You notice that your child is having difficulty nursing and is often fussy. They struggle with colic and acid reflux, and you find yourself struggling to make it through the day because of the exhaustive attempts to feed your baby throughout the night. You may not realize it, but there is a good chance your child has a lip or tongue tie. But how can it be fixed? A pediatric dentist is here to explain the difference between two different procedures – a frenectomy versus a frenotomy and which one is right for your little one.
What Symptoms Signal a Need for Lip or Tongue Tie Treatment?
Typically, infants are the ones who undergo lip and tongue tie treatments. Their inability to nurse or take a bottle is often the clearest indicator that there is a problem. In older children, they may struggle with a speech impediment, have difficulty swallowing, or breathe through their mouth while asleep.
What is the Difference Between a Frenectomy & Frenotomy?
When looking to have your child’s lip or tongue tie treated, you may wonder if a frenectomy or frenotomy is the best option. Before deciding which one is right for your child, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage explain the difference between the two procedures:
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is the process of using a dental laser (or traditional scalpels and sutures) to remove the frenulum (banded tissue underneath the tongue or behind the upper lip).
Frenotomy
A frenotomy involves clipping the frenulum, typically the restricted tissue underneath the tongue, by lifting it toward the roof or your child’s mouth and snipping it so that it releases and allows for greater oral mobility.
Who is a Good Candidate For Each Type of Procedure?
While both procedures are designed to achieve the same result, one may be better for your child than the other. The only way to know, though, is to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist. This visit will allow Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage to evaluate the lip or tongue tie and decide if the frenulum should be fully removed or just clipped.
No matter which one your child’s dentist recommends, you can be sure that it will lead to improved mobility of their tongue and/or lip, allowing for improved eating habits, as well as speech clarity and breathing, especially among older children.
About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists who are fathers first. Understanding the uncertainty that can come with learning your child has a lip and/or tongue tie, they remain committed to providing honest, complete information to help parents like yourself make well-informed decisions about your child’s oral and overall health. Customizing treatment plans based on your little one’s specific needs, we will explain the process in its entirety in a way that is easy to understand and gives you greater peace of mind. Visit our website or call (469) 301-3212 to find out how we can better assist in improving your child’s dental health.