A Small Band of Tissue, Big Problems
A frenectomy releases a tight frenum that is pulling on gums, disrupting a denture, or restricting the tongue. We evaluate every case individually, and when treatment makes sense we offer gentle soft-tissue laser treatment right here in the office.
When It Helps
What a frenum is, and when releasing it helps
A frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects your lip or tongue to your gums. Everyone has them, and most cause no trouble at all. But when a frenum is too tight or attached in the wrong place, it can quietly work against your gums, your denture, or your comfort. In adults, these are the situations where a release earns its keep.
A frenum pulling on your gums
A tight lip frenum can tug at the gumline every time you talk or chew, contributing to gum recession around the front teeth. Releasing it removes that constant pull and helps protect the gum tissue that remains.
A denture that will not stay put
A prominent frenum can break the seal of a denture every time your lip or cheek moves. A simple release can noticeably improve how a full or partial denture fits and holds.
Speech and comfort in adults
A restrictive tongue frenum can make certain sounds, chewing motions, or even keeping the mouth comfortable at rest harder than it should be. When a release is genuinely likely to help, we will say so; when it is not, we will say that too.
One honest note: infant and pediatric tongue-tie cases are referred to trusted providers who focus on that care every day, since our practice serves a mostly adult patient base.
Our Technology
The soft-tissue laser advantage
We use a soft-tissue laser for frenectomy treatment. Compared to a traditional scalpel release, the laser is gentler on the tissue and makes for a calmer experience in the chair. It is a better tool for this job, not a magic wand, and healing still takes a little patience.
- Less bleeding than a traditional scalpel release, because the laser seals as it works
- Often no stitches needed for small releases
- A precise, conservative treatment area, so nearby tissue is left alone
- Quick healing for most patients, typically with mild soreness for a few days
- Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable, and nitrous oxide is available if you want it
The Process
How it works, start to finish
From the first look at the frenum to a healed, comfortable result, every step is evaluated honestly, explained clearly, and kept as simple as the procedure itself.
Evaluation first, always
Frenectomy is not a one-size-fits-all procedure, so every case starts with an exam. We look at what the frenum is actually doing, whether it is truly the cause of the problem, and whether a release is likely to help you.
- Focused exam of the frenum
- Honest look at the real cause
Your questions, answered
Plain answers from our Peterborough team: no jargon, no pressure.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted
- CareCredit financing available
No, and we would rather be upfront about that. Our practice serves a mostly adult patient base, and infant and pediatric tongue-tie care deserves providers who do it every day. We refer those cases to trusted providers and are happy to help you find the right one.
Still have questions?
Call and you'll reach a real person on our team: no phone tree, no hold music. We'd genuinely love to help.
(603) 924-3664Rather write to us? Contact us
Wondering if a frenum is the problem?
Book an evaluation and get a straight answer. If a release will help, you'll get a written plan. If it won't, we'll tell you that and point you toward what will.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted