Frenectomy FAQ

What is a tongue-tie?

The International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals defines a tongue tie as the embryological remnant of the tissue in the middle of the undersurface of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.

The mucous membrane that ties a lip or a tongue is also called a frenum.

What is a frenectomy?

The severing of a membrane with laser, electrosurgery, or incision.

Why a laser?

The laser cuts through the membrane without affecting deeper tissues. Less pain and faster healing is expected when a laser is used.The risk of infection is far less as the laser cauterizes the area.

Why no anesthetic for infants?

Due to their age we do not feel it is safe to use anesthetic, and freezing would interfere with feeding once the procedure is completed. We do offer a small dose of sucrose as a pain reliever for infants providing there are no contra-indications. If your newborn has been diagnosed or there is a family history of the following, it would not be advisable to use sucrose.

Why do it?

Improved breast-feeding is often the reason for having an infant done soon after birth, however, other reasons include speech, oral, and facial development as the child gets older.

Is this procedure “evidence-based”?

Agreement among Dental and Medical Specialists is not universal. However, an article published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association (Issue 2, 2013) reviews some of the latest scientific literature and recommends frenectomies for tongue-tied infants. The Journal of Oral Health, March 2015, provides more scientific evidence from Dr. Lawrence Kotlow a pediatric dentist in New York, NY. Dr Bobby Ghareri, an ENT in Portland, Oregon also provides a great amount of information on his website. The anecdotal feedback we receive from parents is overwhelmingly positive (see the post-procedural feedback section).

What are the possible risks?

There is a possibility of pain, bleeding, infection or delayed healing. It is crucial to follow the post-operative instructions to prevent the re-growth of the frenum.

Does my insurance cover the cost?

Payment in full is expected at the time the service is provided. Your insurance may or may not provide benefits for frenectomies. As a courtesy, our office will help you submit claims to your insurance provider. It is your responsibility to communicate with your insurance company.

Is there a guarantee of success?

No medical procedure can be guaranteed. The stretches, however, are crucial to any success rate.

What can I expect to see after the procedure?

After the procedure, a white diamond-shaped area may appear where the frenum was. This is normal and not an infection. This will heal and disappear in approximately two weeks.