When you bring a new baby home, feeding is one of your top priorities. So, when your infant has trouble latching or seems fussy and uncomfortable during feedings, it can be a stressful experience for the whole family. Our team at Hometown Dental understands your worries about nutrition and comfort, and provides compassionate children’s dental care to support young families.
Sometimes, the issue is a small band of tissue in your baby’s mouth. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases this tissue, which can help make feeding easier and more comfortable for both you and your infant. It addresses a condition commonly known as a tongue tie or lip tie.
The Basics of a Frenum & Ties
What Is a Frenum?
You have small folds of tissue in your mouth called frenums, or frenulums. These act as anchors for the mobile parts of your mouth: one connects your upper lip to your gums, another connects your lower lip to your gums, and a third connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth. Think of them as tiny tethers that help guide development and movement, a key part of your child’s overall oral health from birth.
Lip Ties & Tongue Ties Explained
A lip tie or tongue tie happens when a frenum is too short, thick, or tight. This restriction can limit the range of motion of the tongue or lip. While often observed in infants with feeding difficulties, this condition can also affect adults, impacting speech or oral hygiene. Your dentist can help determine the best age for treatment if needed.
Signs Your Baby Might Need a Frenectomy
Challenges for Baby
Your baby might be showing signs of a tongue or lip tie if they have trouble feeding. You may notice some common indicators that something is making it difficult for them to eat effectively, and it’s helpful to discuss these during your baby’s first dental visit.
- Difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- A clicking sound while they are nursing
- Falling asleep quickly during feedings
Signs for the Parent
The feeding challenges caused by a tie can also affect you directly. If you are breastfeeding, you might experience physical discomfort or notice signs that your baby isn’t getting enough milk.
- Pain or discomfort during nursing
- Concerns about your milk supply
- Feedings that seem unusually long or frequent
The Frenectomy Procedure
How a Laser Frenectomy Works
A laser frenectomy is a modern and gentle approach to releasing a restrictive frenum. The procedure uses a precise beam of light to release the tissue. This modern laser technology helps minimize discomfort and bleeding and allows for a quick release.
Your Baby’s Experience
Your baby’s comfort is the main focus during the procedure. The entire process is very fast, often taking just a couple of minutes from start to finish. The team creates a calm environment, helping you and your baby feel secure throughout the short visit.
Recovery & Aftercare at Home
What to Expect After the Procedure
One of the great things about this procedure is the quick return to normal. You can feed your baby right after your appointment. The dental team provides you with simple follow-up instructions and is there to offer support, as part of their commitment to family-focused care.
How Long Does Healing Take?
The treated area begins to heal quickly. Your dentist may recommend specific, gentle stretches to perform for a short time to help the tissue heal properly and prevent it from reattaching. It is normal for the area to look like a small, white or yellowish patch for the first week as it heals.
Benefits of a Frenectomy for Your Family
Improved Feeding for Baby
Releasing a tongue or lip tie can make a noticeable difference for your infant’s ability to eat. With a better range of motion, your baby can get a deeper, more effective latch. The Canadian Dental Association emphasizes that early oral care is key to healthy development.
- A better latch for more efficient feeding
- Improved ability to transfer milk
- Support for healthy growth and development
More Comfort for You
When your baby can feed properly, the entire experience becomes less stressful and more positive. A successful frenectomy can lead to a more comfortable and rewarding feeding journey for you.
- A reduction in nursing pain
- Less stress and worry around feeding time
- A chance to build a more positive feeding bond
Comfortable Feeding for You & Your Baby
If feeding has been a struggle, you are not alone. A frenectomy may be a simple step toward a more comfortable experience for your family. Our team at Hometown Dental provides laser frenectomies to support healthy feeding. You can schedule a consultation with your dentist in Okotoks to learn more.
