Frenectomy Surgery for Lip & Tongue Tie

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we specialise in providing gentle, effective frenectomy procedures for patients of all ages in North Mackay, QLD. Our expert team understands how restrictive lip and tongue ties can impact daily life and is dedicated to helping your family achieve optimal oral function.

A frenectomy is a specialised surgical procedure that releases restrictive tissue connections in the mouth. This quick, minimally invasive treatment addresses:

• Tongue Tie (Lingual Frenectomy): Releases the tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth
• Lip Tie (Labial Frenectomy): Releases the tissue (labial frenulum) connecting the upper lip to the gums

While often performed on infants to improve breastfeeding, frenectomy surgery benefits patients of all ages who experience limitations due to restrictive oral tissues.

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we utilise state-of-the-art dental laser technology for frenectomy procedures, offering significant advantages over traditional methods:

• Precision targeting of restrictive tissue with minimal impact on surrounding areas
• Significantly reduced bleeding during the procedure
• Natural sterilisation of the treatment area, lowering infection risk
• Faster healing time compared to conventional techniques
• Reduced discomfort during and after the procedure
  No sutures required in most cases

Our gentle approach focuses on creating a comfortable experience while achieving optimal functional results.

We may recommend a frenectomy when restrictive lip or tongue tie causes:

For Infants

• Difficulty establishing or maintaining proper latch during breastfeeding
• Poor weight gain related to feeding challenges
• Maternal discomfort during breastfeeding
• Excessive air intake causing colic or reflux symptoms

For Children

• Speech articulation difficulties
• Challenges with eating certain foods
• Gaps forming between front teeth
• Difficulty with oral hygiene

For Adolescents and Adults

• Persistent speech impediments
• Jaw pain or headaches related to compensatory movements
• Social or self-confidence issues related to restricted oral function
• Difficulty performing proper oral hygiene

Before Your Procedure

Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if a frenectomy is the right solution. This includes:

• Comprehensive oral examination
• Assessment of tongue and lip mobility
• Discussion of symptoms and challenges
• Explanation of the procedure and expected outcomes

During Your Frenectomy

• The procedure typically takes just a few minutes
• For infants, we may use topical anesthetic for comfort
• For older children and adults, we provide appropriate anesthetic options
• Our dental laser precisely releases the restrictive tissue
• Parents may be present to comfort infants during the procedure

After Your Procedure

Recovery from a laser frenectomy is typically quick and comfortable:

• Immediate Post-Procedure: Infants can often breastfeed immediately after treatment. Older patients may resume normal activities within hours.
• Short-Term Recovery: Some mild discomfort may occur for 24-48 hours and can be managed with recommended pain relief measures.
• Long-Term Success: To ensure optimal results, we provide:
  • Stretching exercises to prevent tissue reattachment
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
  • Referrals to specialists (lactation consultants, speech therapists) when beneficial

The full benefits of a frenectomy are often achieved through a combination of:

Post-Procedure Exercises

We provide detailed guidance on gentle stretching techniques to prevent reattachment and promote optimal healing.

Complementary Therapies

Depending on your specific needs, we may recommend:

• Lactation consultation for breastfeeding support
• Speech therapy to develop new tongue movement patterns
• Myofunctional therapy to establish proper oral function

A frenectomy is more than a procedure—it’s an investment in proper oral development and function. Many health insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary frenectomy surgery.

Our team will help you understand your coverage options before treatment begins, focusing on the long-term value of addressing lip and tongue tie early.

If you suspect that you or your child could benefit from a frenectomy, contact our North Mackay office at (07) 3062 7662 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our experienced team.

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we’re committed to providing gentle, effective lip and tongue tie treatment to help your family thrive.