The condition known as being tongue-tied is caused when the frenulum (the band of tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short and tight. As a result, the movement of the tongue is restricted, leading to possible problems breastfeeding newborns – and potential speech problems down the road.
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that releases the frenulum from its attachment, allowing for proper tooth alignment and a full range of motion of the tongue.
Park Avenue Faces is pleased to offer sedation-free frenectomies via laser surgery in our office for patients as young as a few days old. Dr. Cohen has extensive experience in performing safe and effective frenectomies that reverse the side effects of being tongue-tied and restore healthy oral function.
First, your baby will be swaddled and a topical anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is applied to the area. Dr. Cohen will then use a precise laser to release the tightened or tethered tissue. The whole procedure takes less than 10 minutes and in most instances the baby is able to latch immediately when he or she is returned to you.
Your baby may experience some slight swelling for a day or so following the treatment. Dr. Cohen will provide advice on how to care for the baby’s mouth and if any post-surgical care is needed to ensure that the frenulum does not reattach again.