Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Frenectomy
A quick procedure to release a tight or restrictive frenum — improving nursing, speech, eating, and gum health for infants, children, and adults.
What a frenectomy treats
A frenum is the small fold of tissue that connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth, or your lip to your gums. When it's too tight, too thick, or attached too close to the teeth, it can limit movement and cause real problems — a condition commonly called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie. A frenectomy gently releases that tissue so everything can move freely.
Signs a frenectomy may help
- Infants: difficulty latching or nursing, clicking sounds while feeding, or slow weight gain
- Children: speech difficulties, trouble eating certain foods, or a pronounced gap between the front teeth
- Adults: gum recession pulled on by a tight frenum, orthodontic relapse, or dentures that won't seat comfortably
What to expect
- Exam & recommendation. We confirm the frenum is the cause and walk you through whether a release is warranted — no pressure.
- The procedure. The release is done under local anesthesia and usually takes only a few minutes.
- Aftercare. We'll give you simple stretches or exercises to prevent reattachment while the area heals over the next week or two.
Comfortable, honest care in Tempe
Dr. Phillips performs frenectomies for patients across Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix East Valley. If a frenectomy isn't the right answer for your situation, we'll tell you — and point you toward what is. Sedation options are available for anxious patients or longer combined visits.
Frenectomy FAQ
A frenectomy is a short procedure that releases the frenum — the small band of tissue under the tongue (tongue-tie) or behind the upper lip (lip-tie). When that band is too tight or attached too far forward, it can restrict movement and cause problems with feeding, speech, or gum health.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is typically quick. Most patients — including infants — have only mild soreness afterward that resolves within a few days. When appropriate, we use techniques that minimize bleeding and speed healing.
Most people are back to normal activity the same day. We'll show you a few simple stretching or aftercare exercises to keep the area from reattaching as it heals over the following week or two.
Yes. We see infants with nursing difficulty from a tongue- or lip-tie, children with speech or eating concerns, and adults dealing with gum recession, orthodontic relapse, or denture-fit issues caused by a restrictive frenum.