For some, breastfeeding can be a wonderful time to bond with your child. For others, it can be a painful, frustrating experience that leaves you feeling drained. If you’re wondering if there’s a better way, the answer is yes. Frenectomies can help keep you comfortable and ensure your child is getting proper nutrition while feeding.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Does my child really need a frenectomy?
Being told that your infant needs a surgical procedure can sound scary, but frenectomies are simple, safe, and effective. Plus, with a conservative approach to pediatric dentistry, your doctor will only recommend frenectomies when they deem them necessary. If you’ve been struggling with breastfeeding or noticing popping or clicking sounds while your infant is feeding, it may be time to come in for a frenectomy consultation. Tongue ties and lip ties also present various other symptoms in older children to look out for, including trouble eating, speech issues, and gum recession.
Did you know…
Tongue ties occur in 4-11% of newborns.
Ready to
schedule your appointment?
Minimally-Invasive CO2 Laser Frenectomies
Our gentle, yet effective Solea CO2 laser can correct tongue and lip ties with little to no pain or discomfort while promoting faster healing. In most cases, numbing is not even required, and the entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
Expert, Personalized Advice
Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part. We are here to help you take the first step with comprehensive frenectomy consults.
The Benefits of Frenectomies
Experience Better Breastfeeding
Tongue/lip ties can make breastfeeding difficult for both baby and mom. Frenectomies ensure your infant can feed properly and help prevent low weight gain.
Prevent Speech Impediments
Early treatment with a frenectomy helps prevent speech impediments due to restricted tongue movement.
Improve Overall Eating Ability
Releasing restrictive tissues can also help older children enjoy their favorite foods with ease.
The Frenectomy Process
Consultation & Evaluation
First, a consultation is necessary to determine if your child requires a frenectomy. You’ll discuss your concerns and experiences with the doctor and your child will receive an oral exam. The dentist will examine their mouth for signs of tongue and lip ties, and determine whether or not a frenectomy is the best option.
Releasing the Tissue
We use a state-of-the-art CO2 laser to perform frenectomies, making the procedure quick, gentle, and highly effective. The tongue tie or lip tie can be released in seconds. Also, the laser minimizes bleeding and discomfort, and encourages faster healing.
Aftercare & Healing
With a laser frenectomy, there is no need for stitches or sutures for infants. For older children, they may be necessary, but your doctor will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for your reference. Proper aftercare is essential and includes exercises and stretches so the tissue heals properly and does not reattach.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tongue and lip ties?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
Tongue and lip ties are collectively known as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs. They occur when the bands of tissue that connect the tongue or the lips to the mouth become overdeveloped to the point that proper mouth movement is restricted.
They are uncommon in infants and toddlers, and sometimes do not need treatment. Minor tongue and lip ties may not cause any feeding problems, or contribute to speech impediments.
However, serious tongue and lip ties can make it hard for your child to breastfeed or use a bottle properly, resulting in poor feeding and inadequate nutrition. If you think that your child is having trouble feeding because of tongue or lip ties, you should get help from a pediatric dentist right away.
How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?
Feeding problems are the most common signs of tongue and lip ties. Your child’s lips and tongue need to be able to move properly to latch onto the nipple and stimulate it for proper feeding. If they seem to be having trouble making a proper seal, milk dribbles out from their mouth while feeding, or they frequently stop and start feeding, they may be having latching issues due to tongue or lip ties.
You can also look for visual signs of tongue and lip ties. For the lips, you can fold back your child’s upper lip and look at the frenulum. If it is difficult to lift the lip or it seems like your baby is unable to move their upper lip on their own, they may have a lip tie.
Signs of tongue ties include an inability for your child to stick their tongue out past their front teeth, or problems moving the tongue from side to side. Tongue ties can also be identified visually. A common sign of tongue ties is a “heart-shaped” tongue. When your child sticks their tongue out, the restriction caused by the tongue tie may cause it to look “notched” or heart-shaped, instead of appearing as a smooth “U” shape.
However, some tongue ties, known as posterior tongue ties, are "hidden" and may appear normal to the untrained eye. In these cases, symptoms may not appear until later in life, but trained professionals like the team at Songbird Pediatric Dentistry can evaluate and diagnose these cases.
Are frenectomies painful?
With our CO2 laser, there is minimal discomfort during a frenectomy. For infants, we offer both a specially formulated topical anesthetic as well as natural options. For older patients, we typically provide a small amount of local anesthetic to the area to help minimize any discomfort.
Are frenectomies covered by dental insurance?
We're happy to assist you in maximizing your child's health benefits. It's important to note that coverage for congenital anomalies is unpredictable and varies widely among different insurance providers. To overcome this challenge, we created Tiny Ties of Middle Tennessee. This entity operates independently of insurance agreements to ensure complete transparency with our patients and their families regarding procedure costs. As a courtesy, we do offer medical superbills that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement
What is recovery and aftercare like for frenectomies?
Recovery and aftercare after a laser frenectomy is generally minimal and straightforward. We will recommend a series of exercises and stretches based on the procedure performed. These exercises and stretches are important to prevent reattachment and maintain range of motion. We will also provide detailed guidelines for your reference, so you can help your little one heal with confidence.
Are frenectomies only for infants and young children?
Frenectomies are usually identified in infants and young children before they grow older, so the treatment is primarily done on younger children. However, it’s not exclusively provided to infants and young children. Older kids, teenagers, or even adults who have tongue or lip ties may be able to benefit from treatment with a frenectomy if they have significant tongue or lip ties.
How much does a frenectomy cost?
We're proud to be transparent about pricing for this life-changing procedure. The initial consultation is a one-time fee of $97, which can then be applied towards the cost of the frenectomy itself. A lip tie release or tongue tie release is $400, or $800 for both if necessary. If we find any buccal ties (tethered oral tissues from the cheek to the gum line), we will release them free of charge. You will also receive a complimentary evaluation one-week post-operation.
