Frenectomy
Expert Oral Surgery for Improved Comfort, Function, and Oral Health
In many cases, a small piece of tissue in your mouth may be causing more problems than you think. Whether it’s affecting your speech, smile, oral hygiene, or even orthodontic results, a tight or improperly positioned frenum can lead to ongoing discomfort and functional issues. The solution? A simple, safe, and effective oral surgery procedure called a Frenectomy.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we perform Frenectomy in the Philippines as part of our comprehensive Oral Surgery services for teenagers and adults. Carried out by our team of formally trained Oral Surgeons, this minor surgery can significantly improve quality of life, especially when the frenum is interfering with speech, eating, gum health, or the results of orthodontic treatment.
With state-of-the-art facilities, advanced imaging, and a commitment to ethical, patient-centered care, Affinity Dental Clinics offers safe, comfortable, and expertly performed Frenectomies at our branches across Makati, BGC, Alabang, Ortigas, Parañaque, and Cebu.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A Frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing or modifying a small band of connective tissue in the mouth called the frenum. There are two main types of frenum in the oral cavity:
• Lingual Frenum – the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth
When either of these frenums is too tight, thick, or positioned improperly, it can lead to a range of functional, dental, and aesthetic issues.
At Affinity Dental, we perform Frenectomy in the Philippines using precise surgical techniques. Our focus is on delivering long-term functional and aesthetic improvement for teens and adults in a sterile, well-equipped surgical environment.
Who Needs a Frenectomy?
Not all frenums need to be altered, but a Frenectomy may be recommended when the tissue causes:
- Gap between the front teeth (midline diastema) that does not close with orthodontics alone
- Pulling or recession of the gum tissue, especially around the upper or lower front teeth
- Difficulty with oral hygiene, leading to gum inflammation or periodontal issues
- Poor denture fit or irritation in edentulous patients
- Aesthetic concerns, especially with lip movement during speech or smiling
- Speech difficulties such as lisping or trouble articulating certain sounds
- Restriction in tongue movement, especially elevation or lateral movement
- Discomfort during eating, swallowing, or speaking for prolonged periods
- Orthodontic relapse due to pressure from tongue posture
- Difficulty playing wind instruments or engaging in oral activities that require tongue mobility
If you or your teen is experiencing any of the above, a consultation at Affinity Dental Clinics can determine whether a Frenectomy is the appropriate treatment.
Why Choose Affinity Dental Clinics for Your Frenectomy in the Philippines?
Our formally trained Oral Surgeons are highly skilled in soft tissue surgery, ensuring a clean, precise procedure with minimal trauma. Whether you need a labial or lingual frenectomy, your care is managed by a true expert.
We use time-tested surgical techniques, not lasers. This allows for greater control of tissue removal and better predictability of outcomes, especially in adult and teen patients with mature oral anatomy.
Our clinics are equipped with:
- Sterile surgical suites
- Digital X-rays and Cone Beam CT Scans (CBCT) for detailed imaging when needed
- Advanced surgical instruments for precision procedures
- Strict infection control protocols that meet international safety standards
We create an environment where you can feel confident in the safety, sterility, and professionalism of your surgical care.
While a Frenectomy is a minor procedure often performed under local anesthesia, we also offer Conscious Sedation for patients who experience anxiety or require multiple surgical interventions. Administered by a board-certified Anesthesiologist, this light sedation keeps you relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
What Happens During the Frenectomy Procedure?
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how a Frenectomy is performed:
Your Affinity Dental surgeon will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, assess frenum anatomy, review symptoms, and determine if a Frenectomy is the right course of action.
- Take digital photographs and X-rays
- Review orthodontic or periodontal history
- Discuss speech or functional issues related to the frenum
Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan will be created. We’ll walk you through the procedure, discuss anesthesia options, and explain the recovery process.
A typical Frenectomy takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity and the area being treated. Here’s what to expect:
- The area is numbed with local anesthesia
- A small incision is made to remove or reposition the frenum
- Precise sutures are placed to ensure proper healing
- You’ll rest briefly post-surgery and be given detailed aftercare instructions
- No lasers are used—only controlled, surgical instruments for optimal results
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing from a surgical Frenectomy is typically straightforward and quick. Most patients experience only mild discomfort for the first 1 to 3 days.
