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Surgery and Implants

Frenotomy in Children: When It's Needed, How It Goes, and What Parents Should Know

Frenectomy in a child is a minor procedure that helps the tongue or lip move freely. It is needed when the frenulum interferes with feeding, speech, or bite. The doctor decides whether the procedure is necessary after an examination. The laser method is less traumatic. Postoperative care is important.

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30+years treating patients in Almaty
up to 5 yearswarranty on work
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How much does a frenectomy for a child cost in Almaty

Full price list
TreatmentDuration & warrantyPrice
Pediatric dentist consultation0 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Treatment of caries in a primary toothfrom12 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Treatment of pulpitis in a primary toothfrom25 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Primary tooth extractionfrom9 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Crown on a baby toothfrom30 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Pediatric cleaning with fluoride treatmentfrom20 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Fissure sealing, one toothfrom12 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Plate for correcting a child's bitefrom55 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Enamel remineralizationfrom5 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp
Sedation during dental treatmentfrom55 000 ₸Message on WhatsApp

Tongue-tie release

The price depends on the child's age, the type of frenulum, and the chosen method. The exact cost will be given by the doctor after an examination. The initial examination and treatment plan are free. Book a consultation to find out the price.

What is taken into account

Indications, methods and possible complications of frenulum release in a child

Helps you understand what the doctor's decision is based on and what to expect.

Instruments and materials for this type of treatment, laid out on a light surface — an illustration for the "Types of Intervention" section

Indications for a frenectomy

The procedure is recommended for difficulty sucking in infants, speech impairment, tooth displacement, and bite problems. The decision is made by the doctor after an examination.

Chairside appointment: dentist at work, over-the-shoulder shot of the assistant — illustration for the section "What complications and contraindications may occur"

Frenectomy methods

There are a classic surgical method using a scalpel and a laser method. The laser is less traumatic and shortens recovery time.

Jaw model and material samples on the doctor's table next to a mirror and probe — an illustration for the section "Which doctors perform frenectomy in children"

Complications after a frenectomy

Complications are rare. Swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort in the first days are possible. If the doctor's recommendations are followed, the risk is minimal. The doctor performing the procedure is a pediatric dentist or surgeon.

Stages of a frenectomy in a child

Consultation: doctor and patient at a screen with an X-ray — illustration for the section "How a child's frenectomy procedure is performed"
Step 01

How does frenectomy surgery proceed?

First, the doctor examines the oral cavity and determines the type of frenulum. Then local anesthesia is administered. The procedure itself takes a few minutes: the doctor makes an incision and places sutures. After the operation, care recommendations are given.

Preparation: the assistant lays out sterile instruments, the dentist puts on gloves — illustration for the "Preparing for your appointment" section
Step 02

How long does healing take after a frenectomy?

Healing usually takes about two weeks. During this period, it is important to maintain oral hygiene and follow the doctor's recommendations. Complete tissue recovery occurs within a month.

The treatment stage itself: the doctor's gloved hands working inside the oral cavity — an illustration for the section "Post-procedure follow-up"
Step 03

Is preparation for a frenectomy required?

No special preparation is required. Before the operation, the doctor examines the oral cavity and, if necessary, orders tests. On the day of the procedure, the child must be healthy, without signs of a cold.

Follow-up visit: the dentist checks the result with a mirror while the assistant holds the saliva ejector — illustration for the section "Is there a warranty on the procedure?"
Step 04

How to care for the oral cavity after surgery?

After the operation, a gentle diet is recommended: soft food at room temperature. For several days, avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods. Rinse the mouth with an antiseptic as prescribed by the doctor. Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the suture area.

Our Doctors

Who provides this treatment

The clinic's doctors who see patients for this service. A treatment plan is drawn up after the examination.

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Ibragimov Alisher Farkhadovich — dentist at Dental-Center dental clinic in Almaty, portrait in work uniformThe calculation is reviewed by the clinic's surgeonTakes 20 seconds — you'll get a reply from our administrator during business hours
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What is a frenulum and why cut it?

