Frenectomy for Children in Denver, CO
At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we support the full spectrum of your child’s oral development — including specialized procedures like frenectomy that can make a meaningful difference in your child’s comfort, function, and confidence. Dr. Kojo Danso performs gentle frenectomies for children in Denver, CO,, using modern techniques to minimize discomfort and support a smooth, quick recovery.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or releases a small band of soft tissue in the mouth called a frenum (or frenulum). There are several frena in the mouth, but the two most commonly treated in children are the lingual frenum — the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — and the labial frenum — the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums above the front teeth.
When a frenum is too short, too thick, or incorrectly positioned, it restricts normal movement and can interfere with important oral functions. A frenectomy releases this restriction, restoring normal range of motion and function.
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)
When the lingual frenum is too tight or short, it limits the tongue’s range of movement — a condition commonly called tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia. Tongue-tie can affect children in a variety of ways depending on its severity and the child’s age.
In infants, tongue-tie is a significant cause of difficulty breastfeeding. A restricted tongue cannot properly latch, which can lead to painful nursing, poor milk transfer, poor weight gain, and early weaning. Many lactation consultants and pediatricians refer infants for frenectomy evaluation when feeding difficulties arise.
In older children, tongue-tie can contribute to speech difficulties — particularly with sounds that require the tongue to lift or move freely, such as “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” and “s.” It can also affect the ability to lick ice cream, stick out the tongue, or move food effectively around the mouth while eating.
Lip-Tie (Maxillary Labial Frenum)
A tight or low-attached upper lip frenum — sometimes called a lip-tie — can create a visible gap between the two upper front teeth (a midline diastema). While some gaps close naturally as permanent teeth come in, a prominent frenum that extends deeply into the gum tissue between the teeth may prevent closure and may require a frenectomy to allow the teeth to come together properly.
A tight upper lip frenum can also make it difficult for a baby to flange the upper lip outward during breastfeeding, contributing to latch difficulties similar to tongue-tie.
How the Procedure Works
At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Danso uses laser technology for most frenectomies. Laser frenectomy offers several significant advantages over traditional scissor or scalpel techniques:
The laser is extremely precise, allowing Dr. Danso to release only the targeted tissue. There is minimal bleeding, which keeps the procedure field clear and reduces the time needed. The laser simultaneously seals the tissue as it cuts, which means stitches are rarely needed. Recovery is typically faster and more comfortable than with traditional surgical techniques.
Before beginning, the area is numbed with a topical and/or local anesthetic so your child is comfortable throughout. The procedure itself is often completed in just a few minutes. Both you and your child will be fully informed of what to expect before we begin.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most children recover from a frenectomy quickly. Some soreness in the treated area is normal for the first few days and can typically be managed with children’s over-the-counter pain reliever. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include gentle stretching exercises to prevent the tissue from reattaching and to improve the range of motion gained from the procedure.
For infants who had a tongue-tie or lip-tie release, we often recommend working with a lactation consultant after the procedure to re-establish effective feeding patterns. Speech therapy may be beneficial for older children with speech-related tongue-tie.
Contact Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO, at (303) 757-8844 to schedule a consultation if you have concerns about your child’s frenum, feeding, or speech.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomy
How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?
Signs that your child may benefit from a frenectomy include difficulty nursing as an infant (poor latch, painful feeding, poor weight gain), speech difficulties especially with sounds requiring tongue elevation, a visible gap between the upper front teeth that isn’t closing as permanent teeth come in, or visible restriction in the tongue’s movement. A consultation with Dr. Danso will help determine if a frenectomy is the right course of action.
At what age can a frenectomy be performed?
Frenectomies can be performed at virtually any age — including in newborns when tongue-tie is affecting breastfeeding. Early intervention is often beneficial when feeding or speech is impacted. For gap-related labial frenum concerns, we typically wait until permanent teeth have erupted to assess whether the gap is truly problematic.
Is a frenectomy painful for children?
We use local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure, so your child should feel minimal discomfort during the frenectomy itself. Our laser technique also reduces bleeding and speeds healing, which contributes to a more comfortable experience overall. Most children do very well.
How long does the frenectomy procedure take?
The procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes. The full appointment — including preparation, numbing, the procedure, and aftercare instructions — usually lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
How quickly do children recover from a frenectomy?
Most children recover within a few days to a week. Some mild soreness is normal and manageable with children’s pain reliever. We will provide specific aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises if appropriate, to support the best outcome.
Will my child need speech therapy after a frenectomy?
For older children whose speech has been affected by tongue-tie, speech therapy after the procedure may be beneficial to help retrain tongue movement and improve articulation. Dr. Danso will discuss this with you based on your child’s specific situation.
Does insurance cover frenectomy?
Coverage for frenectomy varies by insurance plan. In many cases, when the procedure is medically necessary — such as for an infant with breastfeeding difficulties or a child with significant speech or functional concerns — it may be covered. Call our office at (303) 757-8844 with your insurance information and we’ll help determine your benefits.