Frenectomy in Southlake

Lip or tongue tie is not uncommon in babies. When it is left untreated, however, it can cause major problems. Eating is difficult for a baby, and feeding becomes a stressful, frustrating experience for the parents. Frenectomy provides the solution for lip or tongue tie, and Dr. Preetha Thomas is the expert performing the procedure in Southlake! She has performed close to a 1000 frenectomies to date. Keep reading to learn more about the procedure at Enclave Dental!

What Is Lip/Tongue Tie?

Lip or tongue tie occurs when a frenulum -- or the bit of tissue that keeps parts of the body from moving too far from each other -- is too tight. A frenulum beneath the upper lip or below the tongue restricts movement and can make eating difficult for babies. Proper overall development may be delayed due to poor nutrition. Later on, speech may be difficult, and orthodontic issues could arise because of improper development of the palate.

If your baby experiences any of the following, he or she may have lip/tongue tie.

• Poor latch
• Falls asleep while attempting to latch
• Slides off nipple while attempting to latch
• Colic symptoms
• Reflux symptoms
• Poor weight gain
• Gumming/chewing the nipple while nursing
• Unable to hold pacifier in mouth
• Unable to use a bottle
• Short sleep episodes and refeeding every couple or few hours

Of course, lip/tongue tie doesn’t just affect baby. If the feeding mother has experienced sore, chafed, blanching nipples, intense pain, poor or incomplete breast drainage, plugged ducts, nipple thrush, or oversupply, those are also signs that a frenectomy is needed.

What's the Procedure for a Frenectomy Like?

If your child is younger than 12 months, fixing the lip/tongue tie is simple. Between the ages of 1 and 3 we may require the use of general anesthesia or conscious sedation -- for which we may have to bring in an anesthesiologist. Kids above the age of 4 can still be accommodated with nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

The actual frenectomy procedure takes less than a minute for each frenum. Using a precise laser, Dr. Thomas cuts and seals the tissues with very little to no bleeding at all.

We will begin by applying a specially formulated topical anesthetic on both the upper lip frenum and tongue for lip tie. This topical anesthetic will allow baby to be able to nurse immediately after the procedure.

After the topical is placed, your baby is comfortably swaddled and held by a member of our caring staff to minimize movement (If a parent would like to be in the room, we can make accommodations, please talk with our office). Then the laser procedure is completed quickly, comfortably, and efficiently. Aloe vera gel is placed on the site immediately after to soothe the area and promote healing -- naturally.

After your baby’s frenectomy, you’ll get the chance to nurse immediately in one of our comfortable rooms. It’s a wonderful reward for you and your baby!

Post Frenectomy Forms

Post Op One week Follow Up Visit