Dental Services / Frenectomy

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Frenectomy

When nursing issues arise with newborns, an often overlooked problem is the presence of a lip or tongue tie preventing a proper latch to the breast. Signs of a restriction of the lip or tongue include mothers who are experiencing soreness and frustration when attempting to nurse, a child making a clicking noise during nursing, or a child experiencing colic or acid reflux.

Treatment for a lip or tongue tie is called a frenectomy. A frenum is a small fold of tissue found under the tongue (lingual frenum) and attached to the center of the upper and lower lip in the mouth (libial frenum). These two types of frena can sometimes obstruct normal function in the mouth and may require removal, also known as a frenectomy. 

Infants can be seen by Dr. O'Rourke as soon as the problem becomes evident, as early as the day after birth. Use of the laser for treatment eliminates the need to place infants in the operating room or the need for drugs for treatment. The laser allows for no stitches or post-revision bleeding, and there is little discomfort.