What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that helps correct issues related to a child’s tongue or lip movement. Sometimes, a small piece of tissue under the tongue or inside the upper lip called the frenulum, can be too tight or thick, causing problems with oral hygiene, eating, or even breastfeeding in babies. By gently removing or adjusting this tissue, a frenectomy can improve your child’s ability to move their tongue or lip more freely. This quick and safe procedure is commonly performed by pediatric dentists and can make a big difference in your child’s oral development and comfort.

Why Do Some Kids Need a Frenectomy?

There are several important reasons why your child may need a frenectomy. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Breastfeeding Difficulties: For babies, a tight frenulum can make breastfeeding challenging by limiting their ability to latch properly. This can lead to inadequate feeding, poor weight gain, and discomfort for the mother. If your baby struggles with a shallow latch, frequently falls off the breast, or makes clicking sounds while feeding, it might be best to consult with a pediatric dentist.
• Feeding Challenges in Toddlers and Young Children: As your child grows, a restrictive frenulum can make eating difficult. They may have trouble chewing or swallowing food properly, which can increase the risk of cavities due to leftover food in the mouth and make maintaining good oral hygiene more challenging.
• Dental and Orthodontic Concerns: A tight frenulum can interfere with your child’s tooth spacing, sometimes leading to tooth gaps or alignment issues. Removing the frenulum can help prevent these problems and support the proper alignment of your child’s teeth as they grow.

A frenectomy is a simple and effective procedure that can greatly improve your child’s quality of life by addressing these issues. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a pediatric dentist or orthodontist to determine if a frenectomy is necessary for your child.

At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe in a team approach. Our providers collaborate with lactation consultants, speech and occupational therapists, primary care team members, and other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for our young patients. This comprehensive care ensures that every aspect of your child’s needs is addressed, helping them thrive both now and in the future.

Different Types of Frenectomies 

There are two main types of frenectomies that address restrictive tissue in the mouth. We perform both these procedures using laser technology, which allows for a quick and comfortable experience. 

• Tongue-Tie (Lingual Frenectomy): This procedure is used when the frenulum under the tongue is too tight, limiting tongue movement. Children with a tongue-tie often struggle with breastfeeding or eating because their tongue isn’t able to move freely. A lingual frenectomy releases this connective tissue, allowing your child to have better tongue mobility, which can improve feeding.
• Lip-Tie (Labial Frenectomy): A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (labial frenum) is too tight or thick. This can cause breastfeeding difficulties or contribute to a gap between the front teeth. A labial frenectomy corrects this by releasing the tissue, which can improve lip movement and help with dental development.

We make sure your child’s frenectomy is as safe, quick, and comfortable as possible. Our goal is to help them achieve better oral function and development with minimal discomfort. 

The Frenectomy Procedure: What to Expect

The frenectomy procedure is quick, simple, and designed to keep your child as comfortable as possible. The dental procedure typically does not require any local anesthetic or numbing injections, which means no needles or discomfort for your child, but we do apply a topical gel first to help minimize any discomfort from the laser treatment. 

Laser dentistry works by using light and water to gently release the tight tissue (frenulum) without the need for traditional cutting tools like scalpels. This precise technology allows us to complete the entire procedure in just a few minutes, and most children experience little to no discomfort during or after treatment.

Parents can expect their child to feel relief almost immediately, with improved tongue or lip movement right away. The recovery process is usually very fast, and because the laser surgery promotes healing, your child will likely be back to their normal routine quickly. We will provide you with clear post-care instructions to ensure the healing process goes smoothly and your child’s mouth remains healthy.

Potential Benefits of a Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy performed with a laser offers several important benefits for your child:

• Minimally Invasive: The laser allows for a gentler approach compared to traditional methods. It minimizes trauma to the surrounding soft tissue, making the procedure quicker and more comfortable for your child.
• No Needles: Another advantage is that it often eliminates the need for numbing injections. This means no needles and less discomfort, which is especially helpful for children who may feel anxious about injections.
• Less Bleeding and Swelling: The laser not only cuts but also cauterizes as it works, which significantly reduces bleeding during the procedure. This helps keep the area clean and minimizes swelling afterward, leading to a smooth recovery.
• Quicker Procedure: It allows us to complete the frenectomy in just a minute or two, much faster than traditional methods, which can take up to 15 minutes. This is especially beneficial for young children who may have trouble sitting still for longer periods.
• Faster Recovery Time: The laser promotes faster healing time, meaning your child can get back to their normal activities almost immediately. Because this invasive procedure doesn’t require stitches, there’s less discomfort and a lower risk of infection.
• More Comfortable Experience: The laser produces less noise and vibrations, creating a more relaxed environment during the procedure. This helps reduce any anxiety your child might feel, making the experience more positive for both of you.
• Better Breastfeeding: For infants with tongue-tie or lip-tie, a frenectomy using laser technology can lead to immediate improvements in breastfeeding. Many parents notice that their baby can latch more easily and feed more effectively right after the procedure. 
• Improved Dental Health: By releasing the tight tissue, a frenectomy can support healthier dental development and reduce the need for future orthodontic treatments, helping to prevent issues like gaps or misaligned teeth.

