Infant Laser Frenectomy
Precious Feeding Relationship
Feeding your baby comfortably and efficiently is the most important aspect of a newborn’s life and a precious experience for a new mom.
Normal Frenum vs. Tongue or Lip-Tie
Dr. Rishita Jaju partners with you to understand your baby's symptoms and provide comprehensive diagnosis based on anatomy and function evaluation. She will discuss the necessity of procedure as well as proper preparation and timing, which are keys to our excellent outcomes.
Setting the Frenum Free
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.
The Magic of Laser Frenectomy Treatment
Our experienced team set the gold standard in comprehensive and collaborative care for infant oral care! We enjoy the trust of our peers and colleagues when they refer their most complex cases to Smile Wonders.
Comfort and Precision
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.
No Scalpel or Anesthetic
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.
Why Choose Smile Wonders?
Dr. Rishita has achieved 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. We have treated 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.
Only great things to say about Smile Wonders. My newborn had a frenectomy done with Dr. Jaju due to his significant tongue and lip ties. Dr. Jaju and her staff were all wonderful and professional throughout the pre-op, procedure, and post-op, which was huge given how nervous I was for my little guy! I also really appreciate how thorough they were in collaborating with other specialists to ensure the best possible outcome for him. Wholeheartedly recommend!
Liz C.
Consequences of Untreated Lip and Tongue-Ties
Feeding issues
Many children struggle with transitioning from milk to purees or table foods. While some become picky eaters and have difficulty managing variable texture of table foods.
Dental issues
Cavities seen on the front part of the incisors or recession of gums near the midline are often attributable to lip ties. Cavities on the chewing surface of the molars are often seen in patients that have a tongue tie and never developed the reflex to clean out the sticky foods after snacks or meals.
Speech issues
Many children develop air management and speech clarity or articulation problems due to limited range of motion and elevation of all parts of the tongue required to produce various sounds - /th/, /d/, /n/, /st/, /sr/, /kh/, /gh/, /m/, /p/, /b/, and so on.
Sleep issues
Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea are often seen in children that cannot manage the proper posture and tone of the tongue muscle due to restrictions or ties. Snoring, exhaustion, grinding of teeth, attention deficit disorders, behavioral issues are all now being connected back to sleep disordered breathing in the literature
Feeding issues
Many children develop a high arch in their roof of the mouth (palate) as it does not get the benefit of proper shape and molding by the tongue. Many children struggle with transitioning from milk to purees or table foods. While some become picky eaters and have difficulty managing variable texture of table foods.
Dental issues
Children with lip or tongue tie are prone to developing cavities on the surfaces that do not get the benefit of natural cleansing from the soft tissue of the mouth. Cavities seen on the front part of the incisors or recession of gums near the midline are often attributable to lip ties. Cavities on the chewing surface of the molars are often seen in patients that have a tongue tie and never developed the reflex to clean out the sticky foods after snacks or meals.
Sleep issues
Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea are often seen in children that cannot manage the proper posture and tone of the tongue muscle due to restrictions or ties. The tongue remains ‘down and back’ in the mouth which leads to restriction of the airway. Snoring, exhaustion, grinding of teeth, attention deficit disorders, behavioral issues are all now being connected back to sleep disordered breathing in the literature.
Speech issues
Many children develop air management and speech clarity or articulation problems due to limited range of motion and elevation of all parts of the tongue required to produce various sounds – l/th/d/n, st/sr/kh/gh, m/p/b, etc.
Infant Frenectomy Information
Toddler & Child Frenectomy Information
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 know why they are highly favorable in soft tissue procedures. The lasers ability to coagulate as it releases tissue allows better healing of the surgical site. Lasers virtually eliminate the need for scalpel or sutures, in most frenectomy cases.
We work hard to make sure children are comfortable in the dental chair before deciding to move forward with any treatment. This way, your child can sit comfortably while watching their favorite tv show or movie throughout the procedure. In some cases, if your child is managing other medical conditions or dental anxiety, we may discuss other options such as Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) or other forms of sedation to make sure your child is not only comfortable, but safe while receiving the best quality of treatment. We will work with you as a team to make the best decision for your child.
Team approach for long-term success
Children experience maximum benefits when a frenectomy is combined with guidance from a knowledgeable provider and support system. Children that are managing speech or feeding difficulties benefit from having a Feeding Therapist or Speech Therapist experienced in Oral myofunctional exercises to help them learn how to use their new mobility effectively! This is important in developing muscle memory, tone and stamina. They can help you tease out any other factors that may be interfering with your child’s ability to eat or speak adequately before and after a procedure.
Manual Exercises for After Procedure
Dr. Rishita Jaju’s collaborative approach that involves parents and other therapy providers in the practice and compliance tricks for post frenectomy exercises are key to our EXCELLENT results and long term success outcomes. Please watch the video and reach out to your myofunctional therapist or our team with any questions prior to your child’s frenectomy procedure.
Post Frenectomy Manual Exercises
Support Groups
The Feeding Flock
Arlington Lactation & Feeding Therapy
(in-person)
Oral Ties Support Group
Breasfeeding Center of Great Washington
(Virtual)
Connect With Us
We look forward to meeting you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.