Tongue tie and lip tie can make nursing or bottle-feeding difficult for your baby and stressful for you. At Calm Dental Studio in Delaware, Ohio, Dr. Alla specializes in gentle infant frenectomy to release these restrictive tissues. If your pediatrician or lactation consultant has suggested a frenectomy for your baby, Dr. Alla can perform the procedure with expertise and care, allowing your little one to feed comfortably.
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure to release or divide the frenum it's a thin tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) or the upper lip to the gum (labial frenum). When this tissue is too tight or positioned too far forward, it restricts movement, a condition called tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie. For infants, tongue tie can make nursing difficult because the baby can't move their tongue freely to latch properly or extract milk efficiently.
Lip tie similarly restricts the baby's ability to move their upper lip during feeding, making attachment to the breast or bottle difficult. Both conditions can lead to poor feeding, inadequate weight gain, maternal pain during nursing, and frustration for both baby and parent. A frenectomy releases this restrictive tissue, allowing the baby's tongue or lip to move freely and feed more comfortably and effectively.
At Calm Dental Studio in Delaware, Dr. Alla performs infant frenectomies with gentle technique and minimal trauma. The procedure is quick it usually taking just a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Many parents report that their babies feed dramatically better immediately after the procedure, and nursing becomes more comfortable for everyone involved. We understand how important feeding is to your baby's health and your parenting journey, and we're honored to help resolve this common issue.
Dr. Alla has significant experience performing infant frenectomies with skill and gentleness. She understands that parents entrust us with their precious baby and takes that responsibility seriously. Her technique minimizes trauma to the delicate tissues and completes the procedure quickly to reduce your baby's stress. Many parents in Delaware, Lewis Center, and Powell areas specifically request Dr. Alla for frenectomies because of her gentle reputation and excellent outcomes.
The primary benefit of infant frenectomy is improved feeding. After the procedure, many babies immediately nurse more effectively, extract milk more efficiently, and feed with better comfort for the entire family. Improved feeding means better nutrition for your baby, better sleep patterns, and less frustration during feeding times. If your baby has been struggling to gain weight or you've experienced pain while nursing, the frenectomy can be transformative.
If you're nursing, tongue tie in your baby can cause significant pain and damage to your breasts. When a baby can't latch properly due to tongue restriction, they may chew or squeeze rather than latch correctly, causing cracked nipples, bleeding, and intense pain. Releasing the tongue tie allows for proper latch, which eliminates or greatly reduces this pain. Many nursing mothers report relief within the first feeding after the procedure.
The frenectomy procedure typically takes just a few minutes from start to finish. Dr. Alla uses precise technique to divide or release the frenum with minimal bleeding and trauma to surrounding tissue. The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia (for older infants or if the baby is very sensitive) or without anesthesia (for very young babies, as the procedure is so quick and minimally invasive). Your baby will be back in your arms and ready to feed shortly after the procedure.
While the immediate benefit of frenectomy is improved feeding, releasing tongue tie also prevents future orthodontic and speech problems. Tongue tie can contribute to spacing issues between the lower front teeth and speech difficulties as the child grows. By addressing it early, you prevent these problems before they develop. Dr. Alla takes a long-term view of your child's oral health, not just the immediate feeding issue.
Dr. Alla doesn't just release the frenum and send you on your way. She provides guidance on post-procedure feeding, including techniques for re-establishing proper latch after the procedure. We also recommend working with a lactation consultant if nursing continues to be difficult after the frenectomy, as retraining the nursing relationship sometimes requires support. Dr. Alla coordinates with your pediatrician and lactation consultant to ensure your baby gets comprehensive support.
Your comfort and the aesthetic outcome are Dr. Alla's top priorities. Here’s what you can expect during your Infant Frenectomy Process:
During your first visit, Dr. Alla examines your baby's mouth to confirm tongue tie or lip tie and assess the severity. She'll ask about your baby's feeding difficulties, weight gain, and any symptoms of inadequate feeding. If you're nursing, she may ask about pain or latch issues. This consultation helps Dr. Alla understand your situation and determine the best approach for your baby's frenectomy. She'll explain the procedure, answer your questions, and address any concerns about your baby's comfort or safety.
