Pediatric Service

Frenectomy in Alameda, Oakland, Pleasanton & Brentwood, CA

Discover frenectomy options in Alameda and how treatment may support feeding, speech, comfort, and oral function.

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A teenage patient smiling during a visit

What is a frenulum or frenum?

The frenulum or frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum) or the upper lip to the gums (labial frenulum). A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed usually by pediatric dentists to correct issues related to a tight or restrictive frenulum, sometimes called a lip tie or tongue tie (ankyloglossia).

This procedure is often recommended when a restrictive frenulum causes functional problems such as feeding difficulties, speech issues, sleep disordered breathing, or improper oral development in infants and children.

A young patient smiling during a dental visit

Infant Frenectomy

How would I know if my baby needs an infant frenectomy?

Indications:

Babies experiencing feeding difficulties (poor latch or ineffective feeding)
Parental pain or challenges with breastfeeding
Airway and sleep posture problems

Optimal Time: 2-6 weeks of age

What are the benefits of infant frenectomy?

Benefits:

Improved feeding and weight gain
During these early weeks, babies have a strong natural sucking reflex that helps them quickly adapt to their newfound tongue mobility after the procedure.
Many parents notice immediate improvements in their breastfeeding journey once their baby can move their tongue more freely.
Improved neck posture during sleep
Less snoring and mouth breathing
Less moving around during sleep

Will my baby experience any pain during a frenectomy?

Babies usually only experience minimal discomfort because the frenum tissue has very few nerve endings. The procedure can be completed within 60 seconds with our state-of-the-art Solea Co2 laser. Post-operative care: Babies can feed and soothe immediately after.

Tongue and lip frenulum before a frenectomy

Tongue and lip immediately after a frenectomy

Healing sequence from pre-op through 3 weeks post-op

How often should the stretches be done after an infant frenectomy?

Stretches and exercises are extremely important to prevent reattachment of the tissue and should be performed for 3 seconds, 3 times per day, and for 3 weeks. Detailed instructions and tools will be provided.

Demonstration of the tongue and lip stretch technique after a frenectomy

Frenectomy for Young Children

How would I know if my young child needs a frenectomy?

Problems with swallowing and/or chewing
Speech impediment and recommendation by a speech therapist
Poor oral hygiene or gum health: a frenum that attaches to the gums too close to the teeth can cause periodontal and recession issues
Orthodontic reasons: gaps between the teeth, including diastema
A tongue that is tied to the floor of the mouth can prevent proper development of the palate
Sleep disordered breathing, sleep apnea, and airway restriction

What are the benefits of frenectomy in young children?

Benefits:

Speech improvement
Quality of life improvement
Orthodontic advantages for alignment of the teeth and growth of the jaws
Improved neck posture during sleep
Less snoring and mouth breathing
Less moving around during sleep

How is a frenectomy performed?

Pediatric dentists perform frenectomies using techniques designed for safety, precision, and minimal discomfort for young patients. A thorough clinical evaluation, often combined with parental input, determines if a frenectomy is necessary.

Sometimes, collaboration with other specialists is recommended, such as lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, and speech therapists.

Post-operative care instructions will be provided, including exercises to prevent reattachment. Most frenectomies in our office are done by our state-of-the-art Solea Co2 laser or by surgical methods.

What are some of the benefits of laser frenectomy?

Benefits of laser frenectomy include:

Minimal bleeding
Shorter procedure time and faster healing
Less discomfort for the child

Why Alameda Pediatric Dentistry

A Few Things We Think You Should Know

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