Frenectomy Cost in Australia (2026 Guide)

edit_note Townsville Dental Directory editorial team · Updated 19 May 2026
frenectomydental coststongue-tiechildrens dentistry

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or releases a frenum — a small fold of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. The Australian Dental Association recognises frenectomy as an established treatment for restrictive lingual frenums (tongue-tie) and labial frenums (lip-tie) that interfere with oral function (ADA, Oral Surgery Procedures, 2024). Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) affects approximately 4 to 11 per cent of newborns according to published literature, and can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene if left untreated. In Townsville, frenectomy is commonly performed for infants, children, and adults at dental practices equipped with soft tissue lasers.

Frenectomy Cost Breakdown

At Townsville Dental Clinic, frenectomy fees in 2026 are as follows.

ProcedureCostTechniqueAnaesthesia
Lingual frenectomy (tongue-tie release)$400–$800Diode laserTopical or local anaesthesia
Labial frenectomy (lip-tie release)$300–$600Diode laserTopical or local anaesthesia
Surgical frenectomy (scalpel)$300–$600Scalpel and suturesLocal anaesthesia
Infant frenotomy (tongue-tie, under 6 months)$300–$500Laser or scissorsTopical anaesthesia

The fee includes the initial consultation, the procedure itself, anaesthesia, and a post-operative review appointment at one to two weeks.

Laser vs Surgical Frenectomy

FeatureLaser FrenectomySurgical Frenectomy
BleedingMinimal (laser cauterises)Moderate
StitchesNot requiredUsually 1–2 stitches
Procedure time5–15 minutes15–30 minutes
Post-operative painMildMild to moderate
Healing time3–5 days7–10 days
Infection riskLower (laser sterilises tissue)Standard surgical risk
Cost$400–$800$300–$600

At Townsville Dental Clinic, we use a soft tissue diode laser for most frenectomies. The laser provides precise tissue removal with immediate haemostasis (blood clotting), no need for sutures, and a more comfortable recovery.

Tongue-Tie in Infants and Children

Tongue-tie in infants can interfere with breastfeeding by preventing the baby from latching effectively. Signs include difficulty latching, clicking sounds during feeding, poor weight gain, and maternal nipple pain. Early release (frenotomy) in the first weeks of life is a quick procedure that can significantly improve feeding outcomes.

In older children, an untreated tongue-tie may affect speech articulation, particularly sounds that require tongue elevation such as “t”, “d”, “l”, “n”, and “r”. Children may also develop compensatory habits such as mouth breathing or difficulty cleaning food debris from the teeth.

CDBS Coverage for Children

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule may cover frenectomy for eligible children when the procedure is clinically necessary. At Townsville Dental Clinic, we bulk-bill CDBS patients for covered services. For more information about CDBS eligibility and covered treatments, see our Child Dental Benefits Schedule guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a frenectomy cost in Australia?
A frenectomy in Australia costs $300 to $800 in 2026, depending on the technique used and the age of the patient. A laser frenectomy typically costs $400 to $800 and offers faster healing with less bleeding, while a traditional surgical frenectomy using a scalpel costs $300 to $600. At Townsville Dental Clinic, we perform frenectomies using a soft tissue diode laser, which provides precise tissue removal, minimal discomfort, and reduced post-operative swelling. The fee includes the procedure, local anaesthesia, and follow-up review.
Is a frenectomy covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Frenectomy may be covered under the Australian Government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) when it is deemed clinically necessary, such as when a tongue-tie or lip-tie interferes with oral function. The CDBS provides up to $1,095 in dental benefits over a two-year period for eligible children aged 0 to 17. Eligibility is linked to receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or certain government payments. At Townsville Dental Clinic, we bulk-bill CDBS patients for covered services, so eligible children may have no out-of-pocket cost.
What is the difference between a laser and surgical frenectomy?
A laser frenectomy uses a focused beam of light energy (typically a diode laser) to release the frenum with minimal bleeding and no stitches required. A surgical frenectomy uses a scalpel or scissors to cut the frenum, which may require one to two stitches and produces more bleeding during the procedure. Laser frenectomies generally result in less post-operative pain, faster healing, and lower risk of infection. Both techniques achieve the same outcome — release of the restrictive frenum — but the laser approach offers a more comfortable patient experience.
At what age should tongue-tie be treated?
Tongue-tie can be treated at any age, but early intervention is generally recommended. In newborns, tongue-tie that interferes with breastfeeding can be released within the first few weeks of life — this is often performed by a paediatrician or lactation specialist. In older infants and children, tongue-tie that affects speech development, eating, or oral hygiene is typically treated between the ages of two and five. Adults with untreated tongue-tie causing speech difficulty, jaw tension, or restricted tongue movement can also benefit from frenectomy at any stage.

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