Frenectomies
Has your pediatrician, chiropractor or lactation consultant told you that your child’s nursing difficulties may be related to a tongue or lip tie? If so, a dentist experienced in laser treatment for frenectomies should be your next call. Here at Dental Health Associates, we specialize in this type of minor surgery helping newborns and small children regain proper use of their lips and tongue.
The connective tissues underneath the lip and tongue are known as frenula. The labial frenulum (under the lip) and lingual frenulum (under the tongue) are responsible for limiting and guiding movement. When the labial or lingual frenulum are abnormally tight they may be restricting proper oral movements during feeding. A frenectomy is a quick and simple procedure that involves releasing this tight piece of tissue allowing for more movement and range of motion.
- Nipple pain and discomfort
- Creased, blanched or “lip stick” shaped nipples
- Cracked, bruised, blistered or bleeding nipples
- Maternal exhaustion and depression
- Plugged ducts
- Infected nipples
- Mastitis and nipple thrush
- Engorged/unemptied breasts
- Poor, shallow, or non-sustainable latch
- Pops on and off breast and frequently breaks seal
- Gumming and chewing of nipple
- Falls asleep at breast
- Unable to hold pacifier
- Clicking noise while feeding
- Swallows excessive amounts of air
- Gassy
- Reflux
- Long duration of feeds/short time between feedings
- Poor weight gain/failure to thrive
- May increase risk for speech and social issues
- May impact airway and breathing
- May influence tooth and jaw development
- May create difficulties maintaining proper oral hygiene
- May increase risk for developing cavities
Laser Treatment
Here at Dental Health Associates, we use a state-of-the-art CO2 Solea laser technology to perform this type of surgery. The procedure only takes a couple of minutes.
The benefits of laser include:
- Very precise instrument
- Risk of bleeding significantly reduced
- Laser energy is sterile; essentially no chance for infection
- Performed easily in office; no need for operating room and general anesthesia so the baby is returned to parent immediately after procedure.
Fees For Treatment
Exam: $97
Frenectomy (Lip): $425
Frenectomy (Tongue): $425
*** If both tongue and lip tie are treated the same day, we discount the total by $100.
Payment is due day of treatment. We accept several forms of payment: Visa, Master Card, Discover, Cash, Check or Care Credit. Many dental plans provide frenectomy coverage and we are happy to submit a claim on your behalf. Unfortunately, there are a few dental plans we do not accept, including MA, Minnesota Care and Prime West. If you infant is covered under your dental insurance, contact them to see if the plan has frenectomy coverage (provide dental code D7961 and/or D7962). We do not submit claims to medical insurance because we are considered out of network and reimbursement is often denied. All insurance questions should be handled between you and your insurance company.
