Frenectomy Dentist in New York

It depends on your insurance provider and the necessity of your frenectomy dental procedure. For instance, your insurance provider is likely to cover a frenectomy for someone with speech, eating, or dental hygiene-related issues. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified periodontist to be evaluated for frenectomy. Our billing team will work with you and your dental insurance to figure out your out-of-pocket frenectomy costs.

Yes, a dentist can perform a frenectomy. Several types of dentists can do this procedure:

General Dentists: Many general dentists do frenectomies, especially labial frenulum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums).

Pediatric Dentists: These specialists focus on children’s oral health and do frenectomies on infants and young children to address tongue-tie and lip-tie issues that affect breastfeeding, eating and speech development.

Orthodontists: Orthodontists may recommend and do frenectomies as part of orthodontic treatment to address a gap between the front teeth (diastema) caused by a tight labial frenulum.

Periodontists: These dentists specialize in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. They may do frenectomies if a tight frenulum is causing gum recession.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: In more complex cases or when other oral health issues are present, an oral surgeon may do the frenectomy.

It’s best to consult with your general dentist or pediatrician who can assess the situation and recommend the right type of dental professional for the frenectomy.

For comprehensive dental care under one roof, 209 NYC Dental is the way to go for a consultation or procedure. Our multi-specialty approach combined with the expertise of our doctors means you get customized and high quality care for all your dental needs.

You would need a frenectomy to address a frenulum (a small fold of tissue) that is too tight, short, or thick and is causing functional or aesthetic problems. Here are some common reasons why a frenectomy might be necessary:

Frenectomy For Infants and Young Children

Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia): A tight lingual frenulum (connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) can restrict tongue movement, leading to difficulties with:

• Breastfeeding: Poor latch, pain for the mother, inadequate weight gain for the baby.
• Bottle-feeding: Difficulty creating a proper seal.
• Speech development: Issues with pronouncing certain sounds (especially “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” “s,” “z”).
• Eating: Difficulty licking, chewing, and swallowing.

Lip-tie: A tight labial frenulum (connecting the upper lip to the gums) can cause:

• Breastfeeding difficulties: Similar to tongue-tie.
• Gaps between the front teeth (diastema): The frenulum can prevent the teeth from coming together properly.
• Difficulty with lip movement: Affecting smiling and other facial expressions.
• Increased risk of gum recession: The tight frenulum can pull on the gum tissue.

Frenectomy For Older Children and Adults:

• Diastema (gap between teeth): A persistent, thick labial frenulum can prevent the natural closure of a gap between the upper front teeth, often requiring a frenectomy before or during orthodontic treatment.
• Gum recession: A tight labial or buccal (cheek) frenulum can pull on the gum tissue, leading to recession and potential sensitivity or bone loss.
• Orthodontic treatment: Frenectomies may be performed to facilitate tooth movement during orthodontic treatment or to ensure the stability of the results after braces are removed (e.g., preventing a diastema from reopening).
• Prosthetic appliances: A tight frenulum can interfere with the proper fit and comfort of dentures or other oral prosthetics.
• Speech impediments: In some cases, a restrictive lingual frenulum can continue to affect speech in older children and adults.
• Difficulty with oral hygiene: A tight frenulum can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively in certain areas, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Ultimately, the decision to perform a frenectomy is based on a thorough evaluation by a dental professional who will assess the function and impact of the frenulum on the individual’s oral health and overall well-being.