Frenectomy: What It Is, Why It’s Done, and How It Can Benefit Your Baby

A frenectomy is a relatively simple yet important procedure that can have a significant impact on your baby’s feeding and overall health. If your baby is having difficulty breastfeeding, or if you notice issues with speech or dental development as they grow, a frenectomy might be the solution. In this blog, we will explore what a frenectomy is, why it’s done, and how it can benefit both babies and adults.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure in which the frenulum—a small band of tissue that connects two parts of the body—is cut or altered. There are two main types of frenectomies that are commonly performed on infants:
1. Tongue-Tie Frenectomy (Ankyloglossia)
2. Lip-Tie Frenectomy

Both of these conditions involve the frenulum being abnormally short or tight, which can affect a baby’s ability to breastfeed properly, cause discomfort, and sometimes lead to speech or dental issues later on.

What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the frenulum under the tongue is too tight or thick, restricting the tongue’s movement. This can make it difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast, which can cause ineffective breastfeeding, leading to issues such as:
• Poor latch
• Nipple pain for the mother
• Inadequate milk intake
• Difficulty gaining weight

If tongue-tie is severe, it can also cause problems with speech development and chewing as the child grows older.

What Is Lip-Tie?

Lip-tie happens when the frenulum that connects the upper lip to the gums is too tight, restricting the lip’s ability to flare properly during breastfeeding. This can lead to:
• Shallow latch
• Nipple pain for the mother
• Gumming issues during early feeding
• Reduced milk intake

Lip-tie can also affect oral development and cause dental problems in later years, such as gaps in the teeth or difficulty cleaning the teeth properly.

Why Is a Frenectomy Performed?

The primary reason for performing a frenectomy is to improve feeding. Babies who have tongue-tie or lip-tie often struggle with breastfeeding, leading to frustration for both mother and baby. Here are some of the common reasons a frenectomy might be recommended:
• Breastfeeding Difficulties: The tight frenulum makes it hard for babies to latch or maintain a proper latch, leading to poor milk transfer, nipple pain, and an increased risk of mastitis or clogged ducts in the mother.
• Improved Weight Gain: A proper latch allows babies to get more milk and increase their weight, particularly important for babies who are already struggling with feeding or low birth weight.
• Speech Development: As children grow, a restricted frenulum can impact their ability to make certain sounds, leading to speech delays or difficulty with certain letters.
• Dental Issues: A tight lip-tie or tongue-tie can contribute to alignment issues with teeth or cause problems with oral hygiene, as it may limit the ability to fully clean the gums and teeth.

How Is a Frenectomy Performed?

A frenectomy is a relatively quick and simple procedure, often done in an office or clinical setting. There are two common methods for performing the procedure:
1. Laser Frenectomy:
• This method uses a laser to cut the frenulum. The benefit of a laser procedure is that it typically causes less discomfort, reduces bleeding, and speeds up recovery.
2. Scalpel Frenectomy:
• In some cases, a scalpel may be used to cut the frenulum. This is a more traditional approach, though it may cause a bit more bleeding than the laser method.

Both procedures are typically done with minimal discomfort for the baby, and in many cases, no anesthesia is required. Babies usually recover quickly and can return to breastfeeding immediately after the procedure. For adults or older children, local anesthesia may be applied to numb the area.

Benefits of a Frenectomy
1. Improved Breastfeeding: The most immediate benefit of a frenectomy for babies is the ability to latch properly, leading to more effective breastfeeding and better milk intake. This can help resolve issues like nipple pain and improve overall feeding efficiency.
2. Reduced Pain for Mothers: When the baby latches properly, the mother experiences less nipple pain, less risk of mastitis or clogged ducts, and a smoother breastfeeding experience.
3. Faster Weight Gain: Babies who can breastfeed properly gain weight more quickly and are at a reduced risk of dehydration or malnutrition.
4. Speech and Oral Development: For older children or adults, a frenectomy can improve speech clarity and make it easier to pronounce certain sounds. It can also assist with oral hygiene, as a proper lip and tongue range of motion allows for better cleaning and alignment of the teeth.
5. Prevent Long-Term Dental Issues: A frenectomy can prevent problems such as gaps between the teeth or gum disease that may develop as a result of lip or tongue ties.

After the Procedure: What to Expect

Recovery from a frenectomy is typically quick and straightforward. Babies may experience mild discomfort, but most can return to breastfeeding immediately after the procedure. The area will heal quickly, often within a few days, and follow-up care may include gentle stretching exercises or other recommendations from the pediatrician or lactation consultant to help ensure the frenulum heals correctly.

In older children or adults, there may be some discomfort for a day or two following the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. The benefits, however, often outweigh the brief recovery period.

When Should You Consider a Frenectomy?

If your baby is showing signs of tongue-tie or lip-tie, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or pediatric dentist who is familiar with these issues. They can assess whether a frenectomy is necessary and discuss the best course of action for your child.

Signs that your baby may need a frenectomy include:
• Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch while breastfeeding
• Painful or cracked nipples for the mother
• Frequent feeding or fussiness
• Poor weight gain
• Difficulty making certain sounds or feeding issues as your child grows

Conclusion: Is a Frenectomy Right for Your Baby?

A frenectomy is a simple, effective procedure that can resolve many common feeding and development issues caused by tongue-tie or lip-tie. If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, speech, or oral development, it’s worth considering a frenectomy to help alleviate these problems and improve their health and well-being.

As always, it’s important to consult with a medical professional who can provide a thorough assessment and guide you in making the best decision for your child’s care. With the right intervention, many babies go on to have successful breastfeeding experiences and healthy speech and dental development.

-Dr.SA