Help Your Child Eat, Speak and Move Their Tongue More Comfortably
A restrictive tongue-tie or lip-tie can interfere with normal oral movement and make everyday activities more difficult for some children. A pediatric frenectomy releases or modifies the small band of tissue causing the restriction, helping improve tongue or lip mobility when treatment is clinically appropriate.
At Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Reza Arzegar carefully evaluates how the frenulum affects your child’s oral function rather than recommending treatment based on appearance alone. Dr. Arzegar is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has cared for children and adolescents since 2006.
Concerned that a tongue-tie or lip-tie may be affecting your child? Call 512-892-2443 or schedule an evaluation for pediatric frenectomy treatment in Austin, Texas.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects one part of the mouth to another. Most frenula do not cause problems. When one is unusually short, thick or tight, however, it may restrict normal movement or place unwanted tension on nearby tissues.
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases or removes the restrictive portion of the frenulum. The two types most often considered in pediatric dentistry are:
- Lingual frenectomy: Releases the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Labial frenectomy: Releases the tissue connecting the upper or lower lip to the gums.
Not every visible tongue-tie or lip-tie requires treatment. Dr. Arzegar will examine your child, assess movement and function, and explain whether treatment or continued monitoring is appropriate.
Lingual Frenectomy for Tongue-Tie
The lingual frenulum is located beneath the tongue. When this tissue restricts tongue movement, the condition is known as ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie.
A child with a restrictive tongue-tie may have difficulty:
- Lifting or extending the tongue
- Moving the tongue from side to side
- Eating or managing certain foods
- Clearing food from around the teeth
- Producing certain speech sounds
- Performing normal oral hygiene
Infants with a restrictive frenulum may also experience feeding challenges. Because feeding and speech concerns can have several causes, a frenectomy is recommended only after evaluating whether the frenulum is contributing to the functional problem.
When appropriate, care may also involve input from your child’s pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist or another health care professional.
Labial Frenectomy for Lip-Tie
The labial frenulum connects the lip to the gum tissue. A prominent or restrictive upper lip frenulum may make it difficult to lift the lip, complicate oral hygiene, place tension on the gums or contribute to spacing between the upper front teeth.
A gap between the front teeth does not always require immediate treatment. Spacing can change naturally as a child grows and the permanent teeth erupt. Dr. Arzegar may recommend monitoring the area or coordinating the timing of a labial frenectomy with children’s orthodontic treatment.
Signs Your Child May Need a Frenulum Evaluation
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your child experiences persistent concerns such as:
- Limited tongue or lip movement
- Difficulty chewing or managing food
- Speech concerns that may involve tongue mobility
- Difficulty brushing around a tight lip attachment
- Repeated tension, irritation or recession near the gums
- A visible notch or heart-shaped appearance when extending the tongue
- A gap between the front teeth associated with a prominent frenulum
- Feeding difficulties in an infant
These signs do not automatically mean that a frenectomy is necessary. A thorough pediatric dental evaluation helps determine whether the frenulum is actually limiting function and whether treatment is likely to help.
Potential Benefits of Pediatric Frenectomy Treatment
When a restrictive frenulum is causing a functional problem, releasing it may help:
- Increase tongue or lip mobility
- Support more comfortable eating
- Improve access for brushing and oral hygiene
- Reduce tension placed on nearby gum tissue
- Support speech therapy when restricted movement affects articulation
- Assist with feeding when the frenulum is a contributing factor
- Support an orthodontic treatment plan in appropriate cases
Results depend on your child’s age, anatomy and the specific reason treatment is recommended. Dr. Arzegar will discuss realistic goals and whether additional therapy or follow-up care may be beneficial.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Frenectomy
Your child’s visit begins with an examination of the tongue, lips, gums and surrounding oral structures. Dr. Reza Arzegar will evaluate the location and tension of the frenulum and observe how it affects movement.
If a frenectomy is recommended, the procedure can often be completed during a single visit. Treatment generally includes:
- Helping your child become comfortable in the treatment environment
- Numbing the treatment area when appropriate
- Carefully releasing or modifying the restrictive tissue
- Examining the area and confirming improved mobility
- Providing detailed home-care and recovery instructions
The exact treatment process depends on your child’s age, the type of frenulum involved and the extent of the restriction. Our team will explain each step before treatment begins.
