4455 E. Camelback Road, Suite #E-100, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Frenectomy Phoenix, AZ A tight or restrictive piece of tissue in the mouth might seem minor, but it can quietly affect feeding, speech, and oral health for years if left unaddressed. Whether it's a newborn struggling to latch, a child working through speech therapy without much progress, or an adult who has simply learned to live with discomfort, a frenectomy is often the missing piece of the puzzle. At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona, we help patients of all ages identify and treat tongue and lip restrictions with a procedure that's quicker and easier than most people expect. Call (480) 504-0506 today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward better oral function and comfort. What Is a Frenectomy?A frenectomy is a simple, minor procedure that removes or releases a frenulum, a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums. In most people, this tissue is thin and flexible enough to allow normal movement. But when it's too tight, too thick, or positioned incorrectly, it can restrict motion and lead to a range of functional problems, from feeding difficulties in infants to speech and oral hygiene challenges later in life. At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona, frenectomies are performed using gentle, precise techniques designed to minimize discomfort and support fast healing. Ronald Watkins, DDS, MS evaluates each patient individually to determine whether a frenectomy is the right solution, and which type of frenulum is involved. Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): Symptoms and ImpactTongue-tie, known clinically as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum is unusually short or tight, limiting how far the tongue can move. This restriction can affect far more than speech. Common signs of tongue-tie include:
Left untreated, tongue-tie can contribute to feeding struggles in babies, speech delays in young children, and even orthodontic or jaw development concerns as a child grows. Many parents don't realize tongue-tie is the underlying cause of these issues until a thorough oral evaluation connects the dots.  Frenectomy for Infants and ChildrenFrenectomies are commonly performed on infants who are struggling to breastfeed due to tongue-tie or lip-tie. A restricted lingual or labial frenulum can make it difficult for a baby to form a proper seal, often resulting in poor weight gain, long or painful feeding sessions, and frustration for both baby and parent. For infants, Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona offers tongue-tie treatment that is typically quick, with minimal bleeding and little to no recovery time. Many parents notice improved feeding within days. For toddlers and older children, lip-tie treatment and tongue-tie correction can help prevent or resolve issues such as:
Addressing these concerns early can make a meaningful difference in a child's speech development, dental health, and overall comfort. Adult Frenectomy: Why It's Never Too LateTongue-tie and lip-tie aren't only childhood concerns. Many adults have lived with an undiagnosed restriction for years, often adapting without realizing a simple procedure could improve their daily comfort and function. Adults may benefit from a frenectomy if they experience:
A frenectomy in adulthood is performed with the same precision and care as in younger patients, and most people find the procedure far more comfortable than they expected. It's a small adjustment that can meaningfully improve speech clarity, oral hygiene, and even orthodontic stability. Frenectomy Recovery and AftercareRecovery from a frenectomy is generally fast and straightforward. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, with only mild soreness for a few days afterward. To support healing, patients are typically advised to:
Infants may be fussier than usual for a day or so, but feeding often improves quickly. Older children and adults typically describe the recovery as easier than anticipated, with minimal disruption to daily routines. Ready to Talk About a Frenectomy?Whether you're a parent concerned about your baby's feeding struggles or an adult who has dealt with speech or dental issues for years, Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona is here to help determine if a frenectomy is right for you or your child. |
"I had gum grafting done and was extremely nervous about the process. Dr. Watkins explained everything in detail and really helped calm my nerves"
- M. Salloom
“I love you guys so much. Thanks everyone for always being so happy and friendly. It's been a very smooth process. I'm ready to go to Henry's, Dr Watkins.”
- D. Franco
| Monday | 8–5 |
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| Tuesday | 8–5 |
| Wednesday | 7–4 |
| Thursday | 8–5 |
| Friday | 8–12 |
| Closed for Lunch | 12–1 |