Should My Baby Have a Frenectomy?

Before deciding if your baby should have a frenectomy, it’s important to consult with a pediatric dentist who can thoroughly evaluate your child’s needs. A professional assessment can help determine whether a tight frenulum is affecting important functions like feeding or oral development. With expert guidance, you’ll feel more confident in making the best choice for your baby’s health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that may indicate a pediatric frenectomy is needed and what you can expect from the procedure.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A pediatric frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing or reducing a small band of tissue called the frenum, which connects parts of the mouth. There are two main types of frenectomy: a lingual frenectomy, which addresses a tight frenulum under the tongue (tongue ties), and a labial frenectomy, which treats the soft tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (lip ties). This simple procedure is often recommended when a tight frenum restricts movement, leading to issues like difficulty breastfeeding or proper dental hygiene. The goal of a frenectomy is to improve oral function, dental health, and comfort for your child.

Signs That Your Baby Might Need a Frenectomy

Here are some signs that your baby might need a frenectomy:

• Difficulty Latching During Breastfeeding: If your baby struggles to latch properly, frequently slips off the breast, or has a shallow latch, it could be a sign of a tongue or lip tie. This can lead to inefficient feeding, frustration for both baby and mother, and even pain for the mother. A frenectomy addresses this issue by releasing the tight frenulum, allowing for better tongue or lip mobility, which can dramatically improve the latch, making breastfeeding more effective and comfortable.
• Poor Weight Gain: When a baby has difficulty latching, they may not be able to feed efficiently, which can result in inadequate milk intake. Over time, this can lead to slow or insufficient weight gain, which may impact your baby’s growth and development. A frenectomy can help resolve this breastfeeding issue by allowing the baby to latch more effectively and ensuring they receive enough milk during each feeding session. Improved feeding can support healthier weight gain and overall well-being.
• Prolonged Feeding Sessions: Babies with restricted frenums often experience difficulty transferring milk efficiently during breastfeeding. This can lead to prolonged feeding sessions as they struggle to get enough breast milk. The inefficient milk transfer may cause fatigue and frustration for both the baby and the mother. A frenectomy can solve this issue by releasing the restricted fold of tissue, allowing for more effective sucking and faster milk transfer, leading to shorter and more efficient feeding sessions. This improvement helps both the baby and the mother enjoy a smoother, less stressful breastfeeding experience.
• Gassiness and Discomfort: When babies are unable to latch properly during breastfeeding, they may inadvertently swallow air while feeding. This can lead to increased gassiness, causing discomfort and colic-like symptoms. The excess air trapped in their stomachs can result in fussiness, irritability, and frequent burping. A frenectomy can resolve this by addressing the tongue or lip tie, allowing for a proper latch, and reducing the intake of air during feeding. This improvement helps alleviate gas pain and enhances the baby’s overall comfort and feeding experience.
• Mouth Breathing or Snoring: When a baby has a restricted frenum, it can lead to airway limitations, causing them to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose. This can result in snoring and interrupted sleep, which may affect the quality of rest and overall comfort. By releasing the tight frenum through a frenectomy, the baby’s airway may open up, allowing for better nasal breathing and reducing issues like snoring. Improved breathing can also lead to better sleep quality, which is essential for healthy growth and development.

Consulting with a pediatric dentist is crucial to determine whether a frenectomy is necessary for your baby. A professional evaluation will assess if your baby’s tongue or lip tie is affecting their ability to breastfeed, gain weight, or breathe comfortably.

Ideal Age for Pediatric Frenectomy

The ideal time for a frenectomy in infants is typically between 2-6 weeks of age, especially if tongue ties or lip ties are causing feeding difficulties. At this stage, the baby’s suck reflex is strong, which helps them adapt more easily after the procedure, often leading to noticeable improvements in breastfeeding. For toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years, a frenectomy may be needed if the frenum interferes with eating or causes dental issues. Addressing these problems early can promote better long-term oral health and comfort. Consulting a pediatric dentist can help determine the best timing for the procedure based on your child’s individual needs.

Is a Frenectomy Painful for My Baby?

A frenectomy is generally not painful for your baby, especially when performed using modern techniques. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use laser technology for our frenectomy procedures, which minimizes discomfort. While we do not use anesthetic injections for infants, we do apply a topical numbing gel to ensure your baby is as comfortable as possible during the procedure. The laser is highly precise, reducing pain, bleeding, and recovery time, making the experience quick and easy for both you and your baby.

