Adult lip frenectomy
Frenectomy
A frenectomy releases the lip frenum, the band of tissue that tugs on your gums, holds your front teeth apart or limits your smile. Dr. Maxim Godko performs every release himself, in-house, after a personalized consultation.
- For adults
- Lip frenum
- No referral
- Both offices
800+ five-star reviews · 8-Time Top Doctor
Frenectomy at Deluxe Dentistry & Esthetics
A frenectomy releases or removes a frenum whose attachment pulls on the gums. At Deluxe Dentistry & Esthetics, Dr. Maxim Godko performs adult lip frenectomies under local anesthesia for a frenum that causes gum recession, a gap between the front teeth or a restricted lip, and pairs the release with gum grafting or crown lengthening when both are needed. It starts with a personalized consultation.
- Treats
- A pulling lip frenum
- Comfort
- Local anesthesia
- Often with
- Grafting or crown lengthening
- Performed by
- Dr. Godko, in-house
Why patients choose us
A Frenectomy Built for Adults and Their Gum Line
Most frenectomy pages are written for babies with tongue-ties. If you are an adult whose lip frenum is pulling on your gums, you need gum-focused care. At Deluxe Dentistry & Esthetics, Dr. Maxim Godko treats the frenum and the gum line around it under one roof, with no referral.
Diagnosis first
An exam shows whether the frenum is pulling the gum or holding the teeth apart, before any treatment is planned.
The release
A small release inside the mouth, under local anesthesia, so the lip moves freely.
The gum line
Gum grafting added to the same treatment plan when the pull has already caused recession.
See the difference
What the Frenum Does, and What Releasing It Changes
The frenum under your upper lip meets the gums between the front teeth. Attached too low, it can tug on the gums and hold the teeth apart.
- The band runs down between the front teeth into the gum.
- Each time the lip moves, it tugs on the gum there.
- Over time the pull can hold a gap open or let the gum recede.
Possible signs
When Adults Ask About a Frenectomy
A long or tight frenum attachment tends to show up in one of these ways.
A space between the front teeth
A long frenum attachment can hold the front teeth apart, or let a closed gap reopen.
Receding gums up front
A frenum that pulls on the gum can lead to recession around the front teeth.
A lip that feels held back
The attachment can restrict lip movement enough to affect your smile, and it may get sore or tear when stretched.
Recession on the lower front teeth
A low frenum under the lower lip tugs on thin gum there, a common spot for recession.
A spot that’s hard to clean
A tight frenum makes brushing at the gum line awkward, so plaque builds up and the gum stays irritated.
A denture that rubs or won’t seal
A high frenum can press against the edge of a denture, irritating the tissue and loosening the fit.
The process
What Happens During a Frenectomy
From the first exam to the follow-up, here is what to expect.
- 1
Examine
Personalized consultation
Dr. Godko checks whether the frenum is behind the gap, the recession or the pull.
- 2
Plan
Your plan and cost
A frenectomy alone, or with gum grafting or crown lengthening if those are needed too.
- 3
Release
Local anesthesia
The area is numbed, then Dr. Godko releases the frenum inside the mouth so the lip moves freely and the pull on the gum is gone.
- 4
Heal
Aftercare
You leave with aftercare instructions, and a follow-up visit is scheduled to check the release.
Nervous about the dentist?
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation or IV sedation, with Dr. Godko certified in all three.
Payment options
How Much Does a Frenectomy Cost?
Insurance, 0% financing through Cherry and our in-house membership plans. You see your options and costs before treatment starts.
Insurance
PPO plans and most carriers
We accept PPO plans and most carriers, including CIGNA, MetLife, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental and GEHA Connection Dental. No Medicaid, DMO or HMO plans accepted.We work with your insurance to ensure you receive the maximum benefit.
Financing
0% financing with Cherry
- 0% financing through Cherry
- Many patients qualify for 0% interest plans if paid on time.
No insurance?
In-house membership plans
One yearly fee for preventive care, with discounts on other treatment and no deductibles, maximums or waiting periods.
See the plans and terms8-Time Top Doctor, Backed by 800+ Five-Star Reviews
“Dr. Godko takes time to listen to your concerns and explains what needs to be done and why. Dr Godko has a calming way and a very gentle touch.”
“I had a lovely first visit experience at Deluxe dentistry. Dr Godko is very thorough, explained everything in great detail while addressing my fears and concerns about an inevitable oral surgery. The staff is absolutely wonderful!”
“They've helped me with issues regarding some gum receding and always give recommend tips for great dental hygiene.”
“From the initial consultation to the final follow-up, Dr. Godko demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and care. He took the time to explain every step of the process, making sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout.”
“Dr. Godko was very patient, listened to me and answered all of my questions. I didn’t feel rushed and the staff made me feel very welcome.”
“I was terrified of the dentist they made my experience very good I thank God I found this dentist and I will definitely be returning”
“All of the staff, from the receptionist, to the hygienist, to the doctors were great. A great experience everytime we have an appointment here.”
