Frenectomy Surgery for Lip & Tongue Tie

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we provide frenectomy procedures for patients of all ages in North Mackay, QLD. Our experienced team understands how restrictive lip and tongue ties can impact daily life and is dedicated to helping your family address oral function concerns.

Frenectomy procedures are provided by Dr Hany Aziz (DEN0000989492), Registered Dentist.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that releases restrictive tissue connections in the mouth. This 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 help with breastfeeding, frenectomy surgery may benefit patients of all ages who experience limitations due to restrictive oral tissues.

Our Laser Frenectomy Approach

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we use dental laser technology for frenectomy procedures. Potential benefits may include:

  • Targeted treatment of restrictive tissue
  • Reduced bleeding compared to some traditional methods
  • Natural sterilisation of the treatment area, which may lower infection risk
  • No sutures required in most cases

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. We will discuss the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes during your consultation. Results and healing times vary between patients.

When Is a Frenectomy Recommended?

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 difficulties
  • Jaw discomfort or headaches related to compensatory movements
  • Difficulty performing proper oral hygiene

The Frenectomy Experience at Our Practice

Before Your Procedure

Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if a frenectomy is appropriate. This includes:

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

During Your Frenectomy

  • For infants, we may use topical anaesthetic for comfort
  • For older children and adults, we provide appropriate anaesthetic options
  • Our dental laser releases the restrictive tissue
  • Parents may be present to comfort infants during the procedure

After Your Procedure

Recovery from a laser frenectomy varies between patients:

  • Immediate Post-Procedure: Infants can often feed shortly after treatment. Older patients may resume normal activities within hours, depending on individual circumstances.
  • Short-Term Recovery: Some discomfort may occur and can be managed with recommended pain relief measures. We will discuss what to expect during your consultation.
  • Ongoing Care: To support healing, we provide:
    • Stretching exercises to support the healing process
    • Follow-up appointments to monitor progress
    • Referrals to allied health professionals (lactation consultants, speech therapists) when beneficial

Supporting Frenectomy Outcomes

The benefits of a frenectomy may be supported through a combination of:

Post-Procedure Exercises We provide guidance on stretching techniques to support healing.

Complementary Therapies Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

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

Frenectomy FAQs

The procedure itself typically takes a few minutes, with the entire appointment lasting about 30-45 minutes to allow for preparation and post-procedure care instructions.

We use laser technology and appropriate pain management. Infants may experience some discomfort during the procedure, while older patients receive anaesthesia. We will discuss pain management options during your consultation.

Signs may include feeding difficulties, speech challenges, restricted tongue movement, heart-shaped tongue appearance when extended, and gaps between front teeth. A consultation can determine whether a frenectomy is appropriate.

Signs may include feeding difficulties, speech issues, and visible restriction of tongue or lip movement. Our dental team can provide a professional assessment.

Frenectomies can be performed at various ages when symptoms are present. We can discuss the timing that may be most appropriate for your child during a consultation.

Pricing and Insurance

Many health insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary frenectomy procedures. Our team will help you understand your coverage options before treatment begins.

Schedule Your Frenectomy Consultation Today

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

At Healthy Kids Nurtured by Nature, we’re committed to providing supportive lip and tongue tie care to help your family.