A Simple Guide for After a Labial Frenectomy (Lip-Tie)

Q: Why does the spot look white?

The white patch is a sign of good healing! It is like a natural, soft scab that your body makes inside your mouth. It is not an infection.

Q: Why did I need a frenectomy?

The small band of tissue under your lip, called a frenum, was too tight or thick. A tight frenum can cause a number of issues. We perform this simple procedure to fix or prevent problems like: A gap between the front teeth. The gums being pulled away from the teeth (recession). Problems with the fit or comfort of a denture. Tugging on the gums around a dental implant. To help a new gum graft heal successfully. `

Surgical Care Instructions

Pain Management

It’s normal for the lip to feel a little sore. This is easy to take care of.

For the Soreness: You can use medicine you buy at the store, like Motrin (Ibuprofen) or Tylenol. For children, make sure to use Children’s Tylenol or Motrin and give the right amount for their size.
Feeling Better: The soreness should get a lot better in 2 or 3 days.

Bleeding Control

Seeing a little bit of bleeding on the first day is normal.

What to Do: If you see bleeding, take a clean, wet piece of gauze and press gently on the spot for about 20 minutes.
Things to Avoid: For the first day, do not spit and do not drink with a straw.

Swelling Management

It’s normal for the lip to get a little puffy.

Ice Packs: You can put an ice pack or a cool, wet cloth on the outside of your lip. Hold it there for about 10-15 minutes at a time on the first day. This will help keep the puffiness down.

Oral Hygiene/Site Care

It is very important to protect the spot where we did the surgery so it can heal well.

DO NOT pull the lip up or down to look at the spot. This can pull the stitches and make it take longer to heal.
The White Patch is Good!: After a day or two, you will see a soft, white patch over the spot. This is not an infection. It is a natural bandage your body makes, like a scab. It shows that you are healing well.
Rinsing Your Mouth: After the first day, you can gently rinse with warm salt water after you eat. (Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water).
Brushing: You can still brush your other teeth. Just be very careful and stay away from the spot that is healing for a few days.
Stitches: The little stitches we used will usually melt away by themselves in about a week.

Dietary Recommendations

Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Things like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are good choices.
Try to chew away from the healing spot.