Frenectomy Comprehensive Guide: What to Expect
If you’ve been told your baby might have a tongue-tie or lip-tie, it can be a little confusing at first. These terms refer to tight or short pieces of tissue in your baby’s mouth that can affect how they eat or speak comfortably. The good news? It’s common—and easily treatable with a procedure called a frenectomy.
A tongue-tie happens when the strip of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenum) is too tight. This can make it hard for your baby to move their tongue freely. A lip-tie is similar, but it affects the upper lip and the tissue (the labial frenum) that connects it to the gums. When these tissues are too restrictive, they can make feeding more difficult for your baby—and more stressful for you. As your child grows, tongue- and lip-ties can also affect speech development, making certain sounds harder to pronounce clearly.
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
Not all ties cause problems, but when they do, feeding is often the first sign something’s off. Some common signs include:
- Trouble latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Clicking or gulping sounds when eating
- A small blister on the upper lip
- Long, tiring feeding sessions
- Gassy, fussy behavior
- Poor weight gain
- Sore nipples for breastfeeding parents
If any of these sound familiar, a pediatric dentist or lactation consultant can take a look and let you know if a simple procedure called a frenectomy might help.
What’s a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a quick and gentle procedure that releases the tight tissue. At Blakeney Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, our team often uses a soft-tissue laser, which helps minimize bleeding and speeds up healing. The actual treatment usually takes just a few minutes, and many babies are able to feed more easily right afterward.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most babies feel better quickly. There may be a little fussiness, but many families report easier feedings almost immediately. You may be shown some gentle stretching exercises to help the area heal correctly and avoid the tissue tightening again.
Understanding Tongue Ties at Blakeney Pediatric Dentistry
At Blakeney Pediatric Dentistry, we know how stressful feeding struggles can be—especially when your baby can’t tell you what’s wrong. Whether it’s a suspected tongue-tie, lip-tie, or just questions about what’s normal, our team is here to help guide you through it with calm, supportive care. We’re proud to help Charlotte families feel confident about their baby’s growing smile.
