A frenectomy is a quick pediatric procedure that releases a tight band of tissue, called a frenum, that restricts the movement of the tongue or upper lip. Often called the tongue-tie and lip-tie procedure, it helps babies feed better, supports speech development in older kids, and protects healthy oral growth. At Frisco Mini Molars, Dr. Laura Mitchell performs gentle, laser-assisted frenectomies for our youngest mini molars family members.
Two small folds of tissue inside your child’s mouth do a big job. The lingual frenum anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gums above the front teeth. When either one is too short, thick, or tight, it can limit movement and cause real challenges, from a poor latch in infancy to speech and eating issues later on.
A lingual frenectomy treats tongue-tie (also called ankyloglossia), the condition that keeps the tongue from lifting, extending, or moving side to side normally. A labial frenectomy treats lip-tie, which restricts how far the upper lip can flip up. Both are common in babies and kids, and both can be resolved in just a few minutes with the right pediatric specialist.
How a Frenectomy Works: The Procedure Step by Step
A frenectomy is a brief in-office procedure that releases the restrictive frenum in about 5 to 10 minutes. Dr. Laura Mitchell first evaluates your child’s tongue or lip movement, applies a topical numbing gel or small amount of local anesthetic, and then uses a soft-tissue CO2 laser (or surgical scissors) to release the tight tissue. Most kids who visit our Frisco pediatric office return to normal activity the same day.
Here’s what to expect during your child’s visit:
- Initial assessment. Dr. Mitchell examines the frenum, checks tongue and lip mobility, and reviews feeding, speech, or oral concerns you’ve noticed. Photos and a quick functional check help confirm the diagnosis.
- Comfort prep. A topical numbing gel is applied so your child feels at ease. For older kids or more involved releases, a small amount of local anesthetic may be used.
- The release. Our CO2 laser gently vaporizes the restrictive tissue in seconds. The laser seals tiny blood vessels as it works, so bleeding is minimal and stitches usually aren’t needed. If a traditional method is used, fine surgical scissors or a scalpel release the frenum instead.
- Immediate check. Dr. Mitchell confirms full range of motion and reviews the area with you before your child sits up.
- Stretching exercises. We’ll show you simple post-procedure stretches to keep the area from reattaching as it heals. These are quick, gentle, and done a few times a day for one to two weeks.
Benefits of Treating Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Releasing a restrictive frenum can change daily life for both babies and bigger kids. The benefits often show up quickly, within the first feeding or first few weeks after the procedure. Tongue-tie is one of the more common conditions we see in newborns, and treating it early can make a real difference.
How does a frenectomy help with feeding?
- Easier feeding. Babies often latch deeper and feed more efficiently, which can mean less nipple pain for nursing moms and better bottle feeding for formula-fed infants.
- Many parents notice less reflux, gas, and fatigue. When a baby can seal the lips and use the tongue properly, less air gets swallowed during feeds. That can mean a calmer, more comfortable little one.
- More comfortable eating. Older kids often handle textures, chewing, and swallowing better, with less gagging on solid foods.
Can treating a tongue-tie improve speech and oral growth?
- Clearer speech as they grow. Sounds that need tongue elevation (like t, d, l, r, and s) become easier to make once the tongue moves freely.
- Healthier oral development. A tongue that rests on the palate supports proper jaw growth, while a released lip-tie can reduce the gap between the front teeth and lower decay risk along the gumline.
- Sleep gets better too, with better breathing patterns. Proper tongue posture supports nasal breathing, which benefits sleep quality for many kids.
Laser vs Traditional Frenectomy: Which Is Better for My Child?
Both laser and traditional (scissors or scalpel) frenectomies effectively release the tight tissue. We know choosing a method can feel like a lot, and we’re happy to walk you through it so you feel confident either way. The biggest differences come down to bleeding, healing time, and your child’s overall comfort. Dr. Mitchell uses a CO2 laser at Frisco Mini Molars because it’s precise, gentle, and especially well-suited to babies and young kids.
| Feature | Laser Frenectomy | Traditional Frenectomy |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Minimal (laser seals vessels) | More bleeding likely |
| Sutures | Rarely needed | Often required |
| Procedure time | A few minutes | Slightly longer |
| Healing time | Typically faster | Longer recovery |
| Discomfort | Generally less | Mild to moderate soreness |
| Infection risk | Lower (laser sterilizes area) | Slightly higher |
| Best for | Infants and young kids | Some older kids and specific cases |
Both methods are safe and effective when performed by a trained pediatric specialist. The right choice depends on your child’s age, the type of tie, and what Dr. Mitchell finds during the evaluation.
