Frenectomy

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is performed to release the tongue or lip for more mobility when the frenulum—the piece of skin attaching it to the gums—is too short. This is especially important for infants to nurse properly (latch on).

Nearly 10% of people have a lip or tongue tie. This condition is formed during early fetal development and can restrict the movement of the tongue. A simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy is used to correct a tongue or lip tie.

Problems With Tongue or Lip Tie

The earliest sign of a tongue or lip tie is a breastfed infant with trouble feeding. The latch is ineffective due to the lip being unable to lift all the way, and drawing out the milk becomes problematic from restricted movement of the tongue. Bottle-fed infants with a tongue tie can also experience ineffective feeding as well, although it is not as common. Fussiness and poor weight gain may be signs of ineffective feeding.

Dental development and speech can be affected by an untreated tongue or lip tie. An undeveloped jaw structure can also occur from the tongue’s inability to rest in its proper position. Breathing issues and the probability of a child requiring braces are also common. Most of the time, a frenectomy procedure offers a safe and recommended treatment for infants, which can correct the present condition and prevent future complications.

Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy is a simple, quick, and minimally invasive procedure in which a laser is used to release the tie. After the procedure, the lip and tongue can move freely and normally. Infants undergoing the procedure will not normally receive anesthetic, to allow for feeding immediately following the procedure. For older patients, numbing medication is used.

The affected area will look white and gray after treatment, which is a normal part of healing. Older patients will be provided with stretching exercises. Infants who are treated for a tongue tie will require the parent or caregiver to massage the affected area gently with a clean finger before every feeding for the following week or two. The infant’s latch will need to be retrained to a flipped-out position while feeding.

If you experience anything unusual following the frenectomy procedure, such as prolonged bleeding or signs of infection, please give our office a call. We will make every effort to see you promptly.