The frenulum is a thin fold of mucosa that connects the lip or tongue to the jaw. When it is short or attached incorrectly, the movement of the organ is limited. In a child, this can affect speech, bite, and even feeding in infancy.

Short frenulum: what does it mean

A short lingual frenulum occurs in children of various ages. Sometimes it is detected in the maternity hospital, when the infant cannot latch onto the breast. In other cases, the problem is noticed later — when the child begins to speak and pronounces some sounds incorrectly. The upper lip frenulum can also be short: it prevents the lips from closing and may affect the growth of the front teeth.

When intervention is really needed

AgeIndicationIntervention
InfantsDifficulty breastfeedingFrenotomy (tongue-tie release)
Children 3–6 yearsSpeech impairmentFrenotomy (tongue-tie release)
Children 7–10 yearsTooth displacementFrenectomy (lip-tie release)

Optimal age for the procedure

The timing of the intervention is determined by the doctor after an examination. But there are guidelines that dentists and surgeons rely on. They are related to the stages of growth and speech development.

Infancy

In infants, the lingual frenulum is cut if it interferes with sucking. This is detected in the first weeks of life: the baby cannot latch onto the breast, tires quickly, and cries during feeding. In such cases, surgery is performed early, sometimes while still in the maternity hospital. The tissues at this age are delicate and elastic, the intervention is minimal, and recovery takes several hours. The decision on early cutting is made by a neonatologist or pediatrician, and the procedure is performed by a surgeon. It is important that the intervention be justified: if sucking is not affected, there is no need to rush. At an older age, when speech problems appear, removal of the lingual frenulum may be required, but that is a different situation. In infants, the operation is quick and the risk of complications is low. After the procedure, the baby is put to the breast immediately so that he calms down and stimulates healing. The doctor monitors the condition during the first hour and gives recommendations on feeding.

Preschool and school age

At 2–3 years of age, the frenulum is assessed by a speech therapist and a dentist. If it is short but does not interfere with feeding, doctors often take a wait-and-see approach: as the jaws grow, the frenulum may stretch. However, by 4–5 years, when active speech formation begins, it becomes clear whether correction is needed. If the child cannot pronounce sounds due to limited tongue mobility, surgery is performed before school. At this age, children tolerate the intervention more easily than teenagers and adapt more quickly. At school age, the frenulum is cut less often, but it is still possible then. The indications are determined individually: the length of the frenulum, its elasticity, and its effect on the bite and diction are assessed. Sometimes surgery is postponed until adolescence if there are no functional impairments. The optimal timing is always set by the doctor after an examination.

Laser or scalpel: which to choose?

Parents often ask how a laser is better than a scalpel. There is no clear answer: the method is selected based on age, anatomy, and tissue condition. Let's look at the differences.

Comparison of methods

CriterionScalpelLaser
TraumaBlade incisionMinimal
BleedingPossibleVirtually none
Procedure time10–15 minutes10–15 minutes
SuturesOften neededUsually not needed
HealingStandardFaster
CostLowerHigher

What the doctor says

The decision on the method is made by the dentist after an examination. A laser is not suitable for everyone: it is not used for certain blood diseases or cancer. The scalpel remains a reliable instrument, especially with complex anatomy. The doctor assesses how much the frenulum restricts tongue movement and suggests the option that is safer in the specific case. Parents should ask about the method during the consultation and clarify why a particular instrument was chosen. The final choice always rests with the specialist, who is responsible for the result. When choosing the method, the doctor takes into account the patient's age, the thickness and density of the frenulum, and the presence of concomitant diseases. Laser surgery is usually less traumatic but requires special equipment and preparation. The scalpel allows more precise control of the incision in complex anatomical features. In any case, the intervention is performed under local anesthesia and takes little time.

Postoperative care: a memo for parents

After the intervention, it is important to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. This determines how quickly the wound heals and whether complications arise. Below are the main rules that usually apply in the first days.

