If your baby is struggling to latch, your toddler has a speech delay, or your child seems to tire quickly while eating, a tongue or lip tie could be the reason. More common than most parents realize — and very treatable.
At Hendricks Pediatric Dentistry, frenectomies are one of our most requested procedures, performed with exceptional care using the Solea CO2 Laser. Fast, precise, and in most cases no anesthesia, no stitches. Most children return to normal feeding within hours.
A frenectomy is a procedure that removes a restrictive frenulum — the small band of connective tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the lip to the gum line. When this tissue is too tight or too thick, it restricts movement. A restricted tongue is called a tongue tie (ankyloglossia). A restricted lip is called a lip tie.
There are seven frena in the mouth total. When one or more are too tight, the effects can show up at any stage of life — from a newborn struggling to latch, to a toddler with a speech delay, to an older child with dental hygiene challenges.
Dr. Dan performs frenectomies using the Solea CO2 Laser — the same state-of-the-art technology that makes our fillings needle-free and drill-free. For frenectomies, the laser offers several important advantages:
For patients 4 years old and younger, a compounded topical anesthetic gel is applied before the procedure. For patients 5 and older, topical anesthetic is used and in some cases an injected local anesthetic is added for extra comfort.
Prior to the procedure it is beneficial to have the following items at home to aid in achieving the best possible outcome.
For infants, Dr. Dan recommends:
6 lbs: 1.25 mL | 7 lbs: 1.5 mL | 8 lbs: 1.75 mL | 9 lbs: 2 mL | 10-11 lbs: 2.25 mL | 12-14 lbs: 2.5 mL | 15-17 lbs: 3 mL
It is highly recommended to see an IBCLC before initiating any treatment. Dr. Dan works with IBCLCs across the state and can recommend one in your area.
For children, Dr. Dan strongly recommends preparing with your child’s Speech and Language Pathologist or Oral Myofunctional Therapist prior to the procedure.
To achieve optimal results, post-operative stretches must be carried out. Lay your child down so their head is between your legs and use an LED headlight to better visualize the maneuvers for effective “firm but gentle” stretching.
Stretching is critical because the body wants to heal back to its original position. By committing to stretches 4 times a day, for 4 seconds each, for 4 weeks, we can influence the healing location of the wounds and largely prevent reattachment. Videos of the stretches will be sent to you — created by Dr. Richard Baxter and Dr. Bobby Ghaheri.
Maxillary Buccal and Lip Stretches
If the buccal frena were released, start by gently pulling the cheek away from the face and massaging in a circular pattern. Then place your thumbs on the forehead and your middle, ring, and pinky fingers beneath the jaw. Use your index fingers to lift the lip up and out toward the nose. When you can see the diamond shaped wound, hold for 4 seconds, then place your finger under the lip and gently sweep across the wound 2 to 3 times.
Tongue Stretch
Place your thumbs on the forehead, ring and pinky fingers under the jaw, and middle fingers on the chin. Gently push the chin down and insert your index fingers on each side of the diamond shaped wound. Bring the tips of your index fingers together at the top of the diamond and elevate the tongue toward the roof of the mouth. Hold for 4 seconds, then swipe or roll upward along the wound 4 times.
For child and adolescent patients where Dr. Dan places sutures, wait 2 to 3 days before doing myofunctional therapy exercises, or follow the timeline given by your therapist.
Wondering if your child has a tongue or lip tie?
We’re happy to take a look and answer your questions. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dan today.
Call us at (317) 852-8113 or use our online appointment request.