Have you ever heard of someone having a “tongue-tie” or “lip-tie?” This happens when the frenulum doesn’t develop properly and is too tight or short. Lip-ties and tongue-ties can cause health problems, speech impairments, forced mouth breathing, disordered sleep habits, and feeding issues in babies and children. A minor surgical procedure called a “frenectomy” releases this band so the tongue or lips can function correctly. We explain when frenectomies are necessary, and how we use laser technology to make the procedure quicker, more precise, and pain-free.
When Are Frenectomies Necessary?
There are two types of oral frenulums: one that connects the lips to the gums, and another that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When the frenulum is too tight or short, it can cause different health issues as well as speech problems. For example, if a baby cannot feed properly due to latching issues from a tongue-tie, a frenectomy may be medically necessary.
Other common conditions that might require frenectomies include:
- Orthodontic Treatments: If the upper lip’s frenulum is too tight or short, it can cause issues with tooth movement, resulting in a gap between the front teeth. If your child is getting braces to correct this gap, the lip-tie could interfere with placement or cause pain.
- Improving Speech: Both lip and tongue-ties can cause speech issues in children and adults. A study from 2020 showed that frenectomies improved speech by 89%. And children with speech delays showed a 50% improvement after a frenectomy, learning new words and talking more.
The Benefits of Laser Frenectomies
Instead of using a scalpel or surgical scissors to release a tongue tie, our dentists use the Solea laser tool instead. With laser surgeries, there is far less risk of bleeding and infections. The laser also promotes a quick recovery and swifter healing.
Using a dental laser for frenectomies makes the procedure quicker and more precise. With the Solea CO2 laser, the procedure is over in less than 15 minutes. Because the laser also cauterizes wounds and blocks pain receptors, there is very little bleeding, and typically no need for anesthesia.
Some of the many benefits of laser frenectomies include:
- Reduced bleeding
- Minimal discomfort
- Faster healing
- Extreme precision
Are Frenectomies Covered by Insurance?
Yes, in most instances. However, if you have questions or concerns regarding your insurance coverage, we can always contact your dental insurance and figure out how to get it covered.
Laser Dentistry in South Jordan and Daybreak
At Copper Creek Dental, we pride ourselves on patient care. We want to take the anxiety out of dentistry for you and your family, so we now use the Solea laser for many of our dental procedures. It’s a good choice for pediatric treatments like frenectomies because it makes the procedure quicker, more accurate, and less traumatic.
If you think a frenectomy may be medically necessary for one of your children, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (03/11/2025) Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay