Infant & Child Frenectomy

Sometimes infants and children have a lip tie or tongue tie. This is a condition where the small muscle (frenulum) holding the lip or the tongue to the gum tissue is unusually tight. This condition can interfere with breastfeeding, speech or eating. For a newborn or young infant, a frenectomy is necessary when the abnormal frenulum is impairing the infant’s ability to breastfeed. Often, pediatricians or lactation consultants may refer for a frenectomy in a dental office.

The procedure involves using a small amount of numbing jelly to numb the tight muscle, then holding the tongue up and making a small cut with a sterile pair of surgical scissors. Risks are very minimal. Normally, there is only a drop of blood or less.

Sometimes, older children have thicker, more muscular frenulums that require a frenectomy. This is a more complex procedure, sometimes requiring stitches to close the incision. It may require nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or general anesthesia if the child is very anxious.

Please call us to schedule an appointment! We will be happy to answer any questions about the frenectomy procedure and your child. You can reach out to our dentist and team at 253-220-7345 to learn more about infant and child frenectomy in Covington, Washington, and schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Julia Richman at Dino Kid’s Dentistry.