A simple procedure that can improve feeding, speech development, and long-term oral health for your child.
Quick procedure time
All ages welcome
Gentle, kid-friendly care
By dental insurance
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases a frenum, the small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gum. When this tissue is too tight or too short, it can restrict movement and cause problems with feeding, speech, and oral development.
A tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) occurs when the lingual frenum beneath the tongue is overly restrictive. A lip tie happens when the labial frenum connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight or thick. Both conditions are common in infants and children, and a frenectomy can provide fast, lasting relief.
At Junior Smiles of Stafford, our board-certified pediatric dentists evaluate and treat tongue ties and lip ties with gentle, kid-friendly care that puts both parents and children at ease.
We examine your child’s tongue or lip movement and discuss your concerns, feeding history, and any symptoms you have noticed.
We apply a topical anesthetic to the area so your child feels little to no discomfort during the procedure.
The frenectomy itself typically takes only a few minutes. We gently release the restrictive tissue, allowing full range of motion. Most children recover quickly with minimal fussiness, and infants can usually feed immediately after.
Early treatment of tongue tie can make a significant difference in feeding, speech development, and oral health. The sooner a restrictive frenum is addressed, the easier it is for your child to adapt and thrive without the limitations it can cause. The entire appointment, including evaluation and procedure, is usually completed in under 30 minutes.
Tongue ties and lip ties are not always obvious at first glance. Look for these common indicators.
Poor latch, clicking sounds during feeding, prolonged feeding sessions, or poor weight gain in infants.
Trouble pronouncing certain sounds, especially “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” “n,” and “s.”
A thick upper lip frenum can create a noticeable gap between the two front teeth that does not close on its own.
Difficulty sticking the tongue out past the lower lip, moving it side to side, or touching the roof of the mouth.
Difficulty chewing, moving food around in the mouth, or swallowing certain textures as your child grows.
Recession of gum tissue, difficulty keeping teeth clean, or gaps caused by a tight frenum.
“We brought our newborn in for a tongue tie evaluation and the team was incredibly gentle and thorough. The procedure was quick and our baby was able to nurse so much better right away. We are so grateful for the care at Junior Smiles!”
Answers from our board-certified pediatric dentists.
Other services your child may benefit from.
Routine preventive care to keep your child’s smile healthy.
Compassionate care tailored for children with special needs.
Safe sedation options for anxious or young patients.
Gentle removal when a tooth needs to come out.
Our pediatric dental office is conveniently located for families throughout the region.