Frenotomy for Infants at The Kids Dentist of Henderson
Is your baby struggling to breastfeed? A tongue-tie or lip-tie may be the cause. These conditions can make it difficult for infants to latch properly, leading to frustration for both baby and mother. At The Kids Dentist of Henderson, we have nearly 20 years of experience in performing frenectomies utilizing a state of the art CO2 laser, a simple and effective procedure that releases restrictive oral tissues to ding.
One of the key advantages of choosing our office is that we work with insurance providers to obtain pre-authorization, making it more likely that the procedure will be covered. Additionally, for those without insurance, our cash-pay cost is significantly lower than most providers, ensuring that every baby has access to care.
Call Today for complimentary consultation 702-454-1008
What is a Frenectomy?
A quick, in-office procedure that releases a tight or thick frenulum in the mouth. The frenulum is a small band of tissue that can sometimes be too short or tight, restricting movement. When this happens under the tongue, it is known as a tongue-tie. When it occurs under the upper lip, it is called a lip-tie.
Frenectomies are commonly performed in infants who are having difficulty breastfeeding. By releasing the restricted tissue, the tongue or lip can move more freely, allowing for a much better nursing experience
Frenectomies can also be used in an older child if the constriction impedes proper articulation and function. This can be in conjunction with a speech therapist.
Why Choose The Kids Dentist of Henderson?
We understand how important breastfeeding is for both babies and mothers, which is why we strive to make frenotomy procedures accessible and stress-free.
- Our office works with insurance companies to obtain pre-authorization for coverage, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
- We offer a lower cash-pay rate than most other providers.
- The procedure is quick and safe, typically taking under a minute.
- Babies can breastfeed immediately afterward for comfort and reassurance.
- Our team provides post-procedure support to ensure successful healing and feeding improvement.
What to Expect
During the Procedure
The first step is an evaluation to determine if a frenotomy is necessary. If the baby has a restricted frenulum that is affecting feeding, the procedure can often be performed the same day.
The process includes:
1
A brief examination of the baby’s mouth to assess the severity of the tongue-tie or lip-tie.
2
A laser release of the restricted tissue with local anesthesia
3
Immediate breastfeeding to help soothe the baby and encourage proper tongue movement.
Discomfort is minimal. Most babies experience only brief fussiness, if any, and recover quickly.
What is a Frenectomy?
For babies experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding, a frenotomy can provide significant benefits, including:
A stronger and more efficient latch
Reduced nipple pain for nursing mothers
Improved weight gain due to better milk transfer
Decreased gas, reflux, and feeding frustration
Healing is typically quick, with most babies showing improvement within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie is when the thin tissue under the tongue is too tight or short, restricting movement. This can affect feeding and, in some cases, speech development. The technical term for this condition is ankyloglossia.
A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too thick or restrictive. This can make it difficult for babies to maintain a strong latch while breastfeeding.
Common signs include difficulty latching, clicking sounds while nursing, frequent nursing sessions without satisfaction, slow weight gain, and excessive gas or reflux. Mothers may also experience nipple pain or reduced milk supply.
The procedure is typically recommended as early as possible if feeding difficulties are present. It is often performed within the first few weeks of life, but older infants and even toddlers can benefit as well.
The frenulum has very few nerve endings, so the procedure causes very little pain. Additionally, local anesthetic is used to numb the area during the procedure. Most babies may cry for only a few seconds and are quickly soothed by breastfeeding.
Healing is very fast, usually within a few days. Some babies may need time to adjust to their new tongue mobility, but many parents notice an immediate improvement in feeding.
We recommend gentle tongue mobility exercises to prevent reattachment which is rare with C02 laser use. Our team will provide personalized guidance based on your baby’s specific needs.
If you think your baby may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie, contact The Kids Dentist of Henderson to schedule an evaluation. We are happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Call us at 702-454-1008 or visit us at 375 N Stephanie St. #211, Henderson, NV 89014 to learn more.