Pediatric FrenectomiesIn Tacoma
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, please reach out to our office. We are here to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
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 with minimal aftercare. 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 child is feeding, it may be time to come in for a frenectomy consultation.
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The Benefits of Frenectomies
Experience Better Breastfeeding
Tongue/lip ties can make breastfeeding difficult for both baby and mom. We encourage moms to work with a lactation consultant prior to visiting our office. If necessary, frenectomies can help improve latch and decrease air intake, improving feeding.
Address Speech Issues
While our office does not recommend frenectomies to prevent future speech issues, but we do partner with speech therapists to evaluate patients on an individual basis. Some patients with tongue ties have difficulties making certain sounds, and a frenectomy can help eliminate the restriction and improve function.
Improve Overall Eating Ability
Some children with tethered oral tissues (TOTs) may have eating issues from infancy, and when transitioning to solid foods, they may choke, gag, or have difficulties with certain textures. Frenectomies can help improve
The Frenectomy Process
Consultation
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
Our office utilizes a Lightscalpel CO2 laser for our frenectomy procedures, the gold standard in care. The best technology allows us to release the frenulum in seconds. Our laser minimizes bleeding and discomfort, and encourages faster healing.
Aftercare & Healing
With a laser frenectomy, there is no need for stitches or sutures. Your child’s dentist may also recommend tongue or lip stretches to ensure that the frenulum heals properly and does not reattach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Tongue and lip ties are collectively known as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs. They are embryological remnants that occur when the bands of tissue that connect the tongue or the lips to the mouth are not resorbed and proper mouth movement is restricted.
Tongue and lip ties can make it hard for your child to breastfeed properly, resulting in poor feeding and discomfort. If you think that your child is having trouble feeding because of tongue or lip ties, you should get help from a lactation consultant or pediatric dentist right away.
Feeding problems are 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. 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.
Many dental insurance carriers will cover frenectomy procedures. Even if you do not have insurance, the cost of a frenectomy is quite reasonable and we do have payment options for parents. Insurance plans vary, so make sure you consult with your dental insurance company to determine if your child is covered for their frenectomy treatment.
The surgical site requires minimal care following a frenectomy procedure. Your child’s dentist may recommend some stretches for the tongue and/or lips. These stretches will help ensure that when the frenulum heals, it will not reattach and restrict your child’s oral range of motion. Follow the instructions given to you and make sure you regularly perform all stretches recommended to you by your child’s dentist.
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 lip or tongue ties.