A frenectomy treatment is conducted to cure short or tight frenula, so that the frenulum, or a fold of tissue located in the mouth, is released easily. This surgical procedure corrects the tongue-tie or lip-tie, which can cause problems in feeding, speech, and other dental problems. This surgery can be performed at any stage of life, from infancy to adulthood.

After a frenectomy, both infants and adults must be fed with soft foods. Regular mouth rinsing can help you avoid infections. If you are considering a frenectomy, then you can consult your periodontist Winona, for expert advice. Scroll through this blog to learn what happens during and after a frenectomy surgery.

Step 1: The Consultation and Planning

First off, you’ll meet with your provider to evaluate whether you’re a candidate for frenectomy treatment. This assessment includes reviewing your medical history, examining the soft tissues under your tongue/lip, assessing tongue and lip mobility, and discussing your dental issues (pain, discomfort, speech issues, difficulty brushing, etc). This is your chance to ask questions about what kind of technique they’ll use (laser vs scalpel), what your recovery will look like, and whether any follow‑up therapy (such as stretching or exercises) will be required.

Step 2: Day of the Procedure

On the day of the procedure, you’ll arrive at the office and get settled. The area will be numbed with local anesthesia (and in some cases, additional comfort options may be offered). The actual frenectomy treatment will then be performed: the tissue band (the frenum) that’s limiting movement is released, by either a cut or laser, allowing the tongue or lip to move more freely. The procedure is often fairly quick. According to general guidelines, the whole process can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes. If the provider uses laser technology, you may have less bleeding and fewer or no sutures. With a scalpel technique, you may have dissolvable stitches placed.

Step 3: Immediate Aftercare (First 24‑48 Hours)

Once the procedure is done, you’ll be free to go home the same day. The first 24 to 48 hours are key for comfort and to begin the healing process. You might be instructed to:

• Apply gauze with light pressure if there’s minor bleeding.

• Use cold compresses or keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.

• Eat easy, soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes) to avoid irritating the area.

• Avoid strenuous activity, avoid straws, spitting, or brushing too hard near the site.

• Follow pain relief instructions

It’s normal to notice a white or yellowish patch at the site. This is part of the normal healing tissue, not necessarily an infection.

Step 4: Ongoing Care & Exercises

Now comes the part that often makes the biggest difference: the stretches and gentle exercises. For frenectomy treatment to be successful in the long term, lip and tongue movement right after the surgery will help prevent the tissue from reattaching.

• You may be asked to begin stretches 24 to 48 hours post‑op.

• These might include lip lifts, tongue lifts, side‑to‑side tongue movements, or gentle holds. The idea is to move the newly released tissue regularly.

• You’ll typically continue these exercises for several weeks. The provider (say the periodontist Winona team) will advise on timing and frequency.

• Good oral hygiene is important. Brush gently around the site, rinse if recommended, and avoid anything that could irritate the healing tissue.

Step 5: Full Healing and Return to Normal

While many people feel much better within a few days, full healing of the soft tissues can take several weeks. During this time:

• You’ll gradually return to normal food, speech, and lip/tongue mobility.

• Avoid crunchy, sticky, or very hot/spicy foods until your provider says it’s fine.

• If everything is going well, the initial concerns, such as limited tongue movement, lip tension, or difficulty cleaning, will start to improve.

• You might have a follow‑up visit with your provider to check that everything is healing nicely and that function is restored.

What are Some Important Things to Watch For?

As with any procedure, here are some things that you should keep an eye on after a frenectomy treatment:

• If bleeding persists beyond the first day or is heavy, contact your provider immediately.

• If you notice increased swelling after day 3 or signs of infection (fever, pus, severe pain), seek help.

• If you skip the stretching exercises, there’s a higher risk the tissue will re‑attach and limit movement again. Consistency matters.

Conclusion

A frenectomy treatment is not as scary as it sounds. During surgery, the periodontist in Winona, or any other dental professional, will reshape the frenum using a laser, a scalpel, or an electric current. After the surgical procedure is complete, you should feed on soft foods to reduce and stop bleeding. Moreover, rinse your mouth gently to avoid irritation. Practice stretching exercises to prevent the frenum from reattaching. So, to increase your tongue and lip mobility, getting a frenulectomy is the ideal solution.