Frenectomy in Fresno, CA
A frenectomy is a simple procedure with a meaningful impact on speech, comfort, and oral development. Dr. Justin Nassiri at Valley Oak Oral Surgery helps Fresno patients of all ages find relief from the restrictions that a tight or oversized frenum can cause.
Small Procedure, Big Difference
Trusted Frenectomy Care in Fresno, CA
The frenum is a small band of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the surrounding structures of the mouth. When this tissue is too tight or too thick, it can restrict movement, affect speech, interfere with breastfeeding in infants, or create gaps between teeth that orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct. A frenectomy removes or releases that tissue to restore normal function and comfort.
A frenectomy is one of the most straightforward procedures performed at Valley Oak Oral Surgery, but its effects can be far reaching. Whether it is a child struggling with a tongue tie, an infant having difficulty feeding, or an adult dealing with a gap between their front teeth, the procedure addresses the root cause rather than working around it.
At Valley Oak Oral Surgery, Dr. Justin Nassiri performs frenectomies with precision and care, ensuring that every patient leaves with a clear understanding of what was done and what to expect during recovery. Fresno families trust us for this procedure because we take the time to treat every case, no matter how routine, with the attention it deserves.
First Step
The first step toward a frenectomy in Fresno is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Justin Nassiri at Valley Oak Oral Surgery. During your visit, Dr. Nassiri will examine the frenum in question, review your medical and dental history, and discuss the functional concerns that brought you in. From there, he will confirm whether a frenectomy is the right course of action and explain exactly what the procedure will involve.
If you are bringing in a child or infant, Dr. Nassiri will take extra care to make both the patient and the parent feel at ease during the evaluation. He will walk you through the findings clearly and answer every question before any decisions are made.
Once a treatment plan is confirmed, our team will guide you through scheduling, pricing, and any preparation needed before the procedure. At Valley Oak Oral Surgery, no patient moves forward without feeling fully informed and comfortable with the plan ahead.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor oral surgery procedure that involves the removal or release of the frenum, a small fold of connective tissue found in several areas of the mouth. There are two primary types performed at Valley Oak Oral Surgery: the lingual frenectomy, which addresses tissue beneath the tongue, and the labial frenectomy, which addresses tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gum. Each serves a different purpose but both aim to restore unrestricted movement and function.
When the frenum is too short, too thick, or too tightly attached, it limits the range of motion in the affected area. A lingual frenum that is too restrictive, commonly referred to as a tongue tie, can make it difficult to speak clearly, eat certain foods, or in infants, latch properly during breastfeeding. A labial frenum that extends too far down between the front teeth can create a persistent gap and contribute to gum recession near the affected teeth.
The procedure itself is typically quick and straightforward. Dr. Nassiri removes or repositions the frenum tissue using precise surgical technique, with local anesthesia administered to keep the patient comfortable throughout. For younger patients or those with dental anxiety, sedation options are available to make the experience as calm and stress free as possible.
Recovery from a frenectomy is generally mild and short lived. Most patients experience minimal discomfort in the days following the procedure and are back to their normal routines quickly. In cases where the frenectomy is part of a broader orthodontic or speech therapy plan, Dr. Nassiri coordinates with the appropriate providers to ensure continuity of care throughout the process.
Frenectomy Process
A frenectomy is one of the more straightforward procedures at Valley Oak Oral Surgery, but that does not mean it receives any less care or attention. Dr. Nassiri walks every patient through each stage of the process so there are no surprises from consultation to recovery.
1.)
Consultation & Evaluation
Dr. Nassiri examines the frenum and assesses its impact on function, speech, or development. He reviews any relevant imaging or referral notes and coordinates with your orthodontist, pediatric dentist, or speech therapist if applicable to ensure a well-rounded treatment plan.
2.)
Anesthesia & Comfort
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area before the procedure begins. For younger patients or anyone with dental anxiety, IV sedation is available to ensure a calm and comfortable experience throughout.
3.)
Frenum Release
Dr. Nassiri carefully removes or repositions the frenum tissue using precise surgical technique. The procedure is typically completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue.
4.)
