Frenectomy in Vancouver BC — Gentle Treatment for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
A frenectomy is a simple oral surgical procedure that removes or reshapes a frenum—a small band of tissue that can restrict movement inside the mouth. At Oakridge Park Dental in the Oakridge neighbourhood near Cambie and 41st Avenue, we offer safe and precise frenectomy procedures for infants, children, and adults using both traditional and laser techniques to ensure optimal comfort and healing.
Frenum restrictions (commonly known as tongue-tie and lip-tie) are more common than many people realise and can affect feeding in infants, speech development in children, and oral health in adults. When a frenum is too tight, too thick, or attached too close to the tip of the tongue or the edge of the gum, it can limit the range of motion and cause a variety of functional and developmental issues. A frenectomy is a quick, low-risk procedure that releases this restriction and restores normal function.
Our experienced Vancouver dental team has performed frenectomies on patients of all ages, from newborns with breastfeeding difficulties to adults seeking improved oral function or preparing for orthodontic treatment. We take a gentle, patient-centred approach to ensure every patient—and every parent—feels comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Whether the procedure is needed for an infant with tongue-tie affecting breastfeeding, a child with a lip-tie causing a gap between the front teeth, or an adult with a restrictive frenum affecting speech or denture fit, our team provides quick, comfortable frenectomy treatment using advanced laser technology.
Understanding the Frenum
The mouth contains several frenums (also called frenula), but two are most commonly associated with functional restrictions. The lingual frenum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this frenum is too short, tight, or thick, it restricts tongue movement—a condition known as ankyloglossia or tongue-tie. The labial frenum connects the upper or lower lip to the gum tissue. A restrictive upper labial frenum can create a gap between the front teeth (diastema), contribute to gum recession, or interfere with breastfeeding in infants. When either frenum is restrictive enough to cause functional problems, a frenectomy is recommended to release the tissue and restore normal mobility.
Signs of Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Tongue-tie and lip-tie can present differently depending on the patient’s age. In infants, signs include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, excessive gas or reflux from swallowing air during feeding, clicking sounds while nursing, and maternal nipple pain or damage. In children, signs include speech difficulties (particularly with sounds like L, R, T, D, N, and S), difficulty licking the lips or touching the roof of the mouth with the tongue, messy eating habits, and a gap between the upper front teeth. In adults, signs include limited tongue mobility that affects speech clarity, difficulty playing wind instruments, jaw tension or TMJ discomfort, gum recession behind the lower front teeth caused by a tight lingual frenum, and a persistent gap between the upper front teeth. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or your child, we recommend scheduling an assessment at our Oakridge clinic.
Laser Frenectomy vs. Traditional Frenectomy
At Oakridge Park Dental, we offer both traditional (scalpel or scissors) and laser frenectomy techniques. Laser frenectomy uses a focused beam of light energy to release the frenum with exceptional precision. The laser simultaneously seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, resulting in minimal bleeding, less post-operative discomfort, and faster healing compared to traditional methods. Laser frenectomy often requires no sutures, which is particularly advantageous for infants and young children. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes. Traditional frenectomy uses a scalpel or surgical scissors to release the frenum and may require one or two sutures. Both techniques are safe and effective, and our dentists will recommend the approach best suited to your specific situation. For infants and young children, we generally prefer the laser technique due to its gentleness and rapid healing.
Frenectomy for Infants and Children
Frenectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures for infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties due to tongue-tie or lip-tie. When a restrictive frenum prevents the baby from achieving a proper latch, both the infant and the nursing parent can experience significant distress. Releasing the restriction with a frenectomy often leads to immediate improvement in latch quality and feeding efficiency. For infants, the procedure is typically performed with a laser and takes just one to two minutes. The baby can usually breastfeed immediately afterward. For older children, frenectomy may be recommended to address speech difficulties, support orthodontic treatment, or resolve a gap between the front teeth caused by a thick labial frenum. The procedure is quick, well-tolerated, and performed under local anaesthesia. Most children return to their normal activities the same day.
