Experienced moms make it seem so simple and easy, yet here you are, struggling to nurse your newborn. They can’t seem to latch on successfully, and you both are feeling frustrated.
Fortunately, other new moms have gone through this challenge before as well and you find out from them about lip and tongue-ties and procedures called frenectomies and frenotomies. Keep reading to learn more about these terms and which one your baby may need to resolve the problem.
When Lip or Tongue-Tie Treatment Becomes Necessary
Not everyone who has a frenulum, or connective tissue under their tongue or upper lip, requires a procedure to get rid of it. Most of the time, only infants or children with an excessively thick or restrictive frenulum need to be treated because it interferes with important oral functions like feeding and speech.
An infant with a lip or tongue-tie often can’t breastfeed properly. Instead of bringing the tongue upward and creating a tight seal and sucking milk from the breast, the infant attempts to bite down and squeeze milk out, which is both inefficient and painful for the nursing mother. If this is happening for you and your baby, a tongue-tie could be the underlying cause.
The Difference Between a Frenectomy and Frenotomy
Both frenectomies and frenotomies are minor procedures that address lip and tongue-ties.
When a frenectomy is performed, the frenulum is removed completely. A frenotomy leaves a small amount of the frenulum behind. In either case, the lip or tongue ends up with much more range of motion and function.
How Do You Know Which Procedure Your Child Needs?
Regardless of the specifics, the process begins the same way—with a consultation. During this visit, your specialist will examine your child to see how thick the lip or tongue-tie is. They will then talk to you about the best way to proceed.
In some offices in the past and even today, frenectomies and frenotomies are carried out with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Physically cutting the tissue often results in bleeding and necessitates the use of a local anesthetic. Fortunately, some offices take advantage of modern soft tissue lasers, which cauterize as they sever, meaning less bleeding and less pain for the patient.
In the end, whether your child needs to undergo a frenectomy or a frenotomy, you can have peace of mind when you turn to a lip/tongue-tie specialist. They can use their soft tissue laser to release your little one’s tie and make oral functions easier and more successful, helping you both enjoy the breastfeeding experience while it lasts.
About the Author
When it comes to lip and tongue-ties, Dr. Andrea Csok has unmatched experience and training. Not only did both of her own children have restrictive frenulums, she too suffered from unresolved ties. Professionally, she has attended the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals annual conferences and is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Csok, you may contact her practice, Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center, online or call 216-292-3600.