On the day of the procedure, your baby will be comfortably positioned. For very young infants, the baby may remain in your arms or be held by a staff member. Dr. Alla uses gentle positioning that allows good visualization of the frenum while keeping your baby secure and comfortable. We work quickly to minimize stress to your baby, so preparation and positioning happen rapidly. You're welcome to remain close to your baby throughout the procedure.
For very young babies, the procedure is so quick that anesthesia may not be necessary. For older infants or if your baby is particularly sensitive, Dr. Alla can apply topical anesthetic or use local anesthesia to numb the area. We also use comfort measures such as offering a pacifier or allowing your baby to nurse immediately after the procedure. The goal is to minimize any discomfort while completing the procedure quickly and effectively.
Dr. Alla uses precise scissor or laser technique to divide or release the frenum. The procedure takes just a minute or two. There is typically minimal bleeding usually it's just a few drops since the frenum has minimal blood supply. Dr. Alla ensures complete release of the restrictive tissue to allow full tongue or lip mobility. Once complete, the frenum naturally heals within days or weeks, and the tissue doesn't typically reattach if proper feeding technique is established immediately.
After the procedure, Dr. Alla provides guidance on immediate feeding. Many babies are ready to nurse or feed immediately, and early feeding helps establish the new tongue or lip position. She'll discuss any bleeding you might see (minimal), what healing looks like, and any care instructions. We recommend a follow-up check in about a week to ensure proper healing and assess feeding improvement. Dr. Alla will also coordinate with your pediatrician and any lactation consultant you're working with.
We understand you might have questions about Infant Frenectomy.
Here are some common inquiries we receive at Calm Dental Studio:
Signs of tongue tie include difficulty latching during nursing, nipple pain for the mother, inadequate weight gain, clicking sounds during feeding, and a heart-shaped or notched appearance at the tip of the baby's tongue when extended. Your pediatrician or lactation consultant can assess your baby for tongue tie. If you suspect tongue tie, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alla. She can confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether frenectomy is appropriate for your baby's situation.
Yes, frenectomy is safe when performed by an experienced provider like Dr. Alla. The procedure is minimally invasive, with minimal bleeding and trauma. Complications are extremely rare and usually minor (such as minor bleeding or temporary feeding difficulty during retraining). The risks of untreated tongue tie includes poor feeding, inadequate growth, maternal pain, and future speech or dental issues typically outweigh the minimal risks of the procedure. Dr. Alla will discuss safety and risks with you during your consultation.
The procedure is minimally painful because the frenum has few nerve endings and the procedure is very quick. Your baby may feel pressure or minor discomfort but typically not significant pain. If needed, Dr. Alla can use topical anesthetic or local anesthesia to numb the area. Many babies don't cry during or after the procedure, especially if they're allowed to nurse immediately afterward. The entire experience is over within minutes.
Many parents see improvement immediately or within the first feeding after the procedure. Once the frenum is released, the baby can position their tongue for proper latch, and nursing becomes easier and less painful. Some babies require a brief retraining period to establish proper latch, especially if they've developed compensatory feeding patterns. Working with a lactation consultant during this retraining period can accelerate improvement and ensure optimal latch.
Yes, frenectomy can be helpful at any age, though it's most commonly performed on young infants. For older babies or toddlers, Dr. Alla may use local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The benefits at older ages include improved feeding efficiency, prevention of future speech delays, and prevention of dental spacing issues. If you have an older baby or toddler with tongue tie, consultation with Dr. Alla can help determine if the procedure is appropriate.
Dr. Alla can release both the lingual frenum (tongue tie) and labial frenum (lip tie) during the same procedure. Lip tie alone is less commonly a problem for feeding than tongue tie, but the combination of both can significantly impact feeding. Dr. Alla assesses both structures and determines if both need release. Many babies benefit from addressing both simultaneously.
Your baby is a good candidate for infant frenectomy if tongue tie or lip tie has been identified and is interfering with feeding. The situations below indicate that your baby may benefit from the procedure:
If you suspect your baby has tongue tie or lip tie, call Calm Dental Studio to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alla. She can assess your baby and help you determine the best course of action for your family's feeding success.
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