Frenectomy Manhattan, NYC
A frenectomy releases the small band of tissue causing tongue tie or lip tie — a quick, in-office procedure that can meaningfully improve feeding in infants, speech in children, and oral comfort in adults. At SmileWorks in Midtown Manhattan, frenectomies are performed by Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim, an ABPD board-certified pediatric dentist with specialized training in pediatric oral procedures. Our office at 30 Central Park South serves families from across New York City looking for gentle, expert care without a long wait.
If your baby struggles to latch during feeding or your child has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, a small band of tissue called the frenum may be restricting normal movement. A frenectomy releases that tissue in a straightforward procedure that typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires only local anesthesia for most patients.
At SmileWorks, frenectomies are performed by Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim, DDS — an ABPD Diplomate and NYU-trained pediatric dentist with experience treating tongue tie and lip tie in infants, children, and adults. As a multi-specialty practice in Midtown East, we coordinate with our orthodontic team when a frenectomy is part of a broader treatment plan, and with our sedation dentistry team for young children or anxious patients who need additional support.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy involves the surgical removal or modification of a frenum, which is the small fold of tissue connecting your lips, tongue, or cheeks to your gums. You might not think much about these little bands of tissue, but when they’re too tight or positioned incorrectly, they can cause real problems. There are two main types of frenectomies based on the tissue’s location.
Lingual Frenectomy
A lingual frenectomy addresses the tissue under your tongue, often performed when a tight band causes what’s commonly called tongue tie. This condition affects up to 10% of all newborns and restricts tongue movement, which may lead to difficulties with nursing in infants, speech development in children, or eating in people of all ages. Releasing this tissue allows your tongue to move freely and function the way it should, making everyday activities much easier.
Labial Frenectomy
A labial frenectomy treats the tissue connecting your upper lip to your gums or your lower lip to your gums. When this tissue extends too far down or is too thick, it can create gaps between your front teeth, contribute to gum recession, or make it more challenging to keep your teeth clean. Removing or modifying this tissue helps prevent these issues and improves your overall oral health.
Complete Family and Orthodontic Dental Care
Comprehensive dental and orthodontic services for beautiful, healthy smiles at every stage of life.
Signs You May Need a Frenectomy
Are you unsure if a frenectomy will help you or your child? There are several telltale signs to watch for. For infants, you might notice challenges with breastfeeding, like difficulty latching, poor weight gain, or frequent nursing sessions where your baby doesn’t seem to get much milk. Parents often report hearing clicking sounds during feeding or seeing their baby become frustrated while trying to eat.
Common Symptoms in Children and Adults
In older children and adults, the signs can look a bit different. You might notice speech difficulties, particularly with sounds requiring tongue tip elevation, such as “t,” “d,” “n,” and “l.” A gap between your front teeth, gum recession around your front teeth, or difficulty moving your tongue from side to side are also common indicators. Some people experience pain or discomfort when moving their tongue or lips, or find certain foods challenging to eat.
Young children with tongue-tie may struggle with activities such as licking an ice cream cone or playing wind instruments. If you’re an adult with this issue, you may notice you have a harder time keeping your teeth clean around areas where the frenum attaches, which can lead to other dental issues down the road.
Why wait for discomfort to arise? A gentle frenectomy in Manhattan, NYC, can quickly improve comfort, function, and oral health—helping you or your child avoid future complications.
Meet Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim and Our Expert Team
Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim is a board-certified pediatric dentist who brings exceptional expertise and a compassionate approach to every child she treats at SmileWorks NYC. After completing her education at NYU College of Dentistry and specialized fellowship training in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Kim has dedicated her career to providing gentle, effective dental care for Manhattan’s children.
With a special focus on preventive dentistry, Dr. Kim believes that establishing good oral health habits early creates a foundation for lifelong dental wellness. Her approach combines clinical excellence with a natural ability to connect with children of all ages, temperaments, and developmental stages. Parents frequently comment on her patience and skill in making dental visits positive experiences, even for children with dental anxiety or special healthcare needs.
At SmileWorks NYC, Dr. Kim leads a team specifically trained in pediatric care. From our front desk staff who warmly welcome nervous children to our dental assistants who provide comfort during procedures, every team member understands the unique needs of young patients. We’ve created an environment where children actually look forward to their dental visits, transforming what might be a fearful experience into an engaging and educational one.
What Does the Frenectomy Procedure Entail?
We know dental procedures can feel a little intimidating, so our caring professionals walk you through what actually happens during a frenectomy. Fortunately, this is one of the quickest and most straightforward treatments we perform. Before we begin, we numb the area with local anesthesia so you feel no pain during treatment. For young children or anxious patients, we may recommend sedation options to help them feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the process.
The actual procedure typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Using careful surgical techniques, we release or remove the restrictive tissue with precision and care. Our team works efficiently to minimize any discomfort and ensure the best possible outcome.
After the procedure, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and help you feel your best. Most people return to their normal activities within a day or two. You may experience minor soreness or swelling for a few days, which you can easily manage with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses applied to the outside of your face.
Benefits of Frenectomy Treatment
A frenectomy can make a meaningful difference for both children and adults. Here is what patients commonly experience after treatment:
Frenectomy Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a frenectomy is typically quick and straightforward, meaning you’ll be back to your routine before you know it. We want to make sure you heal well, so we help you understand what to expect and how to care for yourself after the procedure.
For the first 24 hours, it’s best to stick to soft foods and avoid anything hot, spicy, or crunchy. Think mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and pasta. Cold foods like yogurt, smoothies, and ice cream can actually feel soothing while promoting healing.
Taking Care of Your Mouth During Healing
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during recovery, but be gentle around the surgical site. Some simple steps to follow include the following:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean and promote healing
- Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding direct contact with the treated area for the first few days
- Take any prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed to stay comfortable
- Apply cold compresses to the outside of your face if you experience swelling
- Follow any specific exercises we recommend to prevent the tissue from reattaching
Most people return to their regular diet and activities within just a few days. Complete healing usually occurs within one to two weeks, though you’ll likely feel much better well before then. We schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress and ensure everything is healing as it should.
Schedule a Frenectomy Consultation at SmileWorks
At SmileWorks, our dental specialists provide a one-stop shop for your entire family’s oral health needs, from the littlest members to the grown-ups. Our brand-new office features state-of-the-art 3D X-ray machines, 3D scanners, and 3D printers to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Whether you need a frenectomy for your infant, orthodontic care for your teenager, or general dentistry services for yourself, we treat each patient as if they were our own family.
We accept all PPO insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible and stress-free. Our friendly team speaks multiple languages, including Mandarin and Korean, ensuring comfortable communication for all our patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how a frenectomy can improve your or your child’s oral health and quality of life.
Visit Us
We’re conveniently located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Find us on the 8th floor of the Grand Central Professional Building. Plenty of nearby parking and public transportation options are available.
- 30 Central Park South Suite #11D New York, NY 10019
- 646-722-1177
- Tues-Fri 9am-6:30pm 1st, 3rd Saturdays 9am-2pm