The first hours after the intervention

  • Who performs it: a frenotomy in a child is performed by a pediatric surgeon or an oral surgeon experienced in treating young patients.
  • Qualifications: the doctor must know the anatomy of the oral cavity in children and be proficient in various surgical techniques, including laser.
  • Consultation: before the procedure, the specialist examines the child, assesses the length and elasticity of the frenulum, and identifies any possible contraindications.
  • Choice of method: based on the examination, the doctor recommends the optimal correction method — laser or scalpel — explaining the specifics of each to the parents.
  • Follow-up: after the procedure, the doctor monitors the child's condition and provides aftercare recommendations to ensure healing without complications.

What you can and cannot eat

  • Allowed: pureed soups, porridge, mashed foods, yogurt, cottage cheese, jelly — food should be soft and at room temperature.
  • Not allowed: hard foods (croutons, nuts, raw vegetables) for 7–10 days to avoid injuring the sutures.
  • Not allowed: hot and spicy foods — these increase swelling and slow healing.
  • Drinks: only warm beverages; fermented dairy products should be consumed through a straw to avoid irritating the wound.
  • Sweets: limit sugar and sticky candies, as they create plaque and interfere with healing.

Where to have the surgery?

Frenuloplasty in Almaty is performed in many dental clinics. The choice of clinic determines the child's comfort and the outcome of the intervention. Let's look at the criteria for choosing one.

How to choose a clinic

  • Experience with children: look for a dental clinic that regularly treats young patients. A pediatric dentist knows how to establish rapport and ease fear.
  • Modern equipment: having a laser and microscope expands the options for minimally invasive treatment.
  • Sterility standards: ask how instruments are sterilized and whether there is a dedicated surgical room.
  • Follow-up availability: it is a plus if you can bring your child back after the procedure for the doctor to monitor healing.
  • Parent reviews: check opinions on independent platforms, and pay attention to repeat visits and recommendations.

What to pay attention to

When choosing a clinic, pay attention to the equipment. A microscope with 25x magnification allows the doctor to see the smallest structures of the frenulum and act with precision. A laser reduces bleeding and speeds up recovery. A cone-beam CT scan helps assess the anatomy of the jaw if other procedures are planned. An intraoral scanner creates digital models without unpleasant impressions. The attitude of the staff also matters: the doctor should explain the stages of the surgery and aftercare to the parents, and create a calm atmosphere for the child. A clinic that works with children should have a play area or cartoons to distract them. Ask how appointments are scheduled and whether you can ask the doctor questions after the procedure. If the clinic is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00, that is convenient for busy parents. Having parking will save you unnecessary hassle on the day of the visit. The initial consultation and treatment plan may be free — this is normal practice. The decision is made by the doctor after the examination, but parents have the right to ask all their questions and receive clear answers.

The connection between the frenulum and the bite

A short lingual or labial frenulum can affect jaw growth and tooth position. Let's look at when it becomes a cause of malocclusion and when it does not.

How the frenulum affects the teeth

The lingual frenulum is the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If it is short, the tongue's movement is restricted. During swallowing and speech, the tongue should press against the palate, stimulating the growth of the upper jaw. When mobility is limited, the tongue rests low, and the upper jaw does not develop sufficiently. This leads to a narrowed dental arch and crowded teeth. The upper labial frenulum, if attached low, creates a diastema — a gap between the central incisors. The band prevents the teeth from closing together, and the gap remains. The lower labial frenulum, when short, can pull on the gum, provoking recession and shifting the lower teeth. The effect on the bite depends on age and the type of frenulum. In young children, correcting the frenulum can prevent the development of malocclusion. In adults, once the bite is already formed, cutting the frenulum alone will not change tooth position. Orthodontic treatment will be required. The decision to cut the frenulum is made by the doctor after assessing the clinical picture. Sometimes a shortened frenulum is combined with other anomalies, and a comprehensive approach is needed.

When bite correction is not needed

  • Normal development: if the frenulum does not interfere with the function of the tongue and lips, and the teeth and jaws are developing normally, surgery is not required.
  • Age-related changes: in newborns the frenulum often appears short, but as the child grows it stretches, and by age 3–4 tongue mobility becomes normal.
  • Speech characteristics: if a speech therapist finds no connection between the frenulum and speech defects, and the bite is normal, surgery is not indicated.
  • No diastema: if the upper lip frenulum is attached high and does not create a gap between the teeth, correction is not needed.
  • Compensation: in some cases the muscles of the tongue and lips adapt to the features of the frenulum, and this does not affect the bite. The doctor assesses function, not just the length of the frenulum.

