--- title: "Frenectomy FAQ" description: "What is a tongue-tie? Does a frenectomy hurt? Austin pediatric dentist Dr. Evy answers 20 common questions about laser frenectomy, recovery, stretches, and feeding improvement." canonical_url: "https://greenappleatx.com/laser-frenectomy/faqs/" markdown_url: "https://greenappleatx.com/laser-frenectomy/faqs.md" site_name: "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry" lang: "en-US" type: "FAQPage" date_published: "2020-12-15T01:29:44+00:00" date_modified: "2026-06-19T16:36:59+00:00" image: "https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/green-apple-pediatric-dentistry-hero-austin.jpg" generator: "md4wp/3.0.7" builder_detected: "generic" content_source: "page" --- Laser Frenectomy # Frenectomy FAQ Find answers to common questions about tongue-tie and lip-tie revision procedures. ![Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry](https://greenappleatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pexels-wmperspective-28806085-scaled.jpg) Laser Frenectomy FAQ ## (Also Known as Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Revision) Starting in 2014, Dr. Evy became the first pediatric dentist in the greater Austin and San Antonio area to establish a collaborative network of healthcare providers (lactation consultants, midwives, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatricians, dentists, doulas, and craniosacral therapists) to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for tongue-tie and lip-tie. Common Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General Questions What is a tongue-tie or lip-tie revision? 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. How is a frenectomy performed? 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. Do I need a referral from another doctor? 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. Do you have a referral network for bodywork or other therapists? 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. How long does the appointment usually last? 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. What is recovery like? Recovery is 2-3 weeks, but discomfort is usually only in the first 48 hours. We provide post-surgical exercise instructions for proper healing. What will happen if I do not conduct the post-procedure exercises? 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. What else can I expect post-surgery? 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. Does my insurance cover the procedure? 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. Will you bill my medical/dental insurance? 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. ### Baby-Specific Questions How young is too young to have my baby evaluated for a lip- or tongue-tie? 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. Will just having the surgical procedure conducted on my baby help correct my breastfeeding issues? 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. Will any pain anaesthetic be given to my baby before conducting the procedure? 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. Can I breastfeed my baby prior to the procedure? 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. Am I allowed to stay in the room with my baby while the procedure is being conducted? 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. Will my baby bleed extensively? 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. Is my baby going to be in pain after the procedure? What can I use for pain management? 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. ### Toddler & Older Children Questions How is the procedure done for toddlers? Toddlers are typically not cooperative enough to guide with behavior management techniques. When a toddler needs to have the frenectomy done due to severe symptoms, we use passive stabilization or IV sedation (if your child is older than 2 years old). Dr. Evy will discuss the best option for your child based on their age, temperament, and the complexity of the procedure. For specific questions, please feel free to call our office and our team will advise you based on your specific situation. How is the procedure done for older children? For older children, we typically start with behavior management techniques such as tell-show-do and nitrous oxide. If unsuccessful, or if a child is very nervous even at the evaluation appointment, we utilize IV sedation provided by a Board-Certified Medical Pediatric Anesthesiologist. Dr. Evy will discuss the best option for your child based on their age, temperament, and the complexity of the procedure. Every child is different, and we adapt our approach based on your child's needs and comfort level. Is it possible to treat my child without use of sedation, nitrous oxide gas, restraint, or verbal behavior management? For infants, the procedure is typically done without any sedation as it is very quick. For older children, we use a tell-show-do approach and positive reinforcement. Every child is different, and we adapt our approach based on your child's needs and comfort level. ## Helpful Articles and Videos on Frenectomy ### Videos [ An overview of a typical visit with Dr. Evy for tongue-tie/lip-tie evaluation and surgery](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94JLr5WZ-eQ) [ About Frenectomy](https://youtu.be/f4ioTZC2oP4) [ Watch Dr. Evy on Instagram: tongue-tie and frenectomy insights](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX2UjGqSQBb/) [ What a Class 3 tongue-tie looks like — clicking, poor latch, and gassiness explained](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPuqrqaibBW/) [ Managing pain after a frenectomy](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jg-cho6SgqY) ### Articles & Research [ Dr. Kotlow Articles on Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie For a variety of articles from Dr. Kotlow, a dentist with 30+ years of experience in treating tongue-tie and lip-tie ](http://www.kiddsteeth.com/articles.php) [ American Academy of Pediatrics Spring 2004 Newsletter How tongue-tie can affect breastfeeding in a negative way ](https://www2.aap.org/breastfeeding/files/pdf/BBM-8-27%20Newsletter.pdf) [ Short Lingual Frenulum and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children Huang et al. Int J Pediatr Res 2015 ](https://www.clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijpr/ijpr-1-003.pdf) [ O'Callahan