Frenectomy FAQ

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie revision is a procedure that releases the restrictive tissue (frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums. This procedure helps improve tongue and lip mobility, which can significantly improve breastfeeding, speech, and overall oral function.

Dr. Evy uses a CO2 laser to gently release the restrictive tissue. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and typically requires no sutures. There is no contact between the laser and the tissue and no cutting. Most babies can nurse immediately after the procedure.

No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with us. However, many of our patients come to us through referrals from lactation consultants, pediatricians, speech therapists, midwives, or other healthcare providers who recognize the signs of tongue-tie or lip-tie.

Yes, Dr. Evy has established a strong network of healthcare providers including lactation consultants, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, chiropractors, and bodyworkers. We can provide referrals to support your child's complete care before and after the procedure.

Both the exam and the frenectomy procedure can be done on the same day at the same appointment. The exception is if your child needs IV sedation; a different surgery date is given once the exam and diagnosis have been performed. For babies and infants, the actual laser procedure is of small duration. On average, the entire appointment, including the examination and the procedure, lasts about 60 minutes. For older children, appointments may take a little longer depending on the complexity of the case.

Recovery is 2-3 weeks, but discomfort is usually only in the first 48 hours. We provide post-surgical exercise instructions for proper healing.

Post-procedure exercises are crucial to prevent the tissue from over-contraction. Without these exercises, your baby/child may form a new tie (frenulum) from scar tissue which may be more restrictive than the original tie, preventing resolution of the symptoms present and, in a small number of cases, requiring a second surgical procedure. We will teach you specific stretching exercises and provide detailed instructions to ensure proper healing.

After the procedure, you may notice a white or yellow patch where the frenulum was removed -- this is normal healing tissue. Some babies may be fussy or want to nurse more frequently. Discomfort can be expected within the first 48 hours after the surgery. For babies, there are no restrictions for breastfeeding, bottle, or pacifier use. For children, there are no restrictions for feeding or drinking. A very important restriction is no swimming, to prevent bacteria from colonizing the wound area and to prevent an infection.

We will provide detailed aftercare instructions depending on your situation during your visit. We are also available after-hours via text or call for any questions you might have in the days following the surgery.

Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan, whether medical or dental. Many insurance plans do cover frenectomy procedures, while others do not. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage. Our team can also help you understand your benefits if it is a plan we are familiar with, or can submit a pre-authorization for you.

Depending on the plan and carrier, we may bill your dental insurance. For medical insurance billing, we can provide you with the necessary documentation and superbill to submit to your medical insurance for potential reimbursement. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation.

It is never too early to have your baby evaluated. We see newborns as young as a few hours old. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent feeding difficulties and other complications. The earlier the issue is addressed, the better the outcomes typically are and the sooner your baby can start functioning properly.

While the frenectomy is an important step, optimal results often require a team approach. The birthing process is one that is beautiful yet traumatic at times for some babies and may result in intra-oral, peri-oral, head, neck, and shoulder tightness or tension. We recommend working with other therapists as needed to achieve full rehabilitation. In addition, seeking help from a lactation consultant before and after the procedure provides you with breastfeeding techniques to address other latch problems. Post-procedure exercises are also essential for successful outcomes.

Yes, we apply a numbing cream and may also give local anesthetic, if needed, to prevent your baby from experiencing pain. The laser procedure itself is quick, there is no contact with the tie, no cutting, and it causes minimal discomfort.

Yes, you can breastfeed your baby before the procedure if your baby does not spit up excessively. Nursing your baby prior to the procedure may help keep them calm during the evaluation and procedure.

Your baby's safety is our priority during the procedure. For this to occur, we need to maintain maximum precision and safety during this quick, yet delicate procedure. Therefore, for babies, we ask the parents to wait in an adjacent room until the procedure is completed. Dr. Evy has performed more than 6,600 laser frenectomies since 2014; rest assured your baby will be treated with the most professional care.

A CO₂ laser removes tissue by using highly absorbed infrared light to vaporize water-containing cells while simultaneously sealing small blood vessels. Therefore, bleeding is none to minimal spotting or oozing that stops quickly. The laser technology we use helps ensure a cleaner procedure with less bleeding compared to traditional methods.

Some babies experience no discomfort at all, especially the ones treated within the first few days after birth since they are still very sleepy. Other babies may experience some discomfort within the first 48 hours. Breastfeeding your baby often provides natural comfort and pain relief. On average, parents have reported giving their babies 1-2 doses of pain relief within the first 48 hours only. We provide you with handouts that specify which natural non-pharmaceutical and which pharmaceutical products you may use.