Frenectomies in Bakersfield, CA

Signs You or Your Child Might Need Frenectomy

Tongue-ties and lip-ties show up differently depending on age. In babies, they can interfere with breastfeeding or bottle feeding. A baby with a tongue-tie may find it difficult to latch on or feed well. This can result in poor weight gain or long, hard feeding sessions.

In older children and adults, the symptoms are a little different. Speech problems, particularly with certain sounds, can be an indication of a tongue-tie. Another common sign is difficulty sticking the tongue out completely. A gap between the front teeth may signal a lip-tie instead.

Gum recession near the front teeth can also stem from a tight lip frenum. The constant pulling on the gum tissue wears it down over time. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, a consultation can confirm what’s going on.

How Untreated Ties Can Cause Major Issues

A tongue-tie or lip-tie rarely resolves on its own. Left untreated, these restrictions tend to cause ongoing issues. Speech therapy alone often can’t fix a physical restriction. The tissue itself needs to be addressed directly.

Gum recession caused by a lip-tie tends to worsen with time. That recession can eventually expose tooth roots and increase sensitivity. It can also make your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Addressing the frenum early helps prevent these complications down the road.

Oral hygiene gets harder, too, as you get older. A tongue that can’t move well can’t clear food debris on its own, and that debris sticks around longer than it should. Over time, that adds up to more cavities and a higher chance of gum disease.

How a Frenectomy Is Performed

The procedure happens right in the office. Some providers use a scalpel, others prefer a soft-tissue laser, and the choice often comes down to your specific case. Laser tends to mean less bleeding and a quicker recovery. Either way, the area stays numb the whole time due to local anesthesia.

The procedure itself typically takes just a few minutes to complete. Afterward, you’ll receive instructions for keeping the area clean while it heals. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some mild soreness is common for a day or two afterward.

Recovery and Aftercare

A frenectomy generally heals well and quickly. Most patients are back to normal within a few days. Soft foods are preferred for the first day or two. Avoiding foods that are too hot, spicy, or acidic helps to avoid irritation.

Gentle stretching exercises may be recommended after certain procedures. This helps prevent the tissue from reattaching as it heals. Your provider will show you exactly how to perform these safely. Following aftercare instructions closely supports the best possible outcome.

Who Performs Frenectomies at Our Practice

Frenectomies fall squarely within the expertise of a periodontist who specializes in the tissues that support your teeth, including your gums. Dr. Sanger has focused her practice on periodontics and implant dentistry since 1990. That decades-long focus on soft tissue gives her a precise, careful approach to procedures like this one.

Dr. Saifee brings additional specialized training to the practice as well. He earned his periodontology certificate and a master’s degree in oral biology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Saifee has provided full-scope periodontal care for years, with training that extends to soft-tissue procedures.

Together, their combined experience means your frenectomy is handled by specialists in oral soft tissue, not just a general procedure tacked onto a routine visit.

Why Choose Us for Frenectomy Procedures

Soft-tissue precision is at the core of what this practice does every day. We use modern tools to keep procedures efficient and comfortable. Advanced imaging means we can make an accurate diagnosis before any treatment begins. Patients often tell us they feel well looked after and clearly informed during their visit.

Whether you’re bringing in an infant with feeding difficulties or addressing your own tongue-tie, you’ll be treated by seasoned periodontists who understand oral tissue at a detailed level. That expertise makes a real difference in both comfort and outcome.

Frenectomy costs vary depending on the complexity of your case. Many dental insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for this procedure. Our team can help verify your specific benefits ahead of your visit.

For patients without insurance, CareCredit financing is available to help manage costs. This allows you to spread payments out in a way that works for your budget.