Frenectomies – Tongue-Tie Release

If your baby is having trouble latching during breastfeeding or you’ve noticed limited tongue movement, it could be due to tongue-tie. This is a common condition, and the good news is that it can often be gently corrected with a simple procedure right in our office.

Lingual Frenectomies

When the lingual frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too thick, tight, or short, it can restrict tongue movement. This condition, known as tongue-tie, is congenital and can be easily corrected with a routine procedure called a frenectomy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue-Tie

How can I tell if my baby is tongue-tied?

Because tongue-tie limits tongue movement, observing your baby’s feeding habits is an important first step. How well your baby latches during breastfeeding can provide helpful clues about their tongue’s range of motion.

The following signs may suggest tongue-tie, though no single symptom on its own is conclusive. A thorough evaluation by one of our doctors is the best way to determine if your baby may benefit from a frenectomy.

Possible signs of tongue-tie:

  • Pain during breastfeeding
  • Sore or damaged nipples
  • Difficulty maintaining suction while nursing
  • Clicking sounds during feeding (not just from a noisy eater)
  • Poor or slow weight gain
  • Recurring mastitis

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Does your baby struggle to move their tongue from side to side?
  • Can your baby reach the upper gums or roof of the mouth with their tongue?
  • Can your baby extend their tongue beyond their gums?
  • Does your baby’s tongue appear V- or heart-shaped at the tip when extended?

What is tongue-tie surgery?

Our frenectomy procedure is completed with surgical scissors.

What causes tongue-tie?

Tongue-tie is a condition present at birth.

Is tongue-tie surgery painful?

Not at all. Your child will be adequately sedated with a general anesthetic during the procedure, so he or she will not feel a thing.

Can tongue-tie go away on its own?

No. The only way to correct tongue-tie is by surgery.

Can a baby with tongue-tie stick her tongue out?

No. As noted, babies with tongue-tie cannot stick their tongues out.