Frenectomies/Lip- and Tongue-Tie in Allen, TX

Does your baby have trouble breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or forming certain sounds? Does your child's tongue have speech issues or difficulty eating? A tongue-tie may be to blame. Some babies and children have an overly restrictive frenulum, or the soft tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the lips to the jaws, making feedings and speech development much more difficult. At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we can perform a gentle frenectomy during which we release the excess tissue and give your child a better range of motion.

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or reduces the frenulum, the small fold of tissue that restricts movement in the mouth. This procedure can improve oral function and overall comfort for both children and adults. Benefits of a frenectomy include:

• Enhanced mobility: Increases tongue or lip movement, aiding in speech and feeding.
• Improved dental health: Reduces the risk of gum recession and gaps between teeth.
• Better breastfeeding: Helps infants latch and feed more effectively.
• Reduced discomfort: Eases tension caused by tight oral tissue.
• Quick recovery: Minimally invasive with a fast healing process.

At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we perform frenectomies, or lip- and tongue-tie surgeries, for babies, children, and teenagers. This treatment may be necessary for children that have speech problems, eating difficulties, lower jaw protrusion, or a gap between their upper or lower teeth. Nursing pain for mom, difficulty latching, inability to open the mouth widely, excessive gassiness, and a heart-shaped tip of the tongue may be indications that a baby has a tongue- or lip-tie. This quick and effective laser procedure removes the soft tissue of the frenum either between the upper lip and gums or the tongue and lower lip. The laser allows for a quicker healing process and less complicated procedure. This is ideal for children as it's minimally invasive and only requires about 2 – 3 days of mild soreness. Shortly after, your baby or your child should be feeding, eating, and speaking better.

After their frenectomy, your child may have some discomfort and swelling. These symptoms should resolve withing 2 — 3 days. The laser treatment this procedure offers is ideal for getting optimal results without a long recovery period. You may administer acetaminophen, if approved by your dentist, if your child needs relief from the pain. You should notice results within weeks of treatment.

Is a frenectomy painful?

A frenectomy is a minimally invasive and virtually painless procedure that does not even require the use of anesthesia. Using advanced laser technology, Dr. Yvonne Felli ensures precise and gentle tissue removal, minimizing discomfort for your child. The laser's precision also promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of bleeding and swelling compared to traditional surgical methods. Most children experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, and any post-operative soreness can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as needed.

Is a frenectomy covered by insurance?

It depends. Some insurance policies may deem your child eligible for coverage if they consider a frenectomy medically necessary due to issues with speech, oral hygiene, or feeding difficulties. However, all insurance plans are different. At Cuddly Smiles, we work closely with insurance companies to determine coverage and help you understand any potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with the procedure.

Is laser better for performing a frenectomy?

Laser frenectomy at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods. The procedure is known to be less invasive, more precise, and gentler than a surgical frenectomy. Additionally, the laser promotes faster healing, allowing your child to resume normal activities sooner.

If your child has a lip- or tongue-tie, they may benefit from a procedure called a frenectomy where the soft tissue connecting the upper lip and gum or the bottom lip and tongue is cut to make movement in the mouth easier. This procedure performed at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can benefit in easier bottle feeding, less painful breastfeeding for mom, and easier eating and speaking in children. Schedule a visit with one of our pediatric dentists, Dr. Yvonne Felli or Dr. Ajikwaga Felli, at our Allen, TX office.