Frenectomies in Winslow, AZ
A quick procedure to release a tongue tie or lip tie that's affecting feeding, speech, or oral development.
Releasing a Tongue or Lip Tie
What a Tongue or Lip Tie Is
The frenum is the small band of tissue connecting your tongue to the floor of your mouth, or your upper lip to your gum. When it's too tight or too thick, it can restrict movement — leading to feeding difficulties in infants, speech issues in toddlers, or gum recession and gaps in older children. A frenectomy releases the restrictive tissue.
What the Procedure Looks Like
Frenectomies are quick — usually just a few minutes per site. We use a small surgical instrument to release the tight tissue, and the area is numbed beforehand for comfort. Bleeding is minimal. Most infants nurse or feed within minutes after the procedure, and most children are back to normal activities right away.
Why Coordinated Care Matters
If you're treating a feeding issue in a baby, a lactation consultant or pediatrician's evaluation often goes hand-in-hand with the frenectomy. We'll coordinate with whoever is on your child's care team to make sure the procedure fits the bigger picture. For older kids with speech issues, follow-up exercises (often with a speech therapist) help full recovery.
Common Questions
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the release of a tight or restrictive frenum — the band of tissue under the tongue or behind the upper lip. At Winslow Dental, we perform frenectomies on infants and children to address feeding difficulties, speech issues, or gum and spacing concerns. The procedure is quick and well-tolerated.
How much does a frenectomy cost in Winslow, AZ?
Frenectomies are typically affordable, and many medical and dental insurance plans cover them when they're medically necessary. We'll verify your specific coverage and give you a written estimate before treatment. See Finances & Insurance.
Does a frenectomy hurt?
The area is numbed before the procedure, so the release itself is comfortable. Some mild soreness is normal afterward and usually managed with infant pain relief or, for older children, over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients are back to normal feeding or eating quickly.
How long does a frenectomy take?
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes per site. With numbing time and post-procedure check-in, plan on a 30-minute appointment. Infants can typically feed right after the procedure — and we encourage it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my baby need follow-up?
Often yes — both for healing checks and to coordinate with your lactation consultant or pediatrician. We'll schedule a follow-up visit and walk through any post-procedure exercises that help the area heal without re-attaching.
Can a frenectomy help with speech?
It can, especially when combined with speech therapy. If your child's tongue tie is affecting articulation, we can coordinate with their speech therapist to make sure the procedure and the therapy work together.
How do I know if my child needs a frenectomy?
Common signs include trouble nursing as an infant, difficulty with certain sounds in toddlers, or visible gaps and gum recession in older kids. Bring your concerns to Dr. Gardner — he'll evaluate honestly and refer you out if a frenectomy isn't the right answer.
