Infant Tongue-Tie and Lip Tie Frenectomy

What is a Frenulum?

A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. There are several frenula in the mouth that connect the tissues of the cheeks, lips and tongue. A restricted frenulum refers to an abnormal tissue attachment of the lips, cheek or tongue, restricting growth and movement in the areas to which it is attached.

Health Issues Caused by Tongue-Ties or Lip-Ties

If the frenulum is abnormal or restricted in its movement and is not addressed, it can lead to the following issues:

  • Altered/restricted development of the dental arches,
  • Limited jaw growth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Limited orafacial muscle movement
  • Improper swallowing
  • Chronic mouth breathing
  • Periodontal/gum problems
  • Nasal sinus congestion or airway constriction or inadequate lip seal/open mouth resting posture
  • Deep or over closed bite
Infant Frenectomy

Additionally, a Tongue-tie can cause difficulty in breastfeeding by preventing the baby from latching properly, leading to poor feeding and weight gain issues. In the case of children and adults, a tongue-tie can cause speech difficulties, such as trouble pronouncing certain sounds (like “r” or “l”), or challenges with oral hygiene, eating, and swallowing.

What is a Frenectomy? (“Tongue-Tie” or “Lip Tie” release)

A Frenectomy or a Frenulectomy is a minor medical procedure that we can perform in our office and have done so for many years. The procedure works to improve oral function by releasing restrictive tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) or the lip (labial frenulum). You might also hear the term tongue-tie release or lip-tie release.

What to Expect During and After a Frenectomy

Frenectomies are less invasive than having a dental filling! The use of a local topical anesthetics will be used to ensure comfort during the procedure. The tissue is then reduced, often using a laser. The laser does not cut, produces minimal discomfort, and almost no bleeding. Lasers sterilize at touch, therefore have less risk of infection and promote faster healing. By using a laser, stitches are not necessary! The procedure is quick, often with minimal recovery time, and results are usually seen within days and infants begin feeding better almost immediately after the procedure!

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Choose Us for Your Child’s Frenectomy

Choosing the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New England for your infant’s frenectomy ensures you are working with a team of specialists who understand the delicate nature of tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing gentle, precise care that prioritizes your child’s comfort and development. We use advanced techniques to perform the procedure safely and efficiently, minimizing discomfort while delivering effective results.

By addressing tongue-tie and lip-tie early, you can prevent potential feeding difficulties, dental issues, and speech delays. Our personalized approach ensures that we not only treat the immediate issue but also focus on your child’s long-term growth and well-being. Trust us to provide compassionate, expert care in a calm and welcoming environment, so your child can thrive.

Contact

Email:

info@tmjsleepma.com

Address:

563 Main Street
Bolton, MA 01740

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    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New England

    Brittany D.

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Beautiful experience. My third child, was my first with ties. Dr. Kaplan took his time showing me images of my sons ties and explaining them to me so I understood them more. He also made the atmosphere very comfortable! We had all 3 ties released (tongue, lip, and cheek) done in about 10 minutes. Dr. Kaplan checked in with me about 5 minutes after the procedure and explained everything to me about follow up appointments with lactation and chiro and how to massage my babies mouth post-op. Highly recommend for infant tie issues!

    Marissa T.

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Dr. David is by far one of the most compassionate dentists I have ever met. Dr. David and her team have a thirst for knowledge and are constantly furthering their education. I would highly recommend the TMJ & Sleep Centre of New England if you have any TMJ/Sleep needs.

    Tara R.

    5.0 ★★★★★

    I have only been for initial exam and consultation, so this review is for that. I love the office. They have great technology and a nice ambiance if you can believe it. Pretty rare to find a dentist with nice views but I had beautiful trees to look at outside the window while I sat in the chair. The tech and dentist were so caring and really listened to me and took their time to make me feel at ease. I have had some less than savory and even traumatic experiences at other dentists , I can say that I feel very comfortable and trusting with Dr David. I think she is a brilliant doctor who really cares about people and looks at the whole picture , not just your teeth. I’m happy I found her and ready to start my treatment plan. This is by far not the cheapest dentist but I only have one set of teeth, so trusting myself to the best.