Common Recovery Tips:
• Apply ice packs for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
• Eat soft foods for a few days (avoid spicy or hard items)
• Avoid touching the surgical area with your tongue or fingers
• Rinse gently with saltwater or an antimicrobial rinse
• Return for your follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and suture removal (if non-resorbable sutures were used)
Full healing usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your body’s response and adherence to post-operative care.
Results You Can Expect
The benefits of a Frenectomy can be both immediate and long-term. Depending on the type of frenum treated and your specific condition, you may experience:
For Labial Frenectomy:
• Better outcomes for orthodontic closure of diastema
• Enhanced lip mobility and aesthetics
• More stable denture fit in edentulous patients
For Lingual Frenectomy:
• Greater tongue mobility for eating, speaking, and swallowing
• Relief from chronic discomfort
• Improved posture and oral rest position of the tongue, contributing to better orthodontic retention
In some cases, post-operative tongue or lip exercises may be recommended by a speech therapist or orofacial myofunctional therapist to maximize the benefits of the procedure.
Frenectomy – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of a frenum—a small fold of tissue that restricts the movement of the lips or tongue. It is often performed to improve oral function, speech, and overall oral health.
What are the types of Frenectomy procedures?
There are typically two types:
• Lingual Frenectomy – removal or release of the tissue under the tongue (used in tongue-tie cases).
• Labial Frenectomy – removal or modification of the frenum between the upper lip and the gums (used in lip-tie cases or orthodontic concerns).
Who needs a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy may be recommended for:
• Infants with difficulty breastfeeding due to tongue-tie or lip-tie
• Children with speech difficulties linked to restricted tongue movement
• Patients with gum recession or a gap between front teeth caused by an abnormal frenum
• Orthodontic patients needing frenum correction to prevent relapse
Is Frenectomy only for children?
No. While frenectomies are common in infants and children, adults can also undergo the procedure—especially if the frenum is causing discomfort, speech issues, or dental complications.
Is the procedure painful?
Frenectomy is generally quick and minimally invasive. At Affinity Dental Clinics, it is performed under local anesthesia or, when needed, with Twilight Sedation for more anxious patients. Most patients report only mild discomfort afterward.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity and location of the frenum.
What is recovery like after a Frenectomy?
Recovery is usually quick. Mild swelling, soreness, or a slight burning sensation may be experienced for a few days. Patients are usually able to eat soft foods and resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with any surgical procedure, there are minimal risks such as bleeding, infection, or minor scarring. These are rare and manageable, especially when done by experienced oral surgeons.
Can a Frenectomy improve speech?
Yes. In cases of tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), a frenectomy can significantly improve tongue mobility, which may help resolve certain speech impediments—especially when followed by speech therapy.
Will my child still need braces if they have a gap caused by a frenum?
A frenectomy alone will not close a gap. However, it is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to prevent the gap from reopening after braces.
Is laser Frenectomy available at Affinity Dental Clinics?
Laser frenectomy may be available depending on the case and the clinic location. It offers the benefit of reduced bleeding and faster healing. Please consult with our oral surgeons to see if laser is appropriate for your case.
Do I need a referral to get a Frenectomy?
Not necessarily. You may book a consultation directly with our dentists or oral surgeons for assessment. In some pediatric or speech-related cases, we may coordinate with your pediatrician or speech therapist.
How much does a Frenectomy cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is performed with or without sedation. We recommend visiting one of our branches for a proper assessment and quotation.
Which Affinity Dental Clinics branches offer Frenectomy?
All Affinity Dental Clinics branches—including Makati, BGC, Alabang, Ortigas, Parañaque, and Cebu—offer Frenectomy services through our experienced oral surgeons.
Book Your Frenectomy Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing discomfort, speech issues, or gum problems related to a tight or improperly positioned frenum, it may be time to consider Frenectomy in the Philippines. At Affinity Dental Clinics, we offer expert evaluation and surgical treatment to help you restore comfort, function, and long-term oral health.
Let us help you preserve what matters most—your health, your smile, and your future.
Book an Appointment
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Frequently Asked Questions
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