A frenectomy procedure can greatly improve your child’s oral function, comfort, and well-being, setting them up for healthier development as they grow.

Post-Frenectomy Care: Helping Your Child Recover

After your child’s laser frenectomy, the recovery process is typically smooth and quick. Although the procedure is minimally invasive, following a few simple steps will help ensure your child heals comfortably and effectively:

• Immediate Recovery: After a frenectomy, immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are encouraged for infants to provide comfort and help them relax. The laser technology used minimizes bleeding and swelling, meaning your child should experience very little discomfort. We recommend allowing your child to rest for the remainder of the day and avoiding any strenuous activities. At Camp Smile, we also provide a private space for moms to ensure that latching is successful and that they feel confident in feeding their baby before leaving the practice. Many parents notice an immediate improvement in feeding, offering reassurance and relief.
• Managing Discomfort: While most children feel fine afterward, mild discomfort can occur. If needed, you can give your child over-the-counter pain relief, such as children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but always follow your pediatrician’s directions. (Note: Ibuprofen is not recommended for children under two years old or weighing less than 12 lbs.)
• Oral Exercises: To ensure proper healing and full mobility, we may suggest gentle oral exercises or stretches. These exercises help prevent reattachment of the frenulum and improve tongue or lip movement. It’s important to perform these exercises six times a day for at least four weeks, as directed.
• Soft Foods: For the first couple of days after the procedure, it’s best to offer your child soft, easy-to-eat foods that won’t irritate the area. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are great options. Be sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid using straws, as the sucking motion may cause irritation.
• Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up visit will be scheduled to check on your child’s healing. During this appointment, we will ensure that the tissue is healing properly and that your child’s tongue or lip movement has improved.
• Promoting Oral Hygiene: Keeping your child’s mouth clean is important during the healing process. Gentle brushing around the treated area will help prevent infection. Rinsing with water or a dentist-recommended antibacterial mouthwash can also be helpful, depending on your child’s age.
• When to Contact Us: While complications are rare, it’s important to monitor your child closely. If you notice excessive bleeding or signs of infection (such as a fever over 101.5°F), or if your child seems to be in severe pain not relieved by medication, contact us immediately.

With proper care, your child’s recovery from a frenectomy will be quick and smooth. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your child’s comfort and well-being.

Is a Frenectomy Safe for My Child?

Yes, a frenectomy is a safe and effective procedure for children. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we prioritize your child’s comfort and safety every step of the way. While every medical procedure carries some level of risk, the risks associated with a frenectomy are generally very minimal, especially when performed with laser technology.

We encourage parents to have an open discussion with our pediatric dentist to address any questions or concerns. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, and we are here to provide the highest level of care and support throughout the process.

Can a Frenectomy Improve Speech Impediments?

Not all children with tongue-ties experience speech difficulties, and a tongue-tie does not necessarily cause speech impediments. In fact, a study involving 20 children with tongue ties whose parents were concerned about their speech development found no significant improvements in speech clarity or articulation after the tongue tie was released. This highlights the fact that while tongue-ties can potentially limit tongue movement, they do not universally cause speech challenges.

It’s important to recognize that many children with tongue-ties develop normal speech without any surgical procedure. However, some may face difficulties with specific sounds and could benefit from speech therapy. Because outcomes vary from child to child, it’s crucial to have an individualized assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP will carefully evaluate your child’s speech to determine whether the tongue tie is affecting their ability to produce sounds and whether a frenectomy would be helpful.

At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe in a personalized approach to your child’s care. We work closely with speech-language pathologists to ensure that any recommendation for a frenectomy is based on a thorough evaluation and is part of an overall plan that best supports your child’s speech development.

By taking this individualized approach, we help ensure that your child receives the right treatment, leading to better outcomes and supporting their healthy development.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist or orthodontist in Minnesota or Nebraska, feel free to visit one of our neighborhood offices. We offer complimentary visits for children aged three and under, ensuring your little ones get the best start to their dental care in a friendly and comfortable environment.