Frenectomy Indianapolis & Carmel, IN

Has your pediatrician or lactation consultant told you that your child’s nursing difficulties may be related to a tongue or lip tie? If so, a dentist experienced in laser treatment for frenectomies should be your next call. Here at Newman Family Dentistry, our own Dr. Mikel Newman specializes in this type of minor surgery helping newborns and small children regain proper use of their lips and tongue.

What is a frenulum?

The connective tissues underneath the lip and tongue are known as frenula. The labial frenulum (under the lip) and lingual frenulum (under the tongue) are responsible for limiting and guiding movement. When the labial or lingual frenulum are abnormally tight they may be restricting proper oral movements during feeding. A frenectomy is a quick and simple procedure that involves releasing this tight piece of tissue allowing for more movement and range of motion.

What symptoms can moms experience with tongue and lip tied babies?

Nipple pain and discomfort
Creased, blanched or “lip stick” shaped nipples
Cracked, bruised, blistered or bleeding nipples
Maternal exhaustion and depression
Plugged ducts
Infected nipples
Mastitis and nipple thrush
Engorged/unemptied breasts

What symptoms can the baby experience?

Poor, shallow, or non-sustainable latch
Pops on and off breast and frequently breaks seal
Gumming and chewing of nipple
Falls asleep at breast
Unable to hold pacifier
Clicking noise while feeding
Swallows excessive amounts of air
Gassy
Reflux
Long duration of feeds/short time between feedings
Poor weight gain/failure to thrive

How can an untreated tongue and lip tie impact your child’s future?

May increase risk for speech and social issues
May impact airway and breathing
May influence tooth and jaw development
May create difficulties maintaining proper oral hygiene
May increase risk for developing cavities

Laser Treatment:

Here at Newman Family Dentistry, Dr. Mikel Newman uses state-of-the-art CO2 laser technology to perform this type of surgery. The procedure only takes a couple of minutes.

The benefits of laser include:

Very precise instrument
Risk of bleeding significantly reduced
Laser energy is sterile; essentially no chance for infection
Usually only topical numbing gel is all that is needed (infants)
Performed easily in office; no need for operating room and general anesthesia so the baby is returned to parent immediately after procedure.