Frenectomy

What is it?

     
           The most common term for this procedure is a tongue tie or a lip tie removal. A frenectomy is a procedure that releases the frenulum from its attachment, allowing proper tooth alignment and full range of motion for the tongue and lip.

This procedure can be both preventative and corrective. The treatment can correct an infant’s inability to breastfeed, reduce a mother’s breast pain and also prevent later issues such as palatal development, tooth spacing, and dental caries. The procedure can also prevent issues with speech, swallowing, and gum disease. If detected before a child’s permanent teeth erupt, a frenectomy can prevent frontal gaps that might require orthodontics if left untreated.

What can it cause?

Frenectomy for the Infant
 

          If your baby has trouble breastfeeding, this could be due to a restricted lip, tongue, or both. The lip must have the capability to flange out around the areola creating a sealed latch. At the same time, the tongue makes a wave like motion drawing in milk encouraging the baby to swallow. If restricted by a tongue tie or lip tie, proper nursing cannot be achieved.
 

Symptoms for Baby
 

• Difficulty achieving a good latch

• Slides off the breast

• Reflux/Colic

• Poor weight gain

Symptoms for Mom
 

• Creased, cracked, bleeding, and blanched nipples

• Painful latch

• Gumming or chewing of the nipples

• Incomplete breast drainage

• Infected nipples

• Mastitis or clogged ducts

• Oversupply/Undersupply

• Depression
   

Frenectomy for the child or adult
 

Symptoms
 

• Trouble with speech, swallowing, and chewing

• Development of the face

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Tongue thrust

• Malocclusion

• Vaulted palate

• Spacing between front teeth

• High risk of cavities
  
  HOW DO WE TREAT IT ?
  
              At the initial appointment we will assess the symptoms, complaints and concerns. Pediatric dentist will  do evaluation and discuss about the treatments. An appointment will be scheduled .
             The treatment will be done with laser which is minimally invasive and very good post operative  results and not much discomfort. 
  The release usually takes a couple of minutes, and once completed your baby will be brought directly back to you. You will be able to feed and comfort your baby immediately.
  To help you better understand what to expect after the procedure—including healing timelines, aftercare instructions, and tips for a smooth recovery—please view our comprehensive post-op guide.