If you have recently been told your child may have a tongue tie or lip tie, you may be searching online for what a frenectomy is and whether it is necessary.
A frenectomy is a minor dental procedure that releases a tight band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip. In children, it is commonly used to treat tongue tie or lip tie that may affect feeding, speech, or oral health. The procedure is quick and typically well tolerated.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, we provide specialist-led paediatric dental care for children across Central London. Every child is carefully assessed before treatment is recommended. Our focus is always on function, comfort and long-term oral health.
A frenum is a small fold of soft tissue that connects parts of the mouth together. The two most relevant types in children are:
In some children, the frenum is thicker or shorter than usual. This can restrict movement and lead to:
Not every tight frenum needs treatment. A specialist paediatric dental assessment is essential before any decision is made.
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases or removes the restrictive tissue to allow better movement.
You may also hear it referred to as:
The procedure is usually quick and minimally invasive. Local anaesthetic is typically used to ensure your child is comfortable. In most cases, children recover quickly and return to normal activities soon after.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, we take a calm and child-centred approach. We explain each step in age-appropriate language and ensure parents feel fully informed. For children who feel anxious about dental treatment, we can discuss supportive strategies during your consultation as part of our comprehensive Children’s Dentistry services.
Parents often begin researching what is a frenectomy after noticing certain signs.
Sometimes, lip ties can also contribute to plaque accumulation around the upper front teeth, which may increase the risk of decay. Preventative care such as Fluoride Varnish Application or Fissure Sealants may also form part of a broader care plan, depending on your child’s needs.
Yes. When carried out by a properly trained clinician, a frenectomy is considered a safe and routine procedure.
Dr Malihe Moeinian is a GDC registered Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry. She completed three years of postgraduate specialist training at Barts and The London Dental Hospital and earned her PhD from Queen Mary University of London. She also holds Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Membership in Paediatric Dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
These qualifications demonstrate advanced expertise and authority in children’s oral health. As a regulated healthcare provider, Dr Mali Dental Clinic follows strict clinical governance and infection control standards.
Healthcare information falls under YMYL guidance, which means accuracy and trustworthiness are essential. All treatment recommendations are based on clinical need and best practice guidelines.
No. Not all tongue ties or lip ties require intervention.
In some children, the frenum may look tight but does not cause any functional difficulty. In these cases, monitoring may be appropriate.
In others, where speech, feeding, or oral hygiene is affected, a frenectomy may be considered alongside other supportive treatments. For example, if restricted movement has contributed to decay in baby teeth, treatment options such as Tooth-Coloured Filling, or Silver Diamine Treatment may be discussed separately.
Every recommendation is based on individual assessment rather than appearance alone.
Recovery is usually straightforward. Mild soreness may occur for a short period. Parents receive detailed aftercare guidance, which may include:
We ensure healing is monitored and that any improvements in feeding or speech are supported.
Parents across London choose Dr Mali Dental Clinic because we focus exclusively on children’s dentistry.
We provide:
Our goal is to create positive dental experiences while delivering high clinical standards. If your child requires a frenectomy or any other treatment, you can feel confident that care is provided by a recognised Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry.
If you are researching what is a frenectomy is because you have concerns about tongue tie or lip tie, the most helpful next step is a professional assessment. A Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry can evaluate your child’s oral function, explain whether treatment is necessary, and discuss appropriate options.
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