
Extractions & Oral Surgery
Frenectomy and Soft Tissue
Frenectomy and Soft Tissue Explained
Frenectomy and soft tissue surgery cover a range of minor oral surgical procedures that treat the gums, the small bands of tissue inside the mouth, and other soft tissues, as well as helping teeth that are stuck below the gum line come into place. These procedures are typically quick, performed in-office, and resolve problems that affect feeding, speech, oral hygiene, comfort, or the proper eruption of teeth. At Nova Dental Care of Vienna, we provide gentle, precise soft tissue procedures for both children and adults. A frenectomy releases a tight or restrictive frenum, the band of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gums, which can cause tongue-tie or lip-tie. Exposure of an impacted tooth is a procedure that uncovers a tooth trapped beneath the gum, often as part of orthodontic treatment to guide it into position. Other soft tissue surgery addresses overgrown, irregular, or problematic gum and oral tissue. Many of these procedures can be performed with a laser or with traditional surgical techniques, and most heal quickly with minimal discomfort. Whether the goal is to help an infant feed, support a child's orthodontic treatment, or improve an adult's comfort and function, these procedures are safe, common, and effective. Below are the specific procedures included in this category.

Frenectomy and Soft Tissue Approach
At Nova Dental Care of Vienna, we treat these as small procedures with a meaningful impact on comfort, function, and development. We take time to evaluate whether a procedure is truly needed and explain why, so families never feel rushed into treatment. We use gentle techniques, including laser when appropriate, to minimize discomfort and speed healing, and we provide clear aftercare guidance and any recommended follow-up, such as exercises or therapy. Our priority is a comfortable experience and a result that genuinely improves feeding, speech, hygiene, or tooth position.

Four simple steps, every time.
From the moment you sit down to the moment you leave, here's what a routine cleaning and exam looks like at our Chantilly office.
Frenectomy (Lip Tie & Tongue Tie)
A frenectomy releases or modifies a frenum, the small band of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gums. A restrictive frenum can cause tongue-tie or lip-tie, leading to feeding difficulty in infants, speech or hygiene challenges in children, and discomfort in adults. The procedure is brief, often performed with a laser, and most patients heal within one to two weeks.
Exposure of Impacted Teeth
When a tooth is trapped beneath the gum and cannot erupt on its own, often a canine, a minor surgical procedure uncovers it so it can come into position. This is frequently done in coordination with orthodontic treatment, where a bracket is attached to gently guide the tooth into the arch. It helps preserve the natural tooth rather than losing it.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery addresses overgrown, irregular, or problematic gum and oral tissue. This can include removing excess tissue, reshaping gums, or treating other soft tissue concerns that affect comfort, function, or oral health. These procedures are typically quick, gentle, and often performed with a laser for precision and faster healing.
Frenectomy and Soft Tissue FAQs
A frenectomy is a brief procedure that releases or modifies a frenum, the small band of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gums. A tight or restrictive frenum can cause tongue-tie or lip-tie, which may affect feeding, speech, or oral hygiene. The procedure quickly frees the tissue to restore normal movement and function.
These procedures treat tongue-tie and lip-tie, teeth that are impacted beneath the gum and cannot erupt on their own, and overgrown or problematic gum and soft tissue. Depending on the issue, they can improve infant feeding, support a child's speech and orthodontic treatment, and enhance comfort, hygiene, and function for adults. We evaluate which procedure, if any, is appropriate for your situation.
These procedures are generally comfortable. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and sedation options are available for anxious patients or more involved cases. When a laser is used, there is often less bleeding and discomfort than with traditional methods. Most patients experience only mild soreness afterward that is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Most of these procedures are quick. A frenectomy typically takes only 5 to 15 minutes, and the total appointment is short. Exposure of an impacted tooth and minor soft tissue surgery vary based on complexity but are usually completed in a single visit. We will give you an accurate time estimate when we plan your specific procedure.
Infants with significant tongue-tie or lip-tie may struggle to latch and feed, which can cause difficulty nursing, poor weight gain, and discomfort for the mother. A frenectomy releases the restrictive tissue so the baby can move the tongue or lip properly. It is a quick procedure, and many families notice improved feeding soon after healing.
Exposure of an impacted tooth is a minor surgical procedure that uncovers a tooth stuck beneath the gum so it can erupt or be guided into place. It is most often done for impacted canines as part of orthodontic treatment, where a small bracket may be attached to the tooth to move it into position. It helps save the natural tooth.
Most patients heal within one to two weeks. Initial discomfort and swelling are mild and typically improve within a few days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include gentle stretching exercises after a frenectomy to prevent reattachment, or specific care following tooth exposure. Following these instructions supports smooth, complete healing.
Yes. Adults with a restrictive tongue-tie may have speech difficulties, trouble with certain mouth movements, or gum recession, and a frenectomy can help. Adults also benefit from soft tissue surgery to address overgrown or problematic gum tissue. While these procedures are common in children, they are safe and effective for patients of all ages.
Laser techniques offer several advantages for soft tissue procedures, including greater precision, less bleeding, reduced discomfort, and often faster healing. Not every case calls for a laser, and traditional surgical methods remain safe and effective. We choose the approach best suited to the specific procedure and patient, and we will explain which method we recommend and why.