Frenectomy

Frenectomy is a specialized procedure designed to enhance tongue and lip mobility by precisely releasing restrictive tissue. Using a CO2 LightScalpel laser, Dr. Burke ensures minimal bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.

Our tongue-tie release procedure is based on precision: releasing the appropriate extent of tissues for maximal relief; not too much, and not too little.

The tongue is one of the most critical organs in our bodies as it has the the ability to regulate and shape orofacial structure and musculature. The un-tethered mobility of the tongue is required for optimal speech, chewing, swallowing, oral hygiene, and breathing functions, as well as for development of the skeletal structures of the jaw and the airway.

About Dr. Burke

Dr. Carmen Burke has been practicing dentistry in Boulder since 2016. She graduated from Loma Linda University Dental School in California with a DDS in 2016 and University of Antioquia in Medellin Colombia with same degree in 1998. She is on the perio committee of the IAOMT and is a certified CeraRoot ceramic implant instructor. She studied frenulectomy surgery under Dr. Soroush Zaghi, MD in Los Angeles.

What Does a Frenectomy Involve?

At Family Holistic Dentistry, Dr. Carmen Burke performs frenectomies using advanced techniques to ensure optimal healing and comfort.

A frenectomy involves the removal or modification of the frenum, a connective tissue in the mouth that links the gums and lips to the teeth. The primary frena in the mouth include:

  • Labial frenum: Connects the upper lip to the gums.

  • Lingual frenum: Attaches the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

  • Buccal frenum: Links the inside of the cheek to the gums.

When a frenum extends too far into the mouth, it can interfere with natural oral functions such as speaking or eating. In some cases, it may contribute to gum recession or misalignment of teeth.

During a frenectomy, Dr. Burke carefully makes an incision in the restrictive tissue and either removes or repositions it to restore proper mobility. At Family Holistic Dentistry, we utilize a CO₂ surgical laser for precision, reduced discomfort, and faster healing, making the procedure minimally invasive and highly effective.

This patient came to our office and had a tight or restrictive frenulum.

that affected speech, breathing, and oral function. She was a candidate for lingual frenum surgery.   We cut the frenulum with a our LightScalpel CO2 laser with minimal bleeding. The patient noticed immediately a big improvement in the mobility of her tongue and speech.

Who needs this?

When a restricted or overgrown frenulum affects speech, dental health, breathing, or overall oral function.

Some common reasons for the procedure include:

  • Speech difficulties caused by an overgrowth of frenulum tissue restricting tongue movement.

  • Gaps between the front teeth due to excessive tension on the labial frenulum.

  • Gum recession resulting from a tight frenulum pulling on the gingival tissue.

  • Mouth breathing and improper oral posture caused by a short labial frenulum preventing full mouth closure. In children, this can hinder the natural development of nasal breathing and contribute to gum recession.

For newborns, some parents choose a maxillary (labial) frenectomy if an overgrown labial frenulum interferes with breastfeeding, making it difficult for the baby to latch properly.

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) can also cause problems with eating, speaking, and even breathing. In these cases, Dr. Burke performs a lingual frenectomy (tongue-tie release) using a CO2 laser, ensuring minimal discomfort, faster healing, and improved tongue mobility for better speech, feeding, and overall oral function.

This patient came to our office and mentioned that her upper lip was too high

She was concerned that this was effecting her appearance and speech. It was also making her a mouth breather. These issues were related to the fact that she could not close her lips. We cut the labial (lip) frenulum with a our LightScalpel CO2 laser with minimal bleeding and sutured. The patient noticed she could close her lips much easier.