Preparing the child for the procedure

Preparation for frenulum release consists of two parts: getting the child ready and the medical formalities. Let's go through both in order.

Psychological preparation

  • Explanation: Tell your child that the doctor will simply look inside their mouth and gently "clean" under the lip or tongue, avoiding words like "cut" or "surgery."
  • Play: Play dentist at home: have your child open their mouth while you count their teeth with a flashlight — this helps them get used to the examination.
  • Calmness: Children pick up on their parents' anxiety, so speak in a steady, confident voice without unnecessary details about the procedure.
  • Distraction: Bring a favorite toy or book — this helps shift their attention in the waiting room and before entering the office.
  • Reward: Agree on a small gift after the visit, but not as a bribe — rather as a pleasant way to end the day.

Medical considerations

Before the procedure, the doctor examines the child and orders a blood test to assess clotting and rule out anemia. The child must be healthy: a runny nose, cough, or fever is a reason to postpone the visit. Two hours before the procedure, the child should not be fed to avoid regurgitation during surgery. The night before, brush the teeth; in the morning, simply rinse the mouth with water. If the child takes medications, especially those affecting clotting, tell the doctor in advance. On the day of the procedure, dress the child in comfortable clothing without tight collars, bring a spare T-shirt and the parent's ID for paperwork. After the procedure, the doctor will give aftercare recommendations, so write down any questions you want to ask right away. It is also worth asking which pain relievers can be given to the child if needed and how long the wound takes to heal. The doctor may schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing, so confirm the date and time of the next appointment.

How recovery proceeds

Recovery after surgery takes little time. Immediately after the procedure, the doctor gives recommendations for oral care. Following them helps healing proceed smoothly.

Key takeaways

In the first hours after the procedure, avoid eating and drinking anything hot. On the day of surgery, it is best to stick to cool food and water. The next day you can return to your usual menu, but avoid hard and spicy foods. Do not rinse the mouth with strong solutions, so as not to injure the suture area. The doctor will prescribe gentle care and, if necessary, a pain reliever.

When to see a doctor

The sutures after the procedure dissolve on their own. This takes seven to ten days. During this time, the child may feel some mild discomfort when talking and eating. It usually passes quickly. If swelling appears or the pain gets worse, it is worth seeing a doctor. The specialist will assess the situation and adjust the recommendations if needed.

Questions about frenectomy in children

The price depends on the type of frenulum (lip or tongue), the child's age, and the surgical method — traditional or laser. The exact cost is given by the doctor after an examination, and you can find current prices in the pricing section on this page. To clarify details and book an appointment, call the phone number listed on the website. The initial examination and treatment plan are free of charge, so you can get complete information without extra costs.

At our clinic in Almaty, frenectomy of the tongue and lip is performed in children. The appointment is conducted by a pediatric dentist, who will assess the condition of the frenulum and whether surgery is necessary. You can book a consultation by calling the phone number listed on the page.

No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the child does not feel pain. After the procedure, there may be mild discomfort, which passes quickly. The doctor will give recommendations on how to ease the child's condition in the first few days.

If a short lingual frenulum interferes with correct pronunciation of sounds, its release may be recommended by a speech therapist. However, it is important to first consult a speech therapist and a dentist to assess whether surgery is necessary. In some cases, speech therapy exercises are enough.

If the frenulum is not released, speech problems, feeding difficulties in infants, as well as tooth displacement and gum disease may persist. In each case, the decision is made by the doctor after an examination, assessing all the risks.

Yes, contraindications may include acute inflammatory processes, infectious diseases, bleeding disorders, and some other conditions. Before the procedure, the doctor examines the child and, if necessary, prescribes additional tests.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes a few minutes. The doctor administers local anesthesia, then cuts the frenulum with a laser or scalpel. The laser method is less traumatic and speeds up healing. After the procedure, the child can go home right away.

