What Is a Frenectomy and Who Needs One?
The frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects two parts of the body. In the mouth there are two primary frenums — the labial frenum and the lingual frenum.
A frenectomy (also called a frenotomy or frenuloplasty) releases the restrictive tissue, restoring full range of motion.
Is Frenectomy right for you? Signs, symptoms & candidacy.
Recognizing the signs early makes treatment simpler. Here’s what we look for — and the surest way to know is a quick exam with a Boca dentist.
Who Typically Needs a Frenectomy
- Infants with difficulty latching for breastfeeding due to tongue tie or lip tie
- Toddlers and children with speech delays or articulation difficulty linked to tongue restriction
- Orthodontic patients where a thick upper labial frenum is pulling on the gum and causing a midline diastema (gap between front teeth)
- Adults who experience gum recession around the labial frenum attachment point
- Post-orthodontic patients where the frenum risks pulling separated teeth back apart
How a Frenectomy Works at Boca in Reno
Evaluation & Consultation
Assessment of frenum attachment, range of motion, and clinical impact. For infants, assessment is done in conjunction with parental report of feeding difficulties.
Anesthesia
Topical anesthetic cream followed by a local anesthetic injection for older children and adults. For very young infants, a small amount of topical anesthetic only may be sufficient.
Frenum Release
The restrictive tissue is precisely released using a minimally invasive technique that produces minimal bleeding and typically does not require sutures.
Aftercare Instructions
Stretching exercises are prescribed (particularly for tongue-tie releases) to prevent reattachment as the tissue heals, along with post-procedure instructions.
Follow-Up
Healing and tissue mobility are confirmed at a 1–2 week follow-up.
Healing is rapid — most patients heal within 1–2 weeks, with minimal discomfort for the first 1–3 days.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
Restores Range of Motion
Releases the restrictive tissue, restoring full lip or tongue movement.
Helps Infants Breastfeed
Can resolve latching difficulty so infants breastfeed more easily — often immediately after.
Supports Speech Development
Frees tongue movement that can affect speech in toddlers and children.
Protects Orthodontic Results
Removes a frenum that pulls on the gum, causing a midline gap or risking separated teeth reopening.
Fast & Minimally Invasive
A quick, minimally invasive procedure with minimal bleeding and rapid healing.
Why Reno Patients Choose Boca Dental & Braces for Frenectomy
What sets us apart
- Frenectomies performed in-house by our experienced team
- Minimally invasive, often suture-free technique
- Pediatric frenectomies available at Sparks Kids & Braces
- Nevada Medicaid and most PPO insurance accepted
- Evening and Saturday appointments
Frenectomy in Reno — Your Questions, Answered
Everything Reno and Sparks patients ask us most about frenectomy — tap any question to read the answer.
How Much Does a Frenectomy Cost in Reno, NV?
At Boca, cost should never stand between you and the care you need. We accept Nevada Medicaid and many major dental plans, verify your benefits at no charge, and offer flexible financing — so you can move forward with confidence.
Find Frenectomy Near You — 3 Boca Dental & Braces Locations Across Reno
Boca Specialty Dental & Braces performs frenectomies for lip tie and tongue tie at its Reno-area locations, serving families across Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, and Washoe County.
Book Your Frenectomy Appointment
Choose your nearest Boca location and we'll confirm within one business hour. Same-day and next-day appointments available.