Name: Infant Frenectomy
Brand: Kingstowne Dental Specialists
Rating: 5 (460 reviews)

Pediatric Services

Treatment For Tongue And Lip Ties

Infant Frenectomies in kingstowne

If your infant suffers from tongue and lip ties, often known collectively as Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), they may have issues nursing, and their oral development could be harmed. If left untreated, TOTs can result in an unhealthy bite or jaw position, or diastema (a large gap between the teeth). A frenectomy is the best way to treat tongue and lip ties to ensure that your child can swallow and move their tongue and lips normally.

Understanding The Basics

What Are Lip & Tongue Ties?

Tongue and lip ties refer to abnormalities in the lingual frenula (the small bands of tissue that connect the tongue to the base of the mouth, and connect the lips to the gums). If your child has an excessively thick lingual (tongue) frenulum, or a thick frenulum connecting their lips to their gums, these bands of tissue may prevent them from being able to move their tongue and lips properly. This can result in feeding difficulties and if left untreated, it can also affect speech and the development of your child’s jaw and teeth.

Does My Infant Need A Frenectomy?

Signs of Lip & Tongue Ties

The most common signs of lip or tongue ties in infants are related to feeding. Proper breastfeeding requires a child to keep their tongue over the lower gum when feeding. Tongue ties can interfere with this, leading to difficulties latching onto the nipple. Lip ties may also make breastfeeding difficult, as your child may not be able to latch onto the breast correctly. Other signs of lip and tongue ties include labored breathing and “clicking” sounds while nursing. If you notice these signs in your child, call us today to set up a consultation for a diagnosis and treatment.

How Are Tongue & Lip Ties Treated?

The Frenectomy Process

A frenectomy is fast, painless procedure used to treat tongue and lip ties. Using a laser tool, excessive tissue is removed from the lips or tongue, allowing them to move freely without interference from a thick and inflexible frenulum. The area is numbed before the procedure is performed, and children can typically begin breastfeeding as soon as the treatment is completed.

Completely Pain-Free Frenectomies

Solea All-Tissue Laser

Your comfort and the comfort of your child are our top priorities at Kingstowne Dental Specialists. When treating infants with frenectomies, we use a special Solea All-Tissue Laser. This specialized tool is 100% anesthesia-free, and causes no pain or discomfort in your infant. It’s used to gently separate the frenulum and remove excess tissue. Your child will feel no discomfort during treatment, and the procedure takes only a few minutes.

Contact Dr. Courtney and the team at Kingstowne Dental Specialists to schedule a gentle frenectomy for your child!

FAQs

What are the signs that my baby might need a frenectomy?

Identifying whether your baby might need a frenectomy can be challenging, especially for new parents. However, certain signs can serve as indicators that a frenectomy might be necessary. One of the most common signs is difficulty breastfeeding. If your baby struggles to latch properly, experiences prolonged feeding times, or seems to be constantly hungry despite frequent nursing, it might be due to a tongue-tie or lip-tie. These conditions can restrict the movement of the tongue or lip, making it hard for the baby to feed efficiently.

Other signs include clicking sounds while nursing, poor weight gain, or excessive gassiness due to swallowing air while feeding. You might also notice that your baby has difficulty lifting their tongue to the upper teeth or moving it from side to side.

In some cases, the tongue may appear heart-shaped when the baby cries. If you observe any of these signs, it may be beneficial to consult with a specialist like Dr. Courtney Marzban, DMD, at Kingstowne Dental Specialists in Alexandria, VA, who can assess whether a frenectomy is needed.

How is an infant frenectomy performed and is it safe?

An infant frenectomy is a straightforward and safe procedure designed to release the frenulum, the small fold of tissue that can restrict the movement of the tongue or lip. At Kingstowne Dental Specialists, the procedure is performed with precision and care to ensure the comfort and safety of your baby. Typically, a frenectomy is done using a laser, which is a preferred method due to its minimally invasive nature and quick recovery time.

The laser technique is advantageous because it reduces the risk of infection and minimizes bleeding. The procedure itself is quick, often taking just a few minutes. The laser gently releases the frenulum, allowing for greater mobility of the tongue or lip. This method is not only efficient but also reduces discomfort for the infant, as the laser cauterizes as it cuts, promoting faster healing.

Parents can feel reassured knowing that the procedure is safe and that Dr. Robert Marzban, DDS, MDS, and his team are highly experienced in performing infant frenectomies. They ensure that every step is taken to provide a calm and soothing environment for both the baby and the parents.

What should I expect during my baby’s frenectomy procedure?

On the day of the procedure, you can expect a supportive and caring environment at Kingstowne Dental Specialists. The team will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Courtney Marzban will explain the process in detail and answer any questions you might have.

The procedure takes place in a calm setting, and parents are often encouraged to be present to provide comfort to their baby. The infant is gently swaddled to keep them secure and comfortable. The use of a laser ensures that the procedure is quick, typically lasting only a few minutes. Most babies cry more due to being held still rather than from pain, as the laser minimizes discomfort.

After the frenectomy, you can expect your baby to be able to nurse immediately, which can help soothe them. The team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and will be available to answer any questions or concerns you might have post-procedure.

How do I care for my baby after a frenectomy to ensure proper healing?

Caring for your baby after a frenectomy is crucial to ensure proper healing and to prevent reattachment of the frenulum. The team at Kingstowne Dental Specialists will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions. One of the key components of aftercare is performing specific stretching exercises to keep the surgical site open and to promote healing. These exercises are simple and will be demonstrated to you before you leave the office.

It's normal for your baby to be a bit fussy or irritable after the procedure, but this usually subsides quickly. You can use over-the-counter pain relief, such as infant acetaminophen, if necessary, but always consult with your pediatrician first. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can also be comforting for your baby and is encouraged immediately after the procedure.

Monitoring the site for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge, is important, though complications are rare. If you notice anything concerning, do not hesitate to contact the team at Kingstowne Dental Specialists for guidance. With proper care, your baby should heal quickly and enjoy improved feeding and comfort.

Alexandria Infant Frenectomies