Frenectomy for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie in Victoria, BC
Understanding Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
A tongue-tie occurs when the tissue beneath the tongue restricts its movement. A lip-tie develops when the upper lip cannot move freely, potentially affecting feeding, speech, oral hygiene, and dental development.
Both conditions involve a restrictive frenum and may be treated with a procedure called a frenectomy. Our team carefully evaluates your child’s symptoms and oral function before recommending treatment.
Signs of Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Tongue-tie and lip-tie may affect your child’s feeding, speech, sleep, and oral development.
- Feeding difficulties, including trouble nursing, bottle-feeding, or keeping milk in the mouth
- Slow eating, choking, or difficulty moving food
- Speech challenges caused by restricted tongue movement
- Restless sleep, mouth breathing, or teeth grinding
- Oral hygiene, gum health, or tooth-spacing concerns
Laser Frenectomy Treatment
A laser frenectomy is a quick and precise procedure that releases restrictive tissue beneath the tongue or upper lip. Dental lasers help minimize bleeding, reduce discomfort, and support efficient healing.
The procedure can often be completed without sedation. After treatment, your child may need simple exercises or additional therapy to strengthen movement, retrain oral muscles, and reduce the risk of tissue reattaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie?
Possible signs include feeding difficulties, milk leakage, slow eating, speech concerns, restless sleep, mouth breathing, and limited tongue or lip movement. A dental assessment can determine whether restricted tissue is contributing to these symptoms.
Is a laser frenectomy painful?
The procedure is designed to be quick and minimally invasive. Children may experience temporary tenderness afterward, but laser treatment generally causes less bleeding and discomfort than traditional surgical techniques.
Does my child need sedation?
Many laser frenectomy procedures can be completed without sedation. The appropriate approach depends on your child’s age, comfort level, medical history, and treatment needs. We will discuss all options before the procedure.
How long does a frenectomy take?
The laser portion of the procedure is usually completed within a few minutes. Additional time may be needed to prepare your child, review aftercare instructions, and ensure they are comfortable before leaving.
What happens after treatment?
Your child may experience mild tenderness and need soft foods temporarily. Stretching or strengthening exercises may be recommended to support healing, improve movement, and help prevent the tissue from reattaching.
Will a frenectomy improve feeding or speech?
Releasing restricted tissue may improve tongue or lip movement, but results vary. Some children may also benefit from support from a lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist, or another qualified healthcare professional.