A tight or restrictive frenum can affect far more than the mouth. It can interfere with feeding in infants, speech development in toddlers, and oral hygiene in older children.
Starlet Kids Dentistry in Sylmar, CA, provides a gentle, precise frenectomy procedure to release these restrictions and support your child’s healthy development. Our team delivers expert care in a calm, reassuring environment so the experience is as smooth as possible for your family.
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases or removes a frenum, which is a small band of connective tissue in the mouth. There are two types most commonly treated in children. A lingual frenectomy addresses tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), where the tissue beneath the tongue restricts its range of motion. A labial frenectomy addresses lip-tie, where the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight or positioned too low.
The procedure involves carefully cutting or using a soft tissue laser to release the restrictive tissue. It is a quick, straightforward procedure that produces immediate improvements in tongue or lip mobility. Recovery is typically fast, and the benefits for feeding, speech, and oral health can be significant.
A restrictive frenum can create challenges at multiple stages of a child’s development, making timely treatment important.
Tongue-tie is one of the most common reasons newborns struggle to latch properly during breastfeeding. A restricted tongue cannot move freely enough to create the suction needed for effective feeding. Releasing the tie early can make a significant difference for both the infant and the nursing mother.
A tight lingual frenum can limit the tongue’s ability to produce certain sounds clearly, leading to speech difficulties. Children with tongue-tie may struggle with sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” and “s.” Addressing the restriction early gives the tongue the freedom it needs to develop proper articulation.
A labial frenum that attaches too low between the upper front teeth can create a persistent gap called a diastema. This gap often does not close on its own and can affect the appearance of the smile. Releasing the frenum allows the teeth to move naturally into their correct positions.
A tight labial frenum can make it difficult to clean the gum line near the front teeth effectively. This creates an area where plaque accumulates, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities in that region. Releasing the frenum makes proper brushing much more manageable.
Leaving a significant tongue-tie or lip-tie untreated can have lasting effects on a child’s quality of life. Feeding difficulties in infants can lead to poor weight gain and nutritional challenges. Ongoing speech impediments may require extensive therapy and can affect a child’s confidence and social development.
A persistent gap between the front teeth caused by a tight labial frenum may require orthodontic treatment to correct. The longer these restrictions remain in place, the more compensatory habits the child develops, which can be harder to address over time. Early intervention produces the best outcomes for both function and development.
Dr. Golshid Shakouri Partovi provides skilled, gentle frenectomy procedures tailored to the age and needs of each patient.
We begin with a thorough oral examination to assess the type and severity of the frenum restriction. Dr. Partovi will discuss the functional impact the restriction is having on your child and explain the procedure in detail. We will also talk through what to expect during recovery and how to support healing at home.
The procedure is performed with a local anesthetic to numb the area, so your child will not feel any discomfort during the release. Using precise technique, Dr. Partovi carefully releases the restrictive tissue, immediately freeing the tongue or lip. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and most children are calm and comfortable throughout.
Some mild soreness and swelling in the treated area is normal for a few days following the procedure. We will provide you with specific stretching exercises to perform at home, which are important for preventing the tissue from reattaching as it heals. Most children recover quickly and begin to show improvements in function within days.
Families in Sylmar choose our practice for expert, compassionate care that addresses the root cause of feeding, speech, and oral health challenges.
Dr. Partovi performs frenectomy procedures with great care and precision to achieve the best possible functional outcome. Her gentle approach minimizes discomfort and supports a smooth recovery. We take every step to make the procedure as easy as possible for your child.
We do not recommend a frenectomy without a thorough evaluation of the restriction and its impact on your child’s development. Our assessment considers feeding history, speech patterns, and oral health to confirm that the procedure is the right course of action. We only recommend treatment when it is clearly beneficial.
We understand that any procedure involving a young child can feel daunting for parents. Our team takes the time to walk you through every step, answer your questions, and provide reassurance throughout the process. We are here to support your family, not just treat your child.
Clear, detailed communication is especially important when discussing a surgical procedure. Dr. Partovi is fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, allowing her to explain the procedure and aftercare instructions clearly to families from all backgrounds. We are committed to making every family feel informed and confident.
If your child is struggling with feeding, speech, or oral hygiene due to a restricted frenum, a simple procedure could make a meaningful difference. Dr. Partovi and the caring team at Starlet Kids Dentistry provide precise, gentle frenectomy treatment to free your child’s tongue or lip and support their development. We make the process straightforward and stress-free for your whole family.
Book a Frenectomy appointment today and take the first step toward better function and comfort for your child.
Signs include difficulty breastfeeding in infants, unclear speech, a visible gap between the front teeth, or trouble lifting the tongue. Dr. Partovi will assess the restriction during a consultation and advise whether a frenectomy is appropriate.
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure, so your child will not feel pain during the release. Some mild soreness is normal in the days following treatment, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes. Including preparation and post-procedure instructions, the appointment is typically brief and straightforward.
The ideal age depends on the reason for the procedure. For breastfeeding difficulties, treatment in the newborn period is most beneficial. For speech or orthodontic concerns, treatment is often recommended before or during school age.
Some children benefit from speech therapy after the procedure to retrain the tongue and develop proper articulation habits. Dr. Partovi will advise you based on your child’s specific situation.
The procedure is very safe and complications are rare. Minor bleeding and temporary soreness are the most common experiences, and both resolve quickly with proper aftercare.
We will demonstrate specific stretches designed to keep the release site open as it heals and prevent reattachment. These exercises are simple and only take a few seconds to perform several times a day.
Yes, releasing a tight labial frenum can allow the gap between the upper front teeth to close naturally over time, particularly when performed before or during orthodontic treatment.
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