A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or releases a frenum, the small fold of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gum, to improve oral function, appearance, and long-term dental health. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist with two decades of focused surgical experience, plans and performs each frenectomy personally. Just minutes from the San Diego border, the clinic is a convenient option for cross-border patients of all ages.
What is Frenectomy?
A frenum that is too tight or attached too high can cause real problems. A restrictive lingual frenum under the tongue, known as tongue-tie, can limit tongue movement and affect speech and feeding, while a tight labial frenum, or lip-tie, can pull the gums, create gaps between teeth, or interfere with orthodontic treatment.
A frenectomy relieves that tension by removing or releasing the frenum. Beyond correcting tongue and lip ties, it can make brushing and flossing easier and help protect the gums from recession caused by ongoing pull on the tissue.
The Frenectomy procedure: what to expect
Treatment begins with a consultation where Dr. Lugo reviews your concerns and medical history, examines the frenum and surrounding tissue, and uses imaging when helpful. Local anesthesia numbs the area, and sedation can be discussed for anxious patients. Dr. Lugo then releases the frenum using a scalpel or a laser, with laser frenectomies often preferred for reduced bleeding and faster healing. Depending on the case, dissolvable sutures may be placed, though many frenectomies heal well without them, and clear aftercare instructions are provided before you leave.
Benefits of Frenectomy
- Improved function: frees tongue and lip movement, supporting clearer speech and easier feeding.
- Better aesthetics: corrects lip or tongue ties that affect the look of your smile.
- Easier hygiene: opens access for brushing and flossing where a tight frenum got in the way.
- Gum protection: relieves tension that can pull on the gums and contribute to recession.
- Smoother orthodontics: helps teeth move freely during braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Am I a candidate for Frenectomy?
A frenectomy may be right for children or adults dealing with tongue-tie or lip-tie, a gap between the front teeth caused by a tight frenum, difficulty cleaning around a restrictive frenum, gum recession linked to tissue pull, or upcoming orthodontic care that a frenum could interfere with. A clinical exam confirms the need. Periovital Clinic provides a free initial consultation including a 3D CBCT scan and a written quote, so Dr. Lugo can evaluate the frenum and recommend the right step, with no upsell.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery after a frenectomy is usually mild, with some swelling and discomfort that is generally manageable. Choose soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes for the first few days, keep up gentle oral hygiene while avoiding the surgical area, and rinse with warm salt water to soothe the site. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, though you should check with the clinic first, and follow-up visits let Dr. Lugo confirm proper healing.
How much does Frenectomy cost in Tijuana?
At Periovital Clinic, a frenectomy costs considerably less than it typically does in the US, with most patients saving 50 to 70% compared to north-of-the-border prices. You receive an itemized written quote at your free consultation, so the full cost is clear before you decide to proceed. The clinic also issues itemized receipts suitable for FSA and HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Frenectomy?
Dr. Ilse Lugo is a periodontal specialist who personally performs every frenectomy, with twenty years of focused surgical experience and access to both laser and conventional techniques. The clinic sits minutes from the San Diego border and offers a free shuttle from San Diego plus a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, so scheduling a cross-border visit is simple. With an in-house dental lab and a patient-centered approach, Periovital provides specialist care that is comfortable, effective, and convenient for US and cross-border patients.