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Laser Frenectomy

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Is Your Child’s Growing Smile Restricted?

Children may be born with a combination of conditions called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and/or a lip-tie. These may cause restrictions in movement that can lead to difficulty with breastfeeding, and in some instances, other health problems like dental decay or spacing, speech and airway difficulties, and digestive issues.

If your infant experiences…

  • Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
  • Trouble sucking and swallowing

Or your child experiences…

  • Speech and eating difficulties
  • Trouble sleeping

They may have a tongue or lip tie.

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What is a Tongue-Tie?

Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is the restriction of tongue movement because of the tongue adhering to the floor of the mouth. Normal tongue function allows a baby to latch adequately and breastfeed efficiently, promotes normal speech development, makes it possible for a child to self-cleanse the mouth during eating, allows adequate swallowing patterns, allows for proper growth and development. It also makes possible fun little things like eating ice cream, chewing bubble gum, or sticking your tongue out to catch raindrops.

What is a Lip-Tie?

A lip-tie occurs when the upper lip remains attached to the upper gum. It can lead to problems with speech and eating habits, jaw pain and protrusion, clicking jaws, difficulty kissing, licking lollipops or ice cream, a gap between teeth, pain with breastfeeding, and other oral health issues.

A child wearing glasses lies back while a dentist holds a dental mirror near their mouth under bright light.

The Treatment: Laser Frenectomy

Modern technology allows us to use highly precise laser treatments to treat these common issues.

During a frenotomy, we use laser light to remove the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion. With very little discomfort and almost no bleeding, some babies and children are more annoyed with the pictures than the actual procedure. The laser sterilizes upon touch, reducing the chance of infection and stimulating healing.

An adult reads a children's book to a young girl sitting on a couch. The girl, who is sucking her thumb and has a blue bow in her hair, listens intently as the story turns to visiting the dentist.

Breastfeeding Solutions

Helping Infants

An infant’s struggle with breastfeeding can often be solved by a lactation consultant or bodyworker helping with posture and latching. However, there are cases when a baby’s lip or tongue are tethered in a way that makes nursing painful or ineffective. In these instances, a release (frenectomy) of their lip or tongue attachment (frenum) may be necessary.

Helping Mothers

A frenectomy can help mothers relieve the pain of breastfeeding and regain healthy nipples and breasts, stimulate milk production by adequate stimulation, encourage bonding with her baby, and ensure adequate feeding and growth of the baby.

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