“I was suffering from intense pain and needed a root canal over the weekend. They accommodated me at short notice and Dr Godko was kind enough to stay back late on a Saturday to explain things to me and complete the procedure.”
Meet your doctor
Gum Surgery Without a Second Office
Dr. Maxim Godko, an 8-Time Top Doctor and NYU College of Dentistry graduate, provides oral surgery and periodontal care in-house, with continuing education in hard and soft tissue manipulation and periodontal surgery. His team speaks English, Ukrainian and Russian.
8×
8-Time Top Doctor
IV
Sedation given by Dr. Godko
NYU
College of Dentistry graduate
FAQ
Frenectomy questions, answered
A frenotomy is a simple snip of the frenum. A frenectomy releases or removes the attachment so it no longer pulls on the gum. At Deluxe Dentistry & Esthetics, adult lip frenectomies are performed in-house by Dr. Maxim Godko.
A frenum that sits high and doesn’t pull on the gum is left alone. A frenectomy is recommended when the attachment is causing recession, holding the front teeth apart or restricting the lip, and Dr. Godko confirms the frenum is truly the cause first.
It removes the pull that holds the teeth apart and helps keep a closed gap from reopening. A gap that is already there is closed with orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign, offered in-house.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia first, so you stay comfortable and may feel only some pressure. For patients who prefer it, nitrous oxide, oral sedation or IV sedation is available, with Dr. Godko certified in all three. If you choose oral or IV sedation, plan for someone to drive you home.
The release is made inside the mouth, so there is no visible scar on your face. Dr. Godko tells you before the procedure whether small stitches are placed and explains your aftercare.
The area is typically tender at first, and most patients are back to normal activities within a few days. Soft foods and gentle cleaning around the site help it heal. You leave with aftercare instructions, a follow-up visit is scheduled to check the release, and both offices are ready to immediately assist with any concerns.
Yes. A lip frenectomy is often combined with gum grafting or crown lengthening in the same treatment plan. The release stops the pull on the gum, and gum grafting rebuilds gum that has already receded.
No. It is a small, in-office procedure inside the mouth, done under local anesthesia and typically completed in a single visit.
Your frenectomy is priced at your personalized consultation, based on your case and whether it is paired with other periodontal care, and you see the cost before anything starts. We accept PPO plans and most carriers, including CIGNA, MetLife, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental and GEHA Connection Dental. No Medicaid, DMO or HMO plans accepted. We work with your insurance to ensure you receive the maximum benefit. 0% financing through Cherry and in-house membership plans are also available.
Deluxe Dentistry & Esthetics has two offices, in Lawrenceville, NJ and Skillman, NJ. Every procedure is available at both offices.
Keep exploring
Related periodontal care
Gum Grafting
Exposed roots covered and the gum line protected.
Crown Lengthening
More tooth exposed, to save a tooth or even a gummy smile.
Gum Disease Treatment
Bleeding or receding gums treated before they cost you teeth.
Deep Cleaning
Cleaning below the gum line to treat gum disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
Regular gum cleanings that keep gum disease in check.
Gum Contouring
A more even gum line for a balanced smile.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
The jaw prepared so dentures or implants fit well.
Invisalign
Clear aligners you can take out.
Two offices, identical services
Lawrenceville, NJ & Skillman, NJ
Every procedure is available at both offices, so pick whichever is easier, near home or near work.
Every procedure offered
Deluxe Dentistry & EstheticsLawrenceville, NJ
100 Federal City Rd, Suite 104BLawrenceville, NJ08648
Mon 9 am–5:30 pm · Tue 9 am–5 pm · Wed 9:30 am–7 pm · Thu 9 am–7 pm · Fri 9 am–5 pm · Sat 9 am–2 pm
Every procedure offered
Deluxe Dentistry & EstheticsSkillman, NJ
40 Nevius Blvd, Suite 150Skillman, NJ08558
Mon–Thu 9 am–6 pm · Fri 9 am–5 pm
New patients always welcome
Is Your Frenum the Problem? Find Out.
Book a personalized consultation at either office and get a clear answer before any treatment.
Deluxe Dentistry & Esthetics, with offices located in Lawrenceville, NJ, located in Mercer County, NJ, proudly serving the towns ofHamilton, Pennington, Hopewell Township, West Windsor, East Windsor, Trenton, Hightstown, Robbinsville, Princeton, Ewing, Lawrence Township, Hopewell, NJ, as well as our Skillman, NJ location, located in Somerset County, NJ, proudly serving the towns ofNorth Plainfield, Far Hills, Rocky Hill, Millstone, Montgomery, Manville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bernards Township, Peapack-Gladstone, Branchburg, Bernardsville, South Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Somerville, Watchung, Bedminster, Raritan, Warren, Green Brook, Bound Brook, NJ.
Schedule your appointment online, or call our Lawrenceville, NJ office at (609) 400-1393 or our Skillman, NJ office at (609) 303-2005.
