Pediatric FrenectomiesIn East Lake Chula Vista, California
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.
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. We always recommend an evaluation by a lactation consultant prior to infant procedures to ensure a holistic approach.
Laser Frenectomies
Our CO₂ laser is a gentle and effective option for treating tongue and lip ties, offering several benefits:
- High precision for controlled tissue release
- Minimal bleeding due to cauterization during the procedure
- Reduced swelling and inflammation
- Lower risk of infection
- Faster and more predictable healing
- Minimal discomfort
- Short procedure time, typically less than 15 minutes from start to finish
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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.
The Benefits of Frenectomies
Experience Better Breastfeeding
Tongue and lip ties can interfere with latching and milk transfer, making feeding difficult and frustrating. A frenectomy helps your baby feed more efficiently and can reduce discomfort for nursing parents while supporting healthy weight gain.
Prevent Speech Impediments
Early treatment can help reduce the risk of speech challenges caused by limited tongue mobility, setting your child up for clearer speech development as they grow.
Improve Overall Eating Ability
By releasing restrictive tissues, older children may find it easier to chew, swallow, and enjoy a wider variety of foods comfortably.
Our difference
The Frenectomy Process
Consultation & Local Anesthesia
Every frenectomy begins with a thorough consultation. We will listen to your concerns, review feeding challenges, and perform a gentle oral exam to check for tongue or lip ties. If treatment is recommended, the area will be numbed to ensure your child remains completely comfortable throughout the procedure.
Releasing the Tissue
The frenulum can be released in seconds using specialized tools such as a laser. Laser treatment minimizes bleeding, reduces discomfort, and encourages faster healing. Your doctor will review all options with you before treatment.
Aftercare & Healing
Infants heal quickly due to rapid cell growth, which allows the tissue to recover efficiently after a frenectomy. In some cases, laser frenectomies may require sutures, and follow-up visits are necessary to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of reattachment. Aftercare typically includes gently cleaning the area twice daily, and simple tongue or lip stretches may be recommended to support healing.
A follow-up visit is usually scheduled within the first week after the procedure, as early healing occurs rapidly. Additional follow-ups are commonly recommended at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, depending on the baby’s healing progress. These visits allow for close monitoring, timely guidance, and continued support throughout the healing process. It is also essential to do stretches after the surgery to ensure the tissue heals correctly and doesn't re-tether.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Tongue and lip ties, also known as tethered oral tissues (TOTs), occur when the bands of tissue connecting the tongue or lips to the mouth are overly tight or thick, restricting movement. While some ties are mild and may not require treatment, more severe cases can interfere with feeding and oral function, making evaluation by a pediatric dentist important.
The most common symptoms of tongue- and lip-tie in infants include a poor or shallow latch on the breast or bottle, slow or inadequate weight gain, reflux and irritability caused by excessive air swallowing, prolonged feeding times, milk leaking from the mouth due to an ineffective seal, and clicking or smacking sounds during nursing or feeding. Maternal symptoms commonly include painful breastfeeding.
Visual signs are another way to identify a possible tie. A lip tie may be noticeable if your child has difficulty lifting their upper lip or if it appears tight. For a tongue tie, look for limited movement where your child may have trouble sticking their tongue out past their front teeth, or the tongue may look heart-shaped when elevated. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a pediatric dentist to assess your child’s condition and discuss treatment options.
Not at all! The area is fully numbed, and laser technology helps minimize discomfort and bleeding. Most children recover quickly with little post-procedure soreness.
Frenectomies are often covered by dental insurance. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking with your provider. Even without insurance, the procedure is typically affordable, and our team is happy to help review options.
Aftercare involves gently cleaning the area twice a day and completing any recommended stretches. These steps help prevent reattachment and support proper healing. We will provide clear instructions so you feel confident caring for your child at home.
While frenectomies are most commonly performed on infants, especially in cases of breastfeeding difficulties, they are not exclusive to babies. Older children, teenagers, and even adults can also benefit from a frenectomy if they have a significant tongue or lip tie that affects their oral function. For example, children who develop speech impediments, difficulty eating, or challenges with oral hygiene due to restricted tongue or lip movement may benefit from this procedure. A consultation with a pediatric dentist can help determine if a frenectomy is necessary at any age.