Frenectomy for Adults
Adults may benefit from a frenectomy for several reasons. A tight lingual frenum can limit tongue mobility, affecting speech clarity, eating comfort, and even the ability to play certain musical instruments. A restrictive labial frenum can contribute to gum recession on the lower front teeth or maintain a gap between the upper front teeth that tends to reopen after orthodontic treatment. Adults preparing for Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment may be advised to have a frenectomy to prevent the frenum from pulling teeth apart after alignment is achieved. The procedure for adults is performed under local anaesthesia and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Recovery is straightforward, with most patients returning to work or normal activities the same day. Stretching exercises are often recommended for the first few weeks to prevent the tissue from reattaching.
Frenectomy and Orthodontic Treatment
A thick or restrictive labial frenum is one of the most common causes of a persistent gap (diastema) between the upper front teeth. When orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign or braces is used to close this gap, the frenum can exert a pulling force that causes the gap to reopen after treatment is complete. For this reason, orthodontists and dentists often recommend a frenectomy as part of the overall treatment plan. The timing of the frenectomy relative to orthodontic treatment depends on the clinical situation. In some cases, the frenectomy is performed before orthodontic treatment begins; in others, it is performed after the gap has been closed to prevent relapse. At Oakridge Park Dental, we work closely with orthodontic providers to coordinate the timing and ensure the best possible outcome for patients seeking both gap closure and frenum release. This collaborative approach helps ensure that your smile remains stable and gap-free long after your orthodontic treatment is complete.
Frenectomy Cost in Vancouver
The cost of a frenectomy in Vancouver depends on the technique used (laser or traditional), the complexity of the case, and the age of the patient. Laser frenectomies may cost slightly more than traditional procedures due to the advanced equipment involved, but the benefits of reduced bleeding, faster healing, and no sutures often make it the preferred choice. During your consultation at Oakridge Park Dental, we provide a clear treatment estimate so you know what to expect. As a non-assignment practice, payment is collected at the time of your visit and we provide a detailed receipt that you can submit to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Many dental benefits plans cover frenectomy when it is performed for functional or health-related reasons. Our Vancouver dental team has performed numerous frenectomy procedures for patients of all ages, from infants with tongue-tie to adults with restrictive labial frenums. We use our soft tissue diode laser for the majority of frenectomy cases, which offers significant advantages over traditional scalpel techniques including reduced bleeding, less post-operative swelling, faster healing, and in most cases no need for sutures. For infants and young children, the procedure is typically completed in just a few minutes with minimal discomfort. For adult patients who are anxious about the procedure, we offer oral sedation for additional comfort.
Our Process
Assessment & Consultation
We perform a thorough examination to evaluate the frenum, assess its impact on function, and determine whether a frenectomy is indicated.
Treatment Planning
We discuss the recommended technique (laser or traditional), explain the procedure, and answer all your questions.
Anaesthesia & Comfort
Local anaesthetic or topical numbing gel is applied to ensure complete comfort. For infants, topical anaesthetic is typically sufficient.
Frenum Release
The restrictive frenum is released using the chosen technique. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes.
Post-Procedure Instructions
We provide detailed aftercare instructions including stretching exercises to prevent reattachment and promote optimal healing.
Follow-Up
We schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing and ensure the desired functional improvement has been achieved.
Why Choose Frenectomy?
Improves tongue and lip mobility for better feeding, speech, and oral function.
Quick procedure—typically completed in just a few minutes.
Laser option provides minimal bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing.
Suitable for patients of all ages, from newborns to adults.
Can improve breastfeeding outcomes for infants with tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Supports orthodontic treatment by preventing gaps from reopening.
Convenient Oakridge location near Cambie and the Canada Line for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you or your child are experiencing feeding difficulties, speech issues, or oral restrictions due to tongue-tie or lip-tie, our experienced team at Oakridge Park Dental is here to help. Schedule a frenectomy consultation at our Vancouver Oakridge clinic and get started on improving oral function and comfort. We welcome patients of all ages from across Oakridge, Cambie, Marpole, Kerrisdale, and South Vancouver for gentle, effective frenectomy treatment. Our modern clinic near Oakridge Mall is equipped with advanced soft tissue laser technology for faster healing and minimal discomfort. Call us today at 604-266-5313 to schedule your appointment.
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