomy take to heal?

Mild soreness for a few days is common, and soft, cool foods help. Many people return to school or work the next day. The area may look white or yellow while it heals, which is a normal part of the process.

Do the stretching exercises as shown, since they help the new range of motion last. If speech is the concern, a speech therapist can help you or your child put the new tongue movement to use.

Possible risks

  • Bleeding or soreness for a few days
  • Infection, which is uncommon
  • The tissue can reattach or tighten again as it heals, which is why the stretching exercises matter
  • Speech or feeding may not change, because a tight frenum is not always the cause

Dr. Abtin goes over the risks that apply to you, and how they are lowered, before you decide on surgery.

Read the general after-surgery guide

Sedation options

Comfort, your way.

A frenectomy is a brief procedure, so local anesthesia is usually all that is needed. Nitrous oxide can take the edge off for anxious patients.

  • Option for this procedure

    Local anesthesia

    Numbs the area being treated. You are awake, and you feel pressure but not sharp pain.

  • Option for this procedure

    Nitrous oxide

    A gas you breathe through a small mask. It takes the edge off nerves and wears off within minutes after the mask comes off.

  • Not usually needed here

    IV sedation

    Medicine given through a vein places you in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. Most people remember little of the procedure. You need an adult to drive you home.

How sedation works at NGOS

Insurance and cost

Does insurance cover a frenectomy?

Coverage for a frenectomy depends on why it is done and on your plan. Dental insurance may help when it supports gum health or orthodontic treatment, and medical insurance sometimes applies when speech or feeding is affected. Ask the team what your plan is likely to cover first.

Insurance and financing

FAQ

Frenectomy: your questions.

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A lingual frenectomy releases the band under the tongue, often called tongue-tie. A labial frenectomy releases the band between the upper lip and the gums above the front teeth, often called lip-tie. Dr. Abtin explains which one, if either, applies to you.

Yes. Many adults never had a tight frenum treated as children and later notice it affecting speech, gum health or orthodontic results. The procedure and recovery are similar for adults, and most people return to normal routines quickly.

It can remove a physical limit on how the tongue moves, but speech habits do not change overnight. Many children benefit from working with a speech therapist afterward. Dr. Abtin can share his exam findings with your child's therapist.

A thick or low lip frenum can sit between the upper front teeth and push them apart, so a gap reopens after braces. Your orthodontist may ask for a frenectomy near the end of treatment to help the closed space stay closed.

Some releases are closed with a few small stitches to help the area heal neatly. Stitches like these usually dissolve on their own within a week or two. Dr. Abtin tells you what to expect for your procedure and how to keep the area clean.

Related care

You may also want to read.

All procedures

Sources for patients

General information from patient education pages by the organizations above. Page updated November 8, 2026.

Ready when you are

Talk with the team today.

Ask a question, ask about your insurance or book a consultation with Dr. Abtin at the Dawsonville office.

Request a visit Call (706) 969-7664