Frenectomies in Jacksonville, NC — Closing Gaps & Improving Smiles at Gilliam Dentistry
At Gilliam Dentistry, we proudly offer frenectomy procedures to help patients in Jacksonville, NC achieve the healthy, confident smiles they deserve. If you or your child has a noticeable gap between the front teeth caused by excess tissue, our experienced dental team has the solution — and we’ll guide you through every step of the process with compassionate, personalized care.
What Is a Frenum and Why Does It Cause a Gap?
A frenum (also called a frenulum) is a small fold of soft tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gum or the floor of the mouth. While most frenums are completely normal, some patients have an oversized or abnormally positioned frenum — particularly between the upper front teeth — that can push those teeth apart and create a visible gap known as a diastema.
This gap can range from barely noticeable to quite prominent, and in some cases it can also affect speech, oral hygiene, and the alignment of surrounding teeth. For children, an enlarged upper frenum that isn’t addressed before the permanent teeth come in may result in a gap that persists into adulthood. In these cases, a frenectomy is often recommended as part of a broader treatment plan.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple, safe, and minimally invasive dental procedure in which the excess frenum tissue is removed or repositioned to eliminate its impact on the teeth and gums. At Gilliam Dentistry, frenectomies are performed with precision and care to ensure patient comfort and optimal results.
There are two main types of frenectomies:
- Labial Frenectomy: Removes or reduces the frenum located between the upper front teeth. This is the most common type performed to close a gap in the front teeth (diastema).
- Lingual Frenectomy: Addresses the frenum located under the tongue. This is often performed in infants or young children who are tongue-tied (ankyloglossia), which can interfere with feeding, speech development, and oral function.
What to Expect: The Frenectomy Process at Gilliam Dentistry
Before recommending a frenectomy, our team at Gilliam Dentistry will perform a thorough dental exam to evaluate the frenum and its impact on your teeth and oral health. Treatment timing is important — particularly for younger patients — and we’ll work closely with you to determine the most appropriate time to proceed.
In some cases, we may recommend placing braces or utilizing orthodontic treatment prior to performing the frenectomy in order to bring the teeth closer together first. After the procedure, a retainer may be recommended to help maintain tooth position and prevent the gap from reopening while the surrounding tissue heals.
Our treatment approach is always tailored to your individual needs. Whether a frenectomy is performed on its own or in combination with other procedures, our goal at Gilliam Dentistry is to give you a smile you can truly be proud of — for life.
Is a Frenectomy Right for You or Your Child?
You or your child may benefit from a frenectomy if you’ve noticed any of the following:
- A visible gap between the upper front teeth that doesn’t close on its own
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding in infants (tongue-tie)
- Speech difficulties related to restricted tongue movement
- Gum recession or discomfort caused by a tight frenum pulling on the gumline
- Orthodontic treatment that is being hindered by frenum tissue
Frenectomies are commonly performed on children, but adults can also benefit greatly from the procedure — especially those pursuing cosmetic dentistry goals or undergoing orthodontic treatment. To find out if a frenectomy is the right option for you, call Gilliam Dentistry at (910) 577-5077 or request an appointment online in Jacksonville, NC today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomies in Jacksonville, NC
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple dental procedure that removes or repositions excess frenum tissue — the small fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. At Gilliam Dentistry, frenectomies are most commonly performed to close gaps between the upper front teeth or to treat tongue-tie in infants and children. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically completed in a single visit.
Is a frenectomy painful?
A frenectomy is performed under local anesthesia, so patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure itself. Some mild soreness or swelling in the treated area is normal in the days following the procedure and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team at Gilliam Dentistry will provide thorough aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
At what age should a frenectomy be performed?
The ideal timing for a frenectomy depends on the type and severity of the frenum issue. For tongue-tie, the procedure may be recommended as early as infancy to support feeding and speech development. For labial frenectomies to address a gap between the front teeth, our team at Gilliam Dentistry typically evaluates the patient’s dental development and may coordinate the timing with orthodontic treatment for the best results.
Will I need braces after a frenectomy?
In many cases, yes. If the frenum has caused a significant gap between the front teeth, braces or other orthodontic treatment may be recommended either before or after the frenectomy to bring the teeth together and maintain proper alignment. A retainer may also be used following treatment to hold the teeth in their new position. Our team at Gilliam Dentistry will outline a complete treatment plan during your consultation.
How long does it take to recover from a frenectomy?
Most patients recover from a frenectomy within one to two weeks. Initial soreness and swelling typically subside within the first few days. During recovery, we recommend eating soft foods, avoiding vigorous rinsing, and following all aftercare instructions provided by our team. A follow-up visit at Gilliam Dentistry will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress.
Can adults get a frenectomy?
Absolutely. While frenectomies are often associated with children and infants, adults can benefit greatly from the procedure as well — especially those looking to improve the appearance of a gap in their smile, pursue cosmetic dentistry treatments, or complete orthodontic care. There is no age limit for a frenectomy at Gilliam Dentistry, and our team is experienced in treating patients of all ages in Jacksonville, NC.
How do I schedule a frenectomy consultation at Gilliam Dentistry?
Scheduling a consultation at Gilliam Dentistry is easy. Call our Jacksonville, NC office at (910) 577-5077 or request an appointment online. During your visit, our team will examine the frenum, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. New patients are always welcome — visit our new patients page to learn what to expect on your first visit.
