Pediatric Frenectomy & Tongue Tie Treatment in Ijamsville, MD
What is a Pediatric Frenectomy?
A pediatric frenectomy is a quick, in-office procedure used to release a tongue tie or lip tie, helping improve feeding, speech, and oral function when needed.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenum is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This restricts the tongue's range of motion and may interfere with normal oral function.
Not every tongue tie causes problems, but when tongue movement is limited, children may experience:
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Difficulty latching or breastfeeding
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Clicking sounds while feeding
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Poor milk transfer or slow weight gain
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Challenges with eating or swallowing
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Speech concerns as they grow
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Difficulty sticking out the tongue or licking the lips
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Trouble with activities like licking an ice cream cone or playing certain wind instruments
When Does Treatment Help?
A tongue tie release (lingual frenectomy) may be recommended when a restricted tongue is affecting feeding, speech, oral hygiene, or other important oral functions. Dr. Dina performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your child's specific needs.
When Is Treatment Not Necessary?
Not every tongue tie requires treatment. Many children have a tongue tie but experience no functional problems. If your child is feeding, speaking, and developing normally, monitoring the area may be the best option. Treatment is recommended only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
How to determine if your child needs a frenectomy?
If your child is tongue-tied (ankyloglossia), aka has the lingual frenum more anterior to the tip of their tongue, limiting tongue movement, they may experience symptoms such as:
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Nursing/breastfeeding, your child may have problems latching or drawing milk because the tongue has to move and roll a particular way to get the milk out.
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Difficulty speaking, your child may have speech problems due to restricted tongue movement.
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Difficulty sticking tongue out far, making it difficult to eat and swallow.
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Other challenges your child may face as they get older are problems licking an ice cream cone, licking their lips, kissing, or playing a wind instrument.
A thick maxillary labial frenum that extends too far down to or very close to the gum line can cause orthodontic problems and interfere with the proper growth and spacing of the upper middle front teeth. When the labial frenum is close to the gums, there is usually a gap between the two front teeth even after orthodontic treatment, or it can cause the space to reopen after braces.
Does Every Tongue Tie Need Treatment?
No. Not every tongue tie or lip tie requires treatment. Some children function well without intervention. Dr. Dina performs a comprehensive examination and recommends treatment only when the restriction is causing functional concerns.
How Does a Laser Frenectomy Work?
If you, your child's pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech-language pathologist, or another healthcare provider suspects that a tongue tie or lip tie is affecting your child's feeding, speech, or oral development, Dr. Dina will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a frenectomy is appropriate. Because not every tongue tie or lip tie requires treatment, recommendations are always based on your child's individual needs and function.
The two most common procedures are a lingual frenectomy (tongue tie release) and a maxillary labial frenectomy (upper lip tie release). At Urbana Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Dina uses a CO₂ laser to perform these procedures because it offers excellent precision, minimal bleeding, and a comfortable experience for children.
What to Expect During the Procedure
You do not have to do anything to prepare for the frenectomy procedure for your child, but if you want to, you can give your child Tylenol 30-60 minutes before the procedure since it can help to minimize discomfort. You can use ibuprofen for children six months or older, but be sure to check with your pediatrician and follow the dosing instructions on the package. If you have homeopathic remedies that work for you and your family, you can also use those.
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Evaluation: Dr. Dina will examine your child's mouth, discuss your concerns, and answer any questions before treatment.
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Numbing: A topical anesthetic and, when appropriate, a local anesthetic are used to keep your child as comfortable as possible.
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Laser Treatment: The restrictive frenum is gently released using a CO₂ laser, allowing for improved movement of the tongue or lip.
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Quick Appointment: The procedure itself typically takes about 10–15 minutes.
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Minimal Bleeding: The laser seals small blood vessels as it works, resulting in little to no bleeding.
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Rapid Healing: Most children experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly, often returning to their normal routine within a day
Recovery After a Frenectomy
Most children recover quickly after a tongue tie or lip tie release. While every child heals differently, discomfort is typically mild, and many children return to their normal routine within a day. Dr. Dina will provide personalized aftercare instructions based on your child's age and treatment.
The First 24 Hours
It is normal for your child to experience mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness after the procedure. Most children do not need pain medication, but if needed, you may give the over-the-counter medication you normally use, following your pediatrician's recommendations and the dosing instructions on the label.
To help minimize swelling:
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Lip tie release: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your child's lip for short periods.
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Tongue tie release: Offer a popsicle or ice chips under the tongue. For infants, a small piece of frozen breast milk can provide gentle comfort.
A small amount of bleeding or pink-tinged saliva is normal during the first day. Because we use a CO₂ laser, bleeding is typically minimal.
During the First Week
Your child may return to normal activities the day after the procedure unless otherwise instructed.
To promote comfortable healing:
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Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating.
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Encourage plenty of fluids.
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Avoid straws for the first 24-48 hours.
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Choose soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods until the area feels comfortable.
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Continue brushing your child's teeth as usual, taking care around the surgical site.
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Older children may gently rinse with warm salt water twice daily after the first 24-48 hours.
For infants and toddlers, extra cuddles, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, or warm baths can provide comfort during recovery.
