Frenectomy | Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie are physical conditions that restrict the movement of the tongue or upper lip due to tight or short connective tissues called frenums. These restrictions can interfere with a child’s ability to eat, speak, or nurse effectively. In infants, tongue-tie may lead to difficulty breastfeeding, poor weight gain, or maternal discomfort. In older children, untreated ties can impact speech development and oral hygiene. A frenectomy is a simple procedure used to release these restrictions and restore normal mobility, improving function and overall quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Common signs of tongue-tie or lip-tie include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, prolonged feeding times, clicking sounds while nursing, or gassiness in infants. Toddlers and older children may have trouble with certain speech sounds, mouth breathing, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or even dental spacing issues due to lip restriction. At Richmond Centre Dental Clinic, we offer laser frenectomy treatment which is a quick, minimally invasive solution that usually requires no sutures or sedation. Post-procedure, we provide stretching exercises and guidance to support optimal healing and function.