Lingual Frenectomy—Tongue-Tie Release

What is a frenectomy?

A frenum or frenulum is a small “band” of tissue located in the mouth: under the tongue, inside the upper lip, inside the lower lip and connecting the tongue, cheek or lip to the gums. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure to release these bands. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Nishimoto typically perform frenectomies to increase the range of motion of the tongue or to assist closing a gap in a patient’s upper front teeth.

Lingual frenectomy

The lingual frenum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and lower jaw. The specific position of the lingual frenal attachment varies from person to person. This variation means some people will have a lingual frenum that restricts the movement of the tongue. This is sometimes referred to as being “tongue-tied”. Infants with this condition can have difficulty with nursing and, eventually, with speaking. A lingual frenectomy is a quick procedure that reduces the size of the frenum, allowing the tongue to move freely. If restricted tongue movement is discovered early, a frenectomy can be performed as early as the first few weeks after birth.

What is a laser frenectomy?

A laser frenectomy (also known as laser frenulectomy, laser frenotomy, or laser lip- or tongue-tie release) is the laser excision of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents part of the body from moving too far.  A laser frenectomy can be performed with a soft-tissue laser, such as CO2, Diode (hot tip), Nd:YAG, and Er:YAG. Based on numerous research studies, the CO2 laser is the ideal laser for both cutting and coagulating soft tissue during a frenectomy. Dr. Nishimoto utilizes the state-of-the-art, LightScalpel CO2 laser when performing all frenectomy procedures.

What is a laser infant frenectomy?

A laser infant frenectomy is the laser ablation of the labial or lingual frenum for infants with a laser. The procedure for infants is the same as it for adults. Infants that have problems nursing may have ankyloglossia/tongue-tie and be a candidate for a laser frenectomy.

What are some benefits of LightScalpel laser frenectomies?

Frenectomies can be safely and efficiently performed with the LightScalpel CO2 laser with predictable, repeatable, and fast tissue release/ablation and instant hemostasis. The precise cutting, minimal collateral damage, clear and bloodless operating field and minimal to no postoperative pain make the LightScalpel CO2 laser the tool of choice for performing a laser frenectomy. CO2 laser oral surgery features less wound contraction and reduced scarring in comparison with conventional techniques which use scalpels and even scissors.

How long does a frenectomy take with a LightScalpel laser?

A laser frenectomy is a relatively fast procedure when performed with a LightScalpel CO2 laser. Often the LightScalpel CO2 laser can take less than 10 seconds of laser time to release a tongue-tie or lip-tie.

Is anesthesia required when performing a laser frenectomy?

All frenectomy procedure can be safely performed in the office using local anesthesia without the need for sedation or general anesthesia.

What is recovery like after a laser frenectomy?

Our patients report minimal to no postoperative pain after laser frenectomy procedures.  For laser infant frenectomies, we encourage the mother to immediately nurse the infant to help soothe the child. The infants are immediately able to feed immediately after the procedure and parents are mother will be able to appreciate the significant improvement in latch and noticeable relief in the mother’s breast pain if present.  

What are some reasons why a frenectomy should be performed?

Some indications for an adult or child laser frenectomy include:

  • Dental hygiene issues

  • Speech problems

  • Gingival recession

  • As part of sleep apnea therapy or myofunctional therapy

Some indications for a laser infant frenectomy include:

  • Baby’s inability to properly latch on to the mother’s breast

  • Failure to thrive (poor weight gain)

  • Inability to stimulate milk production through vigorous nursing which results in low milk supply and/or termination of breast feeding

  • Improper tongue mobility may inhibit the infant’s swallow

  • Colic

  • Reflux

  • Longer, more frequent feedings

  • Sleep deprivation for mother and infant due to frequent feedings

  • Painful nursing (for mother)

  • Speech development difficulties

Is a laser frenectomy right for me or my child?

If you or your child have a tongue-tie or lip-tie and are suffering from the negative consequences, we encourage you to give our office a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nishimoto. Our team will work with you and other members of your healthcare team to understand your goals and needs and develop a treatment plan that addresses them to your satisfaction.

Lingual Frenectomy—Tongue-Tie Release

Dr. Nishimoto performs the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including the surgical treatment of ankyloglossia/tongue-tie utilizing a state-of-the-art LightScalpel CO2 laser. If you think laser frenectomy is the right treatment for you or your child, we encourage you to give us a call to schedule a consultation. We look forward to caring for you and your family.