At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how stressful it can be when your baby struggles with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, or your child’s speech and oral development aren’t going as planned. If the cause is a lip or tongue tie, the good news is that a frenectomy is a fast, simple solution.
Our Naperville pediatric dentists offer gentle, precise laser frenectomies using a state-of-the-art diode laser. Whether your little one needs a lingual frenectomy for a tongue tie or a labial frenectomy for a lip tie, we make the procedure quick and comfortable.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
A frenectomy can make it easier for infants to latch, which helps with weight gain and reduces breastfeeding-related discomfort for both mom and baby.
Releasing a child’s lip tie or tongue tie can improve speech clarity, chewing ability, and overall oral function.
A laser frenectomy is virtually pain-free, doesn’t require needles, and has minimal bleeding. Typically, babies can nurse right after the procedure.
What is a Frenectomy?
When the frenulum, a small piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth and the upper lip to the gums, is too tight, short, or thick, it can interfere with normal tongue or lip movement. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the frenulum.
There are two main types of frenectomies:
- Lingual frenectomy (or tongue tie surgery) involves snipping or reshaping the frenulum under the tongue when it limits tongue mobility.
- Labial frenectomy treats a tight frenulum between the lip and gums, commonly referred to as a lip tie.
Using advanced dental laser technology, we can perform frenectomies with minimal discomfort, no stitches in most cases and faster healing compared to traditional methods.
The Frenectomy Procedure
Here’s what to expect when your child visits Innovative Pediatric Dentistry for a frenectomy procedure in Naperville:
Evaluation & Diagnosis
We’ll perform a gentle, thorough oral exam to determine if a labial frenectomy or lingual frenectomy is needed. We’ll discuss symptoms you’ve noticed, such as difficulty latching, speech delays, or eating challenges, and explain your child’s treatment options.
Laser Frenectomy Treatment
If a frenectomy for lip tie or tongue tie is recommended, we can often perform the procedure the same day. It only takes about 15 minutes. Our diode laser releases the tight frenulum quickly and precisely by ablating the tissue. This reduces the need for local anesthesia and stitches. The laser also cauterizes as it works, which minimizes bleeding and speeds up healing.
Aftercare & Support
Most babies can nurse immediately after their procedure. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best long-term outcome.
Let’s Help Your Child Thrive
At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to make every visit positive and stress-free for kids and parents alike. If you think your baby or child may have a tongue tie or lip tie, schedule a consultation to see if a laser frenectomy can help.
