It sounds like a big, scary word, but it is actually a very simple outpatient procedure that fixes tongue-tie and lip-tie issues. The whole process typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. While it is most commonly performed on infants and young children, older kids can also undergo the procedure if the condition was not caught earlier.
A Lingual Frenectomy treats tongue-tie issues. The piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth can sometimes be more connected than it should be. This restriction can lead to breastfeeding problems in infants and speech issues in older kids. This procedure releases that tissue to make the tongue more mobile, helping older children form certain letters more easily and allowing infants to properly latch while nursing.
A Labial Frenectomy treats lip-tie issues. This involves the piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. A lip-tie can cause teeth misalignment by pushing a gap between the front two teeth. It can also cause infants to have breastfeeding issues because they cannot get a proper seal while nursing.
Dental soft-tissue CO2 lasers make quick work of these procedures. They are precise, almost painless, and heal very quickly because they seal the wound as they cut. If your child is experiencing breastfeeding issues or has a lisp, a trip to the dentist might help. To determine if your child is experiencing one of these issues, ask a dental specialist—like the team at Children’s Dentistry of Rancho Santa Fe—during your regular dental appointment, or set up a consultation.
Dr. Dabir is at the forefront of the latest techniques and innovation in pediatric dentistry. He and his staff are constantly working to find ways to make your child’s health better. Learn more about the Grow Well Kids program.
