Frenectomy Procedure

What to Expect at Your Child’s Frenectomy Visit?

Your first visit will be a detailed frenectomy consultation with one of our pediatric dental specialists. We take the time to understand your concerns and evaluate your child’s oral anatomy and function—including the tongue, lips, cheeks, jaw size, and movement.

We’ll also screen for head and neck tension, body asymmetry, and how these factors may be contributing to your child’s symptoms. Our team looks at the whole picture.

If a tongue-tie or lip-tie release is recommended, we’ll explain:

• What a laser frenectomy involves
• The risks and benefits
• Healing expectations and post-op care
• Whether same-day treatment is possible

We also work collaboratively with lactation consultants, feeding therapists, and bodywork providers to ensure your child gets comprehensive support before and after the procedure.

Why We Use a Laser for Frenectomies

At GRiN, we use a laser to perform frenectomy procedures because it’s safer, faster, and more comfortable—especially for infants and young children.

Advantages of Laser Frenectomy:

• • Minimally invasive and gentle on tissues
  • No stitches or general anesthesia required
  • Often no need for topical or local anesthetics
  • Reduced bleeding, swelling, and discomfort
  • Quicker recovery and improved healing
  • Precise control during treatment—even if the child moves
  • Bactericidal properties lower the risk of infection

Laser technology allows us to deliver a pediatric frenectomy experience that’s as stress-free as possible for both kids and parents.

Aftercare for Breastfed Babies After a Frenectomy

If your baby has had a tongue- or lip-tie release, it’s normal to have questions about what happens next. Healing can vary, and while some babies improve immediately, others take a bit of time to re-learn how to latch and feed effectively.

We strongly encourage continued support from your lactation consultant and feeding team after the procedure.

Stretching Exercises After Infant Frenectomy

Post-procedure oral stretches are extremely important to:

• Prevent tissue reattachment
• Support tongue mobility and function
• Minimize scar tissue
• Improve feeding and long-term outcomes

How Often?

Start as soon as possible and aim for every 4 hours in the first 48 hours. Ideally, continue before daytime feedings for the next 2 weeks. It is usually easiest to perform the stretches while positioned with the baby’s head in your lap as the doctor did for the procedure.

Tongue Stretch

• Place two index fingers under your baby’s tongue (on either side of the incision)
• Gently lift the tongue and push backward until you see the diamond-shaped area where the release was done
• Hold for 3 seconds, then release
• Repeat 1–2 times

Lip Stretch

• Use thumbs and index fingers to lift your baby’s upper lip until it reaches the nostrils
• Hold for 3 seconds, repeat 1–2 times
• Gently massage just below the nose afterward

These exercises may feel awkward at first but are key to long-term success. If you stop and your baby begins feeding poorly again, restart stretches for a few days.