A frenectomy can be performed at any age, but it is most often done in infancy for feeding problems or at preschool age before starting speech therapy sessions. The doctor determines the optimal time after an examination.

We are open daily from 9:00 to 20:00, seven days a week. The clinic is in Almaty, 133/6 Kanysh Satpayev St., JAZZ residential complex. Phone for appointments — +7 747 093 89 86. Initial examination and treatment plan — 0 ₸.

Address: Almaty, 133/6 Kanysh Satpayev St., JAZZ residential complex. Parking for patients is free. Phone for appointments — +7 747 093 89 86. Appointments are available daily from 9:00 to 20:00.

Warranty up to 5 years. The clinic has been operating since 1995, with a rating of 4.9 based on 312 reviews on 2GIS, Google and Yandex. Initial examination and treatment plan — 0 ₸. Appointments are available daily from 9:00 to 20:00.

Installment plan for 24 months with Jusan bank or 12 months with Kaspi. Initial examination and treatment plan — 0 ₸. Appointments are available daily from 9:00 to 20:00. Phone for appointments — +7 747 093 89 86.

Initial examination and treatment plan: 0 ₸. There is no separate fee for the first visit. Warranty on work: up to 5 years. Installments for 24 months with Jusan bank or 12 months with Kaspi.

Parking is free. The clinic is in Almaty, 133/6 Kanysh Satpayev St., JAZZ residential complex. Appointments are available daily from 9:00 to 20:00. Phone for appointments — +7 747 093 89 86.

Reviews about frenectomy in children

4,9
33 reviews on the site
33 ratings
ММарина З.6 August 2026
★ 5,0

I initially just wanted to look around and compare prices. They treated two of my daughter's baby teeth. The tooth doesn't hurt anymore, she eats without worry, the difference is noticeable. They messaged us the next day to ask how she was feeling. In my opinion, the price is fair for that kind of work. The receptionist called back when she said she would. They scheduled us at a convenient time, no "come at nine and wait" — that's how it should be.

ТТимур Р.4 August 2026
★ 5,0

I spent a long time choosing a clinic and read reviews all over the city, but strangely, I didn't even get tired during the appointment. . . They treated two baby teeth for my daughter, and it was all done in one visit. They arranged an installment plan on the spot, with no running around to banks. The tooth doesn't hurt anymore, and she eats without worry. They set up a card right away and only asked for a passport once. We were seen right on time, with no waiting. Shoe covers, a cup, a napkin — little things, but everything was there

ДДана О.22 July 2026
★ 5,0

Before this, I had only come for promotional offers and never really got proper treatment. They treated two of my daughter's baby teeth. The sterility was obvious, and they opened the instruments in front of me. My daughter is now asking to book her next check-up. They arranged the installment plan on the spot, no running around to banks, no complaints there. They messaged us the next day to ask how she was feeling — a small thing, but nice. The contract and receipt were provided without us having to ask. They let us look at the instruments before they started. Prices were quoted upfront, and nothing was added at the end, just as agreed — that's a whole separate story —.

ММадина Л.15 July 2026
★ 4,0

My child now comes here without any coaxing, compared to how it used to be. They put a filling in my child's tooth and got it done in a single visit, without coaxing or tears. I'm almost embarrassed that I put it off for so long. I would come back here for the second tooth too. I didn't expect it to be completely painless. Five out of five — that's a whole separate story —. They scheduled us at a convenient time, no 'come at nine and wait' — a small thing, but a nice one. The office is bright, the equipment is new — a small thing, but a nice one.

ССветлана Ж.13 July 2026
★ 5,0

Proshlyy vrach pereehal, nado bylo iskat novogo — stranno, no ya dazhe ne ustala za priem. Hodim s dochkoy na osmotry kazhdye polgoda, ulozhilis v odin priem!

ДДенис У.3 July 2026
★ 5,0

Hodim s dochkoy na osmotry kazhdye polgoda, dochka dazhe ne uspela ispugatsya. Zapisali na udobnoe vremya, bez «prihodite k devyati i zhdite», etogo ranshe nigde ne bylo. Budu hodit syuda i dalshe.

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