Closure & Recovery Prep
Once the frenum has been addressed, the area is closed and Dr. Nassiri reviews aftercare instructions with the patient or parent before they leave. You will know exactly what to expect in the days ahead before you walk out the door.
5.)
Follow-Up & Coordination
Dr. Nassiri follows up to confirm that healing is progressing well and remains in communication with any referring providers involved in the broader treatment plan, whether that is an orthodontist, speech therapist, or lactation consultant.
Types of Frenectomy
Lingual Frenectomy
A lingual frenectomy addresses the frenum located beneath the tongue, commonly known as a tongue tie. When this tissue is too short or tight, it restricts the tongue's range of motion, which can affect speech clarity, eating, and in infants, the ability to latch during breastfeeding. Releasing this tissue restores full tongue mobility and allows normal function to develop.
Labial Frenectomy
A labial frenectomy targets the frenum that connects the upper or lower lip to the gumline. When this tissue is oversized or positioned too low between the front teeth, it can cause a persistent gap, contribute to gum recession, or interfere with the fit of orthodontic appliances. This procedure is often performed in coordination with orthodontic treatment to achieve a complete and lasting result.
Maxillary Frenectomy
The maxillary frenectomy specifically addresses the upper labial frenum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. This is one of the most commonly performed frenectomies and is frequently recommended when a diastema, or gap between the upper front teeth, persists despite orthodontic correction.
Frenectomy Aftercare Instructions
Aftercare Instructions
Recovery from a frenectomy is typically quick and straightforward, but how you care for the surgical site in the days following the procedure makes a difference. Following Dr. Nassiri's aftercare instructions helps the area heal properly and reduces the risk of any complications.
Some mild soreness, swelling, and sensitivity near the surgical site are normal and expected in the first few days. Dr. Nassiri and his team will provide clear instructions on managing discomfort, what foods and beverages to avoid, and how to keep the area clean without irritating the healing tissue.
For patients undergoing a lingual frenectomy, gentle stretching exercises may be recommended in the days following surgery to prevent the tissue from reattaching as it heals. Dr. Nassiri will explain these exercises clearly and let you know how often to perform them for the best outcome.
Who Are the Best Candidates for a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is appropriate for patients of all ages, from newborns experiencing feeding difficulties to adults seeking relief from long-standing speech or orthodontic concerns. The right candidate is anyone whose frenum is causing a measurable functional issue that conservative measures have not been able to resolve.
Dr. Nassiri evaluates every patient individually to confirm that a frenectomy is the most appropriate course of action and that the timing is right given any related orthodontic or developmental considerations.
Good candidates for a frenectomy typically have:
How Much Does a Frenectomy Cost in Fresno, CA?
The cost of a frenectomy in Fresno depends on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of the case, and whether sedation is needed. Because the procedure varies in scope from a simple tissue release to a more involved surgical correction, pricing is determined after Dr. Nassiri evaluates your specific situation during your consultation.
For many patients, a frenectomy is a relatively affordable procedure compared to other oral surgeries, and the functional improvements it delivers make it one of the more impactful investments in long-term oral health. Dr. Nassiri's team provides transparent pricing before any treatment begins so you always know what to expect.
At Valley Oak Oral Surgery, we believe that access to care should never come down to cost. Our team works with every patient and family to explore payment options and find a solution that makes moving forward feel achievable.
Some dental and medical insurance plans provide coverage for frenectomies, particularly when the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases involving infant feeding difficulties or significant speech impairment. Our team will review your benefits during your consultation and help you understand exactly what your plan covers. For any remaining costs, third party financing options are available to help.
Frenectomy FAQs
How Do I Know If My Child Has a Tongue Tie?
Is a Frenectomy Safe for Infants?
Will a Frenectomy Improve My Child's Speech?
How Soon After a Frenectomy Can My Baby Resume Breastfeeding?
What Is the Difference Between a Tongue Tie and a Lip Tie?
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Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simple procedure with a meaningful impact on speech, comfort, and oral development. Dr. Justin Nassiri at Valley Oak Oral Surgery helps Fresno patients of all ages find relief from the restrictions that a tight or oversized frenum can cause.