Healing Timeline
Most frenectomies heal within about two weeks, although many families notice improvements in feeding, tongue mobility, or oral function much sooner. Healing varies from child to child, and Dr. Dina will monitor your child's progress as needed.
What Is Normal During Healing?
As the area heals, it is completely normal to notice:
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A white or yellow patch where the frenectomy was performed
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Mild swelling or tenderness
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Minor discoloration around the surgical site
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Slight oozing during the first day
These are expected parts of the normal healing process and are not signs of infection.
When Should I Call the Office?
Please contact Urbana Pediatric Dentistry if your child experiences:
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Heavy or persistent bleeding
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Swelling that continues to worsen after the first 48 hours
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Fever or signs of infection
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Pain that is not relieved with recommended medications
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Any concerns about your child's healing or recovery
If your infant or young child experiences excessive bleeding, seek immediate medical care.
Stretching Exercises After a Frenectomy
Stretching exercises are one of the most important parts of the healing process. As the body heals, it naturally tries to reconnect the released tissue. Performing the stretches recommended by Dr. Dina helps reduce the chance of reattachment and supports the best possible outcome. Begin the stretching exercises the evening after the procedure, unless Dr. Dina gives you different instructions. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the surgical site.
After a Lip Tie Release
Dr. Dina may recommend gently lifting and moving your child's upper lip every few hours to keep the area flexible while it heals.
After a Tongue Tie Release
Depending on your child's age, exercises may include:
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30 tongue clicks, three times a day
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Tongue circles
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Licking the lips in a full circle, 10 times in each direction, three times a day
Your child's stretching routine may vary based on their age and specific treatment. We'll review the exercises with you before you leave the office and are always available if you have questions during the healing process.
More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tongue tie the same as a lip tie?
No. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue under the tongue is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is restrictive. Some children have one or the other, while others have both.
Does a frenectomy hurt?
Most children tolerate a frenectomy very well. Before the procedure, Dr. Dina numbs the area with a topical anesthetic and, when appropriate, a local anesthetic to keep your child comfortable. Afterward, discomfort is typically mild and short-lived.
How long does a laser frenectomy take?
The procedure itself usually takes 10–15 minutes, although your appointment will be longer to allow time for the evaluation, treatment, and a review of aftercare instructions.
At what age can a tongue tie be released?
A tongue tie can be evaluated and treated at almost any age, from infancy through the teenage years. The best timing depends on your child's symptoms and how the tongue tie is affecting feeding, speech, or oral function.
Can a tongue tie affect breastfeeding?
Yes. A restrictive tongue tie can make it difficult for a baby to latch effectively, transfer milk efficiently, or breastfeed comfortably. If you're experiencing breastfeeding challenges, Dr. Dina works closely with families and other healthcare providers to determine whether a tongue tie may be contributing to the problem.
Can a tongue tie affect speech?
Some tongue ties may contribute to speech difficulties, particularly when tongue movement is significantly restricted. However, not every speech concern is caused by a tongue tie. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Does insurance cover a pediatric frenectomy?
Some tongue ties may contribute to speech difficulties, particularly when tongue movement is significantly restricted. However, not every speech concern is caused by a tongue tie. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
How long does healing take?
Most children heal within about two weeks, although improvements in feeding or tongue mobility may be noticeable much sooner. Dr. Dina will provide personalized aftercare instructions and let you know what to expect during recovery.
Will my child need stitches?
In most cases, no. Because Dr. Dina performs frenectomies using a CO₂ laser, stitches are typically not necessary.
What foods can my child eat after a frenectomy?
Once the numbness has worn off, soft foods and plenty of fluids are recommended. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods until the area has healed comfortably. Infants can usually resume breastfeeding or bottle-feeding shortly after the procedure.
Can a tongue tie grow back?
The released tissue does not "grow back," but the body naturally tries to heal the area. Completing the stretching exercises recommended by Dr. Dina helps reduce the risk of the tissue reattaching during the healing process.
Do you perform infant frenectomies?
Yes. Dr. Dina evaluates and treats infants, children, and adolescents with tongue ties and lip ties when treatment is medically appropriate. Every child receives an individualized evaluation to determine whether a frenectomy is recommended.
Do I need a referral?
No. You are welcome to schedule an evaluation directly with our office. We also gladly accept referrals from pediatricians, lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, orthodontists, ENTs, and other healthcare providers.
Pediatric Frenectomy in Ijamsville, Frederick County, MD
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Families throughout Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick, New Market, Walkersville, Mount Airy, Monrovia, Middletown, and the surrounding Frederick County communities trust Dr. Dina Chehab for compassionate tongue tie and lip tie evaluations and laser frenectomy treatment.
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Dina takes a personalized, function-first approach to care. Every child receives a thorough evaluation, and treatment is recommended only when it will meaningfully improve feeding, speech, oral development, or overall function.
Our goal is to provide expert care in a warm, supportive environment where both children and parents feel comfortable every step of the way.
Schedule a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Evaluation
If you have concerns about your child's breastfeeding, feeding, speech, or oral development, we're here to help.
Dr. Dina will perform a comprehensive evaluation, answer your questions, and discuss whether a frenectomy is the right option for your child.
Every child is unique, and our goal is to recommend treatment only when it will provide meaningful functional benefits.
We look forward to partnering with your family to help your child smile, eat, and grow with confidence.