Tongue and Lip Tie in Milford, MA
A Simple Solution for Tongue Tie and Lip Tie in Babies and Children
A frenectomy is a quick and gentle procedure used to treat tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and lip tie in infants, children, and even adults. These conditions happen when a small piece of tissue in the mouth, called a frenum, is too tight or thick, limiting natural movement.
A frenectomy may be recommended for your baby if a tongue tie or lip tie interferes with normal feeding or oral development. Common signs to look for include:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
- Frequent breaks during feeding or short feeding sessions
- Poor weight gain or slow growth
- Gassiness, reflux, or colic-like symptoms
- Extended nursing times or baby falling asleep while feeding
- Blistering on the lips or signs of baby working extra hard to feed
- Maternal nipple pain, damage, or clogged ducts during breastfeeding
If you notice any of these symptoms, an evaluation by Unique Smile’s pediatric dental specialist, Dr. Bakr Amin, can help determine if a frenectomy is the right solution to improve your baby’s comfort and feeding success.
When a tongue tie or lip tie is not treated, it can lead to a range of challenges, not only in early life, but as your child grows as well:
- Speech delays or articulation issues as your child begins to talk
- Oral hygiene problems, since limited tongue movement can make it harder to clear food from the mouth
- Increased risk of cavities due to trapped food and poor cleaning
- Orthodontic issues like gaps between teeth or improper bite alignment
- Sleep disturbances, including mouth breathing or snoring
Frenectomy Treatment at Unique Smile
If your child is receiving a frenectomy for tongue tie or lip tie, it's natural to have questions and want to be fully prepared. At Unique Smile, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Before the procedure, we recommend that parents ensure their child is well-rested and fed, if possible, as this helps keep your little one calm and comfortable. We’ll walk you through what to expect and answer any questions you may have so you feel confident going into the appointment.
During the procedure, Dr. Amin uses modern laser technology to make infant frenectomies fast, precise, and virtually painless.
Using a soft-tissue laser, we can:
- Complