While tongue tie and lip tie are often discussed in the context of infants, these conditions can also affect adults and impact speech, eating, and comfort. At Calm Dental Studio in Delaware, Ohio, Dr. Alla offers adult frenectomy for patients who have restrictive frenum tissue. Whether you've struggled with these issues your whole life or are seeking treatment later in life, Dr. Alla can release the tissue and improve your oral function and comfort.
An adult frenectomy is a surgical procedure to release or remove an overly restrictive frenum—the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) or the lip to the gum (labial frenum). While tongue tie is often identified in infancy, some cases go undiagnosed into adulthood. Additionally, adults can develop frenum restrictions later in life due to dental work, orthodontics, or natural changes. An overly tight frenum can restrict tongue movement, affect speech, limit the ability to move food around the mouth during eating, and interfere with oral hygiene.
Adult frenectomy is slightly different from infant frenectomy in that adults receive local anesthesia and can provide more detailed feedback about their experience. The procedure itself is straightforward and typically takes 15-30 minutes. After the procedure, most adults resume normal activities within a few days, with the area fully healed within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Alla performs adult frenectomies with precision and attention to patient comfort, ensuring excellent outcomes for adults in Delaware and the surrounding communities.
For adults with tongue tie affecting speech, frenectomy can improve articulation and clarity. Some people with restrictive frenum have developed compensatory speech patterns over their lifetime. After frenectomy, working with a speech-language pathologist can help reestablish clearer speech patterns. Even without formal speech therapy, many adults notice improvement in their ability to pronounce certain sounds clearly.
A restrictive frenum can limit tongue movement during chewing and swallowing, making eating less efficient and sometimes uncomfortable. After frenectomy, adults often find they can move food around their mouth more freely, chew more effectively, and swallow with greater ease. This improved function translates to more enjoyable meals and potentially better nutrition, as eating becomes easier and less tiring.
A tongue tie can make it difficult to clean the back teeth and underneath the tongue effectively. Poor access for cleaning increases the risk of decay and gum disease in these areas. Frenectomy improves tongue mobility and access, making it easier to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Better cleaning habits mean lower risk of cavities and gum disease over your lifetime.
For some adults, a restrictive frenum causes discomfort during eating or speaking, or creates tension in the neck and jaw due to compensatory muscle tension. Releasing the frenum eliminates this source of discomfort and can reduce compensatory muscle tension. Adults often report feeling relief and improved comfort in their mouth and jaw after the procedure.
A very tight frenum can cause tension on the gum tissue, potentially contributing to recession or periodontal problems. By releasing the frenum, Dr. Alla reduces this tension and allows the gum tissue to be healthier. For adults with periodontal concerns, frenectomy can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to improve gum health and stability.
Some adults with speech impediments or eating difficulties related to tongue tie have spent their lives feeling self-conscious about these issues. Frenectomy can be emotionally beneficial as well as functionally beneficial, allowing adults to speak and eat with greater confidence. The procedure allows people to finally address a lifelong issue and move forward without this limitation.
Your comfort and the aesthetic outcome are Dr. Alla's top priorities. Here’s what you can expect during your Adult Frenectomy Process:
During your consultation, Dr. Alla examines your mouth to confirm the presence and severity of the frenum restriction. She'll ask about your specific concerns whether speech, eating, or comfort is the primary issue. She'll discuss your goals for the procedure and explain what improvement you can realistically expect. If you've had lifelong speech or eating challenges, managing expectations is important, as frenectomy provides improved function but may not completely resolve deeply ingrained speech patterns without additional therapy.
Dr. Alla creates a detailed treatment plan for your frenectomy. She'll explain the procedure step-by-step, discuss anesthesia options, and explain what you can expect during and after. She'll review any medications you're taking and discuss whether any adjustments are needed before the procedure. If you have anxiety about dental procedures, this is the time to discuss comfort options. We want you to feel informed and confident before your procedure begins.
On the day of your frenectomy, we apply local anesthesia to completely numb the area. We allow time for the anesthetic to take full effect so you won't feel pain during the procedure. You'll be positioned comfortably in our treatment chair with a bib to protect your clothing. Dr. Alla will confirm that you're completely numb before beginning. If you're anxious about the procedure, we can discuss additional comfort options at this time.
Dr. Alla uses precise scissor or laser technique to release or remove the restrictive frenum tissue. She works carefully to ensure complete release while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the extent of restriction. You'll feel pressure and movement but no pain during the procedure. Some adults report hearing soft sounds during the procedure, which is normal. Dr. Alla will provide gentle updates during the procedure to keep you informed.
Once the frenum is completely released, Dr. Alla checks the healing of the area. The wound typically doesn't require stitches, as it heals well on its own. However, if stitches are placed, they dissolve within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Alla provides detailed post-procedure care instructions including pain management, what to eat and drink, activity restrictions, and signs of complications to watch for. She'll schedule a follow-up appointment to check healing and answer any questions.
We understand you might have questions about Adult Frenectomy.
Here are some common inquiries we receive at Calm Dental Studio:
The frenectomy procedure itself typically takes 15-30 minutes from start to finish. Preparation and anesthesia before the procedure takes an additional 10-15 minutes. From arrival to departure, you should plan for about an hour. After the procedure, you can return to normal activities, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days.
Immediately after the procedure, you'll be numb, so we recommend waiting until the numbness wears off (1-2 hours) before eating. For the first few days, stick to soft foods and avoid very hot items. Most adults can resume normal eating within 3-5 days. By one week, you should be able to eat most normal foods. Any lingering tenderness typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
It's uncommon for the frenum to reattach if proper stretching exercises and healing occur. However, in some cases, especially if tension recurs or if you don't maintain mobility exercises, scar tissue can form and create a new restriction. Dr. Alla will provide stretching exercises to maintain the improved mobility after your procedure. Consistent exercises in the weeks following the procedure significantly reduce the chance of reattachment.
Frenectomy improves tongue mobility, which allows for better articulation. However, if you've had a speech impediment your whole life, your speech patterns are deeply ingrained. Frenectomy alone may not completely resolve speech issues, but it provides the physical capability for improved speech. Working with a speech-language pathologist after your frenectomy can help you relearn proper articulation and take full advantage of your improved tongue mobility.
Pain after frenectomy is typically mild to moderate and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Swelling is usually minimal but may be slightly more noticeable on days 2-3 before resolving. Most adults report that the discomfort is far less than they anticipated. Following post-procedure care instructions closely minimizes pain and swelling. If you're experiencing significant pain beyond what Dr. Alla described, contact our office.
Frenectomy doesn't change your appearance. The procedure is internal, and the small surgical site is inside your mouth. As it heals, there's no visible change to your lips, chin, or smile. Some people notice that their mouth feels different or moves differently immediately after the procedure, but appearance remains unchanged.
You're a good candidate for adult frenectomy if you have a restrictive frenum that's affecting your function or comfort. Consider frenectomy if any of the following apply:
If you think frenectomy might be right for you, call Calm Dental Studio to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alla. She can assess your situation and discuss whether the procedure would benefit you.Schedule your consutlation by Book online or call us at (740) 513-4909 to speak to our dentists.
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