et al. - The effects of office-based frenotomy for anterior and posterior ankyloglossia on breastfeeding Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. (2013) ](http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.02.022) [ Junqueira et al. - Surgical techniques for the treatment of ankyloglossia in children: a case series J Appl Oral Sci (2014) ](https://www.scielo.br/j/jaos/a/wsZxXYz4dHMtNJpJxXGR4Mv/?lang=en) [ Martinelli et al. - Tongue position for lingual frenulum assessment Rev. CEFAC (2020) ](https://www.scielo.br/j/rcefac/a/MWLsTT5frZLBBPJrQjJwkcM/) [ Influence of Shortened Tongue Frenulum on Tongue Mobility, Speech and Occlusion J Clin Med (2023) ](https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/23/7415) [ Martinelli et al. - Histological characteristics of the altered human lingual frenulum Int J Pediatr Child Health (2014) ](https://aomtinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Martinelli-color-histological-characteristics-of-the-altered-lingual-frenulum-IntJPedsChildHealth-2014.pdf) [ Cerebral Palsy and Ankyloglossia: Improved Sleep, Speech, Swallowing, and Breathing After Tongue-Tie Release: A Case Series Spec Care Dentist (2025) ](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12053819/) ## Disclaimer Medically reviewed by [Dr. Maria Evelina Guerrero, DDS](https://greenappleatx.com/about/#person-dr-evy) — Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist Last updated: June 19, 2026 The information on this page is provided for general education and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Every child is different — for guidance about your child's specific needs, please talk with Dr. Evy or your pediatric care provider. Call us at [512-917-4550](tel:512-917-4550) with any questions. ## Structured data ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://greenappleatx.com/#website", "url": "https://greenappleatx.com/", "name": "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry", "publisher": { "@id": "https://greenappleatx.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": [ "Dentist", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://greenappleatx.com/#organization", "name": "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry and Braces", "alternateName": [ "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry", "Green Apple" ], "url": "https://greenappleatx.com/", "description": "Green Apple Pediatric Dentistry and Braces is the longest-established holistic pediatric dental office in Austin and Central Texas, serving families since 2014. 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This procedure helps improve tongue and lip mobility, which can significantly improve breastfeeding, speech, and overall oral function." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is a frenectomy performed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a referral from another doctor?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you have a referral network for bodywork or other therapists?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does the appointment usually last?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is recovery like?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Recovery is 2-3 weeks, but discomfort is usually only in the first 48 hours. We provide post-surgical exercise instructions for proper healing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What will happen if I do not conduct the post-procedure exercises?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What else can I expect post-surgery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does my insurance cover the procedure?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will you bill my medical/dental insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How young is too young to have my baby evaluated for a lip- or tongue-tie?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will just having the surgical procedure conducted on my baby help correct my breastfeeding issues?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will any pain anaesthetic be given to my baby before conducting the procedure?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I breastfeed my baby prior to the procedure?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Am I allowed to stay in the room with my baby while the procedure is being conducted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will my baby bleed extensively?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is my baby going to be in pain after the procedure? What can I use for pain management?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the procedure done for toddlers?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Toddlers are typically not cooperative enough to guide with behavior management techniques. When a toddler needs to have the frenectomy done due to severe symptoms, we use passive stabilization or IV sedation (if your child is older than 2 years old). Dr. Evy will discuss the best option for your child based on their age, temperament, and the complexity of the procedure. For specific questions, please feel free to call our office and our team will advise you based on your specific situation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the procedure done for older children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For older children, we typically start with behavior management techniques such as tell-show-do and nitrous oxide. If unsuccessful, or if a child is very nervous even at the evaluation appointment, we utilize IV sedation provided by a Board-Certified Medical Pediatric Anesthesiologist. Dr. Evy will discuss the best option for your child based on their age, temperament, and the complexity of the procedure. Every child is different, and we adapt our approach based on your child's needs and comfort level." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is it possible to treat my child without use of sedation, nitrous oxide gas, restraint, or verbal behavior management?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For infants, the procedure is typically done without any sedation as it is very quick. For older children, we use a tell-show-do approach and positive reinforcement. Every child is different, and we adapt our approach based on your child's needs and comfort level." } } ] } ```