Frenectomy Procedure

Is your newborn having difficulties breastfeeding or gaining weight?

Are you experiencing issues with breastfeeding, such as sore, cracked, or bruised nipples?

These types of issues could be restricting your newborn’s tongue and/or lip movement, making it difficult for them to latch on and breastfeed properly.

This restriction could be due to an abnormally positioned or thickened tongue, frenum or lip frenum.

The frenum is a normal anatomical tissue attached from the tongue to the floor of the mouth or from the lips to the gums around our teeth.

Symptoms of tongue or lip include:

In Infant:

• Inadequate feeding
• Inadequate weight gain
• Reflux, Vomiting
• Colic symptoms
• Swallowing issues

In Mother:

• Breast Pain, Full breasts
• Cracked, Painful, Infected Nipples
• Nipple thrush

Future Consequences:

As the child grows these restrictions result in an abnormal position of the tongue and lips, which may cause:

• Speech problems
• Eating difficulties
• Airway issues
• Dental and oral hygiene issues

Our Recommendations :

• Consult our Dentists; we are trained in the management of this condition
• Consult a Lactation Consultant
• If necessary, have the tongue tie/lip tie release procedure performed

Frenectomy Procedure:

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure typically performed under a local anesthetic that removes or loosens a band of muscle tissue that is connected to the lip, cheek, or floor of the mouth.

The release of the tongue or lip tie is known as the frenectomy procedure, also known as tongue or lip-tie surgery. This procedure is considered minor and can be done in-office. During the procedure, a laser is used to surgically release the tissue attachment below the tongue or the band of tissue, attaching the upper lip to the gums.

The laser allows this frenectomy procedure to be performed within a few seconds by cutting the tissue with minimal bleeding and discomfort. The laser technology replaces the use of a scalpel or a pair of scissors, making the procedure comfortable and quick for the infant.

Benefits of the laser procedure:

Rapid procedure
Minimal discomfort and bleeding
Clean and disinfected wound
Better healing