FrenectomiesIn Waco
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but for some families, it can also be painful, stressful, and exhausting. If feeding feels harder than it should, you are not alone, and there is help. Frenectomies can relieve discomfort, improve feeding, and support your child in getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
Does my child really need a frenectomy?
Hearing that your infant may need a procedure can feel overwhelming, but frenectomies are simple, safe, and highly effective, with minimal aftercare required. Our approach to dentistry is always conservative, meaning a frenectomy is only recommended when it is truly necessary. If breastfeeding has been challenging or you notice clicking or popping sounds while your child feeds, a consultation can help determine whether a frenectomy may be beneficial.
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.
Improve feeding and nutrition
Support clear speech development
Promote healthy dental and facial development
Free Your Child's Movement
Tongue-tie and lip-tie occur when the tissue connecting your child's tongue or lip to the mouth is too thick or tight, restricting movement and affecting feeding, speech development, and dental health. A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that releases this restrictive tissue, allowing your child to move their tongue and lips freely for proper feeding, clearer speech, and healthier oral development.
The Frenectomy Process
Consultation
Consultation
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, we use advanced laser technology that is gentle and precise, so numbing is typically not necessary. Your child remains comfortable throughout the quick, efficient procedure.
Releasing the Tissue
Releasing the Tissue
The frenulum can be released in seconds using specific 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
Aftercare & Healing
Laser frenectomies typically require no stitches or sutures. Aftercare includes gently cleaning the area twice daily, and we may recommend simple tongue or lip stretches to help prevent reattachment and support proper healing.
What makes us different
Comprehensive Family Dentistry
Our practice is here for every member of your family, at every stage of life. From your newborn's first frenectomy or infant oral health visit to your older children's checkups, your own cleanings and restorative care, and even your parents' or grandparents' dental needs, we can treat everyone under one roof. Caring for the whole family means fewer appointments to juggle, a team that knows your family's history, and a practice you can trust for years to come. With one welcoming dental home for all ages, you can feel confident that your family's smiles are in caring, experienced hands.
Collaborative Care
We believe the best outcomes happen when everyone supporting your child works together. Our team partners closely with lactation consultants, pediatricians, chiropractors, and other infant care specialists to make sure your baby's feeding challenges are evaluated from every angle. Before a frenectomy, we coordinate with your child's care team to confirm that a tongue or lip tie is truly the issue. After the procedure, we stay connected so that follow-up care, bodywork, and feeding support all work together. With this team-based approach, you never have to navigate the process alone, and your child receives well-rounded care that supports lasting results.
Biolase Waterlase
We use Biolase Waterlase laser technology to perform frenectomies with exceptional precision and minimal discomfort, using focused laser energy and water to gently release the restrictive tissue with pinpoint accuracy. This advanced laser approach results in minimal bleeding, reduced post-operative swelling, and faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods—allowing your child to return to normal feeding and activities quickly. With Waterlase, you can feel confident that your child's frenectomy is performed using the latest, gentlest technology available for optimal outcomes and a comfortable experience.
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.
Feeding challenges are often the first sign that a frenectomy may be needed. If your child struggles to latch properly, milk leaks from their mouth, or they frequently stop and start during feeds, it could indicate a tongue or lip tie. You might also hear clicking sounds while breastfeeding, which suggests your baby is having difficulty achieving a good seal due to a restricted tongue or lip.
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 extended. 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.
Coverage varies by plans, but we are happy to check your insurance benefits for you. 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 dentist can help determine if a frenectomy is necessary at any age.