Tips for Calming Your Baby During the Procedure

Keeping your baby calm during a frenectomy is important for both their comfort and the success of the procedure. Here are some effective strategies to help soothe your baby before and during the laser frenectomy:

• Feeding Before the Procedure: Feeding your baby before the frenectomy can help reduce anxiety and provide comfort. A full tummy can act as a soothing distraction during the dental procedure, keeping your baby calmer. At Camp Smile, we provide a private space for moms to breastfeed before and after the procedure, ensuring that both you and your baby feel relaxed and ready. This supportive environment helps make the process smoother, allowing you to tend to your baby’s needs in a comfortable setting.
• Comfort Objects: Bringing your baby’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal with you can provide familiarity and reassurance. Familiar items help soothe your baby in an unfamiliar setting, offering a sense of security and calm. We encourage parents to bring comfort objects to ensure their baby feels as relaxed as possible throughout the experience. These small gestures can make a big difference in helping your baby stay calm and comfortable during the frenectomy.
• Swaddling: Swaddling is a calming technique where the baby is gently wrapped in a soft blanket to mimic the snug, secure feeling of being in the womb. This technique helps reduce movement, providing a sense of safety and comfort during medical procedures like a frenectomy. By minimizing the baby’s movements and creating a peaceful environment, swaddling can help soothe anxiety and discomfort and keep your baby calm. Our team will swaddle your child during the treatment.

These simple techniques can help ensure that your baby feels as comfortable and calm as possible during an infant frenectomy procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

An infant frenectomy is a straightforward and relatively quick procedure. Before the procedure, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your baby and discuss the benefits and potential outcomes, ensuring all your questions are answered. At Camp Smile, we collaborate with specialists like lactation consultants to create a holistic care plan.

During the procedure, a topical numbing gel is applied to ensure your baby feels minimal discomfort. The laser used is precise, releasing the restricted frenulum in just a few seconds. The laser’s ability to cauterize as it cuts minimizes bleeding and significantly reduces the risk of infection. Parents are often encouraged to hold their baby during the procedure, offering comfort and reassurance.

After an infant frenectomy, we recommend breastfeeding your baby immediately, which can help soothe them and encourage healing. You’ll likely notice immediate improvements in your baby’s latch and feeding, which often brings relief for both mother and baby. Thanks to the precision of laser technology, recovery is usually quick, with minimal swelling or discomfort.

The entire process is designed to be as stress-free as possible, ensuring a smooth experience for your baby while giving parents peace of mind about their child’s long-term oral health and feeding comfort.

Post-Operative Care for Babies

After an infant frenectomy, parents will receive detailed care instructions to ensure their baby heals properly. Here are key aspects of post-operative care:

• Monitor for Discomfort or Bleeding: After a frenectomy, it’s normal for your baby to experience mild discomfort or slight oozing from the surgical site. However, excessive bleeding or prolonged discomfort should be closely monitored. While some swelling or light bleeding is expected, anything that seems unusual, such as persistent crying due to pain or signs of infection (like excessive redness or swelling), should be addressed promptly. If you’re concerned, contact us right away to ensure everything is healing as expected. Frequent check-ins will provide reassurance that your baby is recovering well.
• Pain Management: After a frenectomy, some discomfort or minor bruising may occur. If your baby seems uncomfortable, you can administer Tylenol (acetaminophen) following the recommended dosage from your pediatrician. It’s important to avoid using ibuprofen for babies under 6 months of age or weighing less than 12 pounds, as it may not be safe for them. Keeping an eye on your baby’s comfort and administering pain medication as needed will help ensure a smoother recovery. Always consult your pediatrician for specific guidance on managing your baby’s pain.
• Oral Hygiene: Gently clean your baby’s mouth to keep the surgical area free from infection. Follow our instructions on how to safely clean around the treated area. This may include using a soft, damp cloth to wipe the gums or applying a gentle oral rinse if recommended. Keeping the mouth clean is crucial for promoting healing and preventing any complications. Always ensure that cleaning is done gently to avoid irritating the healing tissue. If you have any concerns, contact your pediatric dentist for guidance.
• Stretching Exercises: After a frenectomy, it’s important to prevent the frenulum from reattaching by performing gentle stretching exercises. These exercises should begin a few hours after the procedure and continue for at least six weeks. Aim to perform the stretches six times a day to promote proper healing and ensure the full range of motion is restored. We will provide specific instructions on how to perform the exercises, and it’s important to be consistent to help your baby achieve the best possible outcome.

Reach out to us with any concerns or questions you may have. Our team is here to support you and provide expert guidance throughout the entire process. We’re dedicated to ensuring that both you and your child feel comfortable and confident every step of the way, from the procedure itself to post-operative care.

Consulting With Your Pediatric Dentist

When considering a frenectomy for your baby, consulting with a pediatric dentist is a crucial step. A thorough evaluation by a specialist will help determine whether the procedure is necessary based on your baby’s feeding, breathing, or oral issues. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we work closely with families to ensure the best outcomes for each child. With four offices in Minnesota and one in Omaha, Nebraska, we offer convenient care options right in your neighborhood. We also provide complimentary preventative care visits for new patients aged 24 months and under. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!