What is an infant frenectomy?

Tongue Tie

An infant frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed to treat tongue tie (ankyloglossia) in infants. During the procedure, a healthcare provider snips or cuts the lingual frenulum, which is the tissue connecting the tongue’s underside to the mouth’s floor. This quick and straightforward procedure releases the tongue, allowing for improved movement and function. The procedure is typically done in a doctor’s office and takes only a few minutes. It usually requires no anesthesia, although a local anesthetic or numbing cream may be applied to reduce discomfort. The baby can often breastfeed immediately after the procedure, and many mothers report an immediate improvement in the baby’s latch and feeding effectiveness.

Related FAQs

Do doctors screen for tongue ties at birth, or should a dentist check?

Supporting Your Baby’s Oral Development From Day One Many parents wonder if doctors routinely check for tongue ties at birth and, if so, whether they should still consult a dentist later on. While most healthcare providers do a preliminary screening right after a baby is born, these exams can sometimes be brief. In some cases, […]

How do dentists diagnose tongue tie in children?

Diagnosing Tongue Tie in Children When a dentist suspects a child may have a tongue tie, they begin by carefully examining the underside of the child’s tongue to check for an overly short or rigid lingual frenulum. This small band of tissue can limit how freely the tongue moves, potentially causing issues with feeding, speech, […]

Can tongue tie reoccur after treatment?

Understanding Tongue Tie Recurrence and Long-Term Healing Tongue tie, also referred to as ankyloglossia, happens when a band of tissue called the frenulum restricts the tongue’s range of motion. This condition can impact everything from breastfeeding in infants to speech clarity in older children and adults. A common solution involves a frenectomy, or minor procedure […]

How is tongue tie treated in older children?

Tongue tie in older children is typically treated with a procedure similar to that used in infants, known as a frenotomy or frenuloplasty. In a frenotomy, the lingual frenulum is cut to release the tongue, allowing greater mobility. Frenuloplasty is a more complex procedure that may be used if the tongue tie is severe or […]

Can tongue tie affect speech development?

Tongue tie can affect speech development, particularly if it is not treated early. The restricted movement of the tongue can make it difficult for a child to articulate certain sounds that require the tongue to reach the roof of the mouth or move freely within the oral cavity. Sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r” […]

How long does it take for a baby to recover from frenectomy?

Recovery from a frenectomy in infants is generally quick, with most babies experiencing minimal discomfort. The procedure is brief, and many infants can resume breastfeeding immediately afterward. Some babies may be fussy or experience mild discomfort for a few hours after the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly. It is typical for a small amount […]