Laser Frenectomy

At Blossom Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our doctors have extensive training in evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of tongue and lip ties for infants, children and teens. Tongue and lip ties, also known as tethered oral tissues (TOTs), are caused when the frenulum, which is a small band of tissue, restricts the movement and mobility of the lip and/or tongue. TOTs can impact an infants ability to breast and bottle feed. Infants may have difficulty latching, effectively and efficiently transferring milk, and gaining weight. Mothers may experience pain, cracked nipples, and breast engorgement, making breastfeeding stressful and uncomfortable. As children get older, TOTs can impact facial growth and development, eating, speech, and even healthy sleep habits! TOTs may contribute to difficulty brushing and an increased risk of tooth decay.

At Blossom, we take a team approach to diagnosis and treatment:

TOTs can have a range of appearances amongst children and infants, meaning not every child with tight-appearing tissues will require a release procedure. We work closely with lactation consultants, speech language pathologists, and myofunctional therapists to identify problematic TOTs and determine if and when a frenectomy is appropriate. For infants, we do require that they are evaluated by a lactation consultant prior to performing the procedure, as not all babies will require frenectomies, and those that do typically have the best outcome when being treated concurrently by a lactation consultant.

At Blossom, we use a Light Scalpel CO2 laser. This state-of-the-art laser allows for quick and precise treatment. It reduces post operative discomfort, minimizes healing time and risk of scar tissue formation, and diminishes the risk of post operative bleeding and infection.

At the consultation visit, our doctors will perform a thorough evaluation, including a review of your child’s medical and dental history, symptoms associated with TOTs, and a comprehensive clinical exam. Treatment recommendations are tailored to each individual child and their specific symptoms and anatomy. We will discuss treatment options, including which areas we recommend treating, whether or not sutures will be used, and whether the parents think that their child will need any type of sedation to help them relax during the procedure. We will then discuss post operative stretches and exercises, which are crucial for optimal results. We will also discuss additional therapies or follow-up visits with other providers to maximize benefits of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my baby need a referral to be seen at Blossom for a tongue or lip tie?

We do require that infants are evaluated by a lactation consultant (IBCLC) prior to performing a frenectomy procedure. This helps ensure optimal results for mother and baby.

Can the procedure be performed the same day as the consultation?

If the baby/child has received appropriate pre-procedure evaluations and care ( ex. lactation services, speech language pathology, myofunctional therapy), the procedure may be offered the same day as the consultation. We understand that your time is valuable and want to streamline the process as much as possible, while striving for best possible results for your child. Working with the appropriate providers prior to the procedure can greatly improve post-procedure results.

Can I be in the room with my child during the laser procedure?

During the actual laser procedure, parents will wait in the consultation room. The procedure is quick, only several seconds per site. As soon as the procedure is complete, we will return your baby or child to you, and review post operative stretches and exercises.

Is Vitamin K required for my baby to have a frenectomy?

Yes, babies under 6 months of age are required to have the vitamin K injection. This helps protect your baby from excessive bleeding.

Is a frenectomy covered by insurance?

Some insurance companies cover the procedure under dental plans, and other cover under medical plans. We are happy to provide necessary documentation for you to submit to your medical insurance company if you have coverage, as we only bill through dental insurance. We recommend that you reach out to both your dental and medical insurance carrier to confirm your coverage prior to the procedure. As a courtesy, we typically verify whether or not the procedure is covered through your dental insurance.