Infant Frenectomy

Feeding a baby comfortably

And efficiently is the most important aspect of a newborn’s life and a precious experience for a new mom. A normal frenum is a connective band bringing two soft tissue pieces together. In some cases, if that band connects too low or tight it may result in a condition known as a Tongue-Tie or a Lip-Tie. These conditions can jeopardize the beautiful nursing relationship between a mother and her newborn. If the frenum attaches too low or too tight, the tissue can become restrictive in nature, similar to how webbed fingers can become restricted with extra skin attaching to high. Imagine how a surgical release of webbed tissue allows fingers to be free and function well. A frenectomy procedure allows a baby to freely use their lip and tongue for an efficient, effective, and comfortable feeding experience.

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Why Smile Wonders?

Dr. Rishita Jaju and her talented team set the gold standard in comprehensive and collaborative care for infant oral care!

Dr. Jaju is not only a mom but also a well-known expert provider who is skilled and experienced in providing laser frenectomies. She enjoys the trust of her peers and colleagues when they refer their most complex cases to her care. She has achieved the Advanced Laser Proficiency Certification and Mastership level recognition from the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Her knowledge and expertise in Oral Myofunctional Therapy and Breastfeeding Medicine help her treat the dyad in the most comprehensive manner.

Dr. Jaju and Smile Wonders team has helped improve the quality of life of her patients including infants as young as 2 days old, who are struggling with challenges of nursing due to Lip or Tongue-Tie issues, as well as children with special health care or behavioral needs.

When you meet her you’ll know why babies love her and parents trust her!

Why do we seem to be seeing more Tongue-Ties?

Lip and Tongue-Ties are not a new problem. In fact, a Lip or Tongue-Tie is one of the main reasons given to Moms to wean her child to a bottle instead of breastfeeding. However, in the past decade, there has been increased awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. This awareness has allowed breastfeeding to become more popular again, while also bringing more attention to the problems associated with breastfeeding, such as Lip and Tongue-Ties.

How are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties treated today?

Thanks to the great advances in laser technology, most technologically-savvy and up-to-date healthcare providers are educated on the laser’s properties and why they are highly favorable in soft tissue procedures. Dr. Rishita’s expertise in using Waterlaser allows her to provide desensitization, coagulation and cooling as it separates the tissue. The laser light beam is precisely controlled for the most thorough and safe procedure. Waterlaser virtually eliminates the need for scalpel, sutures, or anesthetic in infant frenectomy cases. The newborns we treat can feed immediately after the procedure for comfort. Moms report significant difference in personal comfort, baby’s consumption, and efficiency while nursing or bottle feeding.

Medical Insurance

We understand that many of our patient families would like to utilize out of network benefits from their medical insurance for infant frenectomy procedure. We are happy to help you in the process.

On the day of the procedure, if you let us know in advance, we can prepare a letter of medical necessity that has the pertinent Diagnosis (ICD-10 codes), Treatment (CPT codes), Narrative explanations and fees that can be submitted along with your claim. We will also provide an itemized receipt of payment so that the reimbursement can come directly your way. We have found that these two pieces of information along with a copy of notes from other providers such as Lactation Consultant or Feeding Therapist has been the most successful method of maximizing coverage.

Pro Tip #1 Make sure the baby is active on your family plan.

Pro Tip #2 Few possible diagnosis codes may be applicable: Q38.0 Maxillary labial ankylosis (lip-tie), Q38.1 Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). Additional codes will be provided based on specific symptoms and age of the baby.

Pro Tip #3 Few possible treatment codes as applicable: Consultation (99204), Lip tie (40819), Tongue tie (41115).

Dental Insurance

We understand that many of our patient families would like to utilize out of network dental insurance for infant frenectomy procedure. We are happy to help you in the process.

Please provide all the required information on the pre-appointment paperless forms. We will help submit your claim with applicable narrative explanations of treatment and images electronically on your behalf. We have enjoyed great success with maximizing coverage for our patients within the limitations of their individual policy.

Pro Tip #1 Make sure that baby is active on the plan.

Pro Tip #2 Few possible reasons for consult as applicable – feeding difficulty, reflux, visible anatomical attachment. Diagnosis terminology may include Maxillary Labial Ankylosis and/or Ankyloglossia.

Pro Tip #3 Few possible treatment codes as applicable: Consultation (D9310), Lip tie (D7961), Tongue tie (D7962). If the sites have been treated previously by other providers, there is previous scar tissue present, or there is a need for sutures to be placed based on medical history a Frenuloplasty (D7963) may be required.