What Affects the Cost of a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy typically falls within a moderate price range, though the final number depends on several factors and can vary widely from one pediatric office to another. The most common cost drivers include the type of tie, the method used, your provider’s training, and whether insurance treats the procedure as medically necessary.
Here’s what typically influences the cost:
- Type and severity of the tie. A simple anterior tongue-tie often costs less to release than a posterior (deeper) tie or a combined tongue and lip release.
- Procedure method. Laser frenectomies may have a higher upfront cost than scissors-based releases, but the faster healing and reduced need for sutures can offset that difference.
- Provider expertise. A specially trained pediatric dentist who works with babies and kids day in and day out brings a level of know-how that really shows in the results, and that depth of experience can shape the price.
- Sedation or comfort measures. Most frenectomies need only topical numbing, but older kids who need additional comfort options may see a higher total.
- Insurance coverage. Some medical and dental plans cover frenectomies when feeding, speech, or airway concerns are documented. Our team helps you understand your benefits before the visit.
- Follow-up care. Stretching education, recheck visits, and any coordination with lactation consultants or speech therapists may be included or billed separately.
Is Your Child a Candidate for a Frenectomy?
Not every tight frenum needs treatment, but certain signs are worth a closer look. If your baby is struggling to feed or your older child has trouble with speech or eating, a quick evaluation with our Frisco pediatric specialist can give you clear answers.
Common signs your child may benefit from a frenectomy:
- In babies: poor or shallow latch, clicking sounds during feeding, falling asleep at the breast or bottle, slow weight gain, reflux, excessive gas, or a heart-shaped tongue tip when crying.
- In toddlers and older kids: difficulty articulating certain sounds, trouble licking an ice cream cone or sticking the tongue past the lips, picky eating or gagging on textured foods, mouth breathing, or a noticeable gap between the upper front teeth.
- Functional limits: tongue that can’t lift to the roof of the mouth, upper lip that won’t flip up easily, or visible tension when the tongue or lip moves.
A proper evaluation looks at both the appearance and the function of the frenum. Dr. Laura Mitchell examines how your child moves, feeds, and speaks before recommending any treatment. Pro tip: bring a recent feeding video or a list of the sounds your child struggles with, it helps us pinpoint exactly what’s going on.
Frenectomy FAQs for Parents
Will my baby outgrow a tongue-tie?
This is one of the most common myths we hear. A restrictive frenum is a physical band of tissue, and it doesn’t stretch away or disappear with age. While some kids adapt and compensate, the underlying restriction stays, and that can lead to feeding, speech, or dental issues down the road. An early evaluation gives you the information you need to decide on the right next step.
Is a frenectomy painful for my child?
The procedure itself is very quick and well-tolerated. We use topical numbing (and local anesthetic when needed) so your child stays comfortable. Most babies are ready to feed right after, and older kids often describe mild soreness for a day or two, easily managed with cool foods and over-the-counter pain relief if your pediatrician approves.
How long is recovery after a frenectomy?
Recovery is usually fast. Babies often nurse or take a bottle immediately after the procedure, and most kids are back to normal activity the same day. Full tissue healing takes about one to two weeks, and the stretching exercises we teach you are key to preventing reattachment during that window.
Is a frenectomy only about breastfeeding?
Not at all. Breastfeeding challenges are often the first sign in babies, but tongue-tie and lip-tie can affect bottle feeding, speech, eating, dental spacing, sleep, and even jaw development. We see kids of all ages benefit from treatment, from newborns to school-aged little ones.
Why choose a pediatric specialist for the procedure?
Pediatric dentists are trained specifically in caring for babies, kids, and teens, including the smallest mouths. Dr. Mitchell completed advanced pediatric training and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, North Texas Dental Association, Texas Association of Pediatric Dentists, and Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society. That depth of training means safer, more comfortable care for every little one who visits.
Are there risks or complications?
Frenectomies are very safe when performed by a trained specialist. Minor risks include temporary soreness, small amounts of bleeding, or rare reattachment if stretching exercises aren’t done. We walk you through every step and stay in close contact during recovery so you feel supported the whole time.
If you’re wondering whether your baby or child might benefit from a frenectomy, we’d love to take a look. Our team at Frisco Mini Molars serves families in a fun, energetic and kid-friendly atmosphere built around dental care just for kids. Book a visit with Dr. Laura Mitchell and welcome your little one to the mini molars family.