Keeping Your Child Comfortable
Our pediatric dental team uses age-appropriate explanations and a reassuring approach to help children understand what to expect. The office also includes video games, televisions above the treatment chairs and child-friendly music to create a more welcoming experience.
If your child has significant anxiety, developmental considerations or difficulty tolerating dental procedures, Dr. Arzegar can discuss appropriate supportive options. Learn more about our approach to pediatric sedation dentistry.
Recovery After a Frenectomy
Temporary tenderness or sensitivity may occur following treatment. Our team will provide instructions based on your child’s procedure and individual needs.
Post-treatment guidance may include:
- Keeping the treatment area clean
- Choosing soft or comfortable foods temporarily
- Using recommended methods to manage tenderness
- Avoiding activities that may irritate the area
- Completing any movement exercises recommended by the care team
- Attending a follow-up visit when requested
Contact Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at 512-892-2443 if your child develops persistent bleeding, increasing swelling, worsening discomfort or another unexpected concern.
Why Choose Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for Your Child’s Frenectomy?
Children have different anatomical, developmental and emotional needs than adults. A pediatric dentist is trained to evaluate oral development and provide care in a way that is appropriate for a child’s age and ability to cooperate.
Dr. Reza Arzegar completed pediatric dental residency training in 2006 and is board certified in pediatric dentistry. With two decades of experience treating infants, children and adolescents, Dr. Arzegar takes a careful, function-focused approach to tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluations.
Our highly specialized pediatric practice provides comprehensive dental care for children and adolescents in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Parents can learn more about Dr. Arzegar by visiting our meet our doctors page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomies
What is the difference between a tongue-tie and a lip-tie?
A tongue-tie involves the tissue beneath the tongue and may restrict tongue movement. A lip-tie involves the tissue connecting the lip to the gums and may affect lip movement, oral hygiene, gum health or spacing between the teeth.
Does every tongue-tie need a frenectomy?
No. Treatment is generally considered when the frenulum is contributing to a functional concern. Some children have a visible tongue-tie without meaningful problems and may only need monitoring.
Can a frenectomy help with speech?
A restrictive tongue-tie may affect the tongue movements needed to produce certain sounds. A frenectomy may support improved movement when restriction is a contributing factor, but some children may also need evaluation or treatment from a speech-language pathologist.
Can infants receive a frenectomy?
Infants can be evaluated when a restrictive frenulum may be contributing to feeding difficulties. Dr. Arzegar will assess oral function and may recommend coordination with the child’s pediatrician, lactation consultant or another appropriate provider.
Is a pediatric frenectomy painful?
The treatment area is numbed when appropriate, and our team takes steps to keep children comfortable throughout the procedure. Temporary tenderness may occur during healing, and we will provide individualized aftercare instructions.
How long does a frenectomy take?
The procedure itself is generally brief, although the total appointment time varies based on the type of frenectomy, your child’s age and the support needed to complete treatment comfortably.
How long does recovery take after a frenectomy?
Initial tenderness commonly improves as the tissue heals. Recovery varies by child and procedure. Follow the instructions provided by our team and contact us if symptoms become worse rather than better.
Will a lip frenectomy close the gap between my child’s front teeth?
A frenectomy releases tension from the tissue but does not necessarily close an existing gap by itself. Orthodontic treatment may be needed, and the timing of a labial frenectomy is often coordinated with dental development and orthodontic care.
Where can I find tongue-tie treatment in Austin, Texas?
Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provides pediatric tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluations in Austin, Texas. Dr. Reza Arzegar is a board-certified pediatric dentist with extensive experience caring for children and adolescents.
Schedule a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Evaluation in Austin, Texas
If restricted tongue or lip movement is affecting your child’s eating, speech, oral hygiene or dental development, an evaluation can help you understand the available options. Dr. Reza Arzegar will assess your child’s oral function and explain whether a frenectomy, monitoring or coordinated care is appropriate.
Call Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at 512-892-2443 or schedule your child’s appointment online to learn more about pediatric frenectomies in Austin, Texas.
512-892-2443