A frenulum is a piece of tissue that prevents an organ from moving. There is a frenulum that connects your lips to the gums, but if it is too short or thick, it can cause teeth to become misaligned and lead to problems with speech. In infants, a shortened frenulum beneath the tongue will inhibit breastfeeding. Patients with a frenulum that disrupts movement, growth, or development, require a procedure called a frenectomy.

A frenectomy is a minor operation that lasts less than 15 minutes. In the past, it was typically performed with a scalpel, but today it is often performed with lasers. Lasers cause very little bleeding and do not require stitches. Most patients prefer lasers because they require less time to heal and cause less discomfort.

Frenectomies are painless. You will be given a local or general anesthesia and are able to return home afterwards to recover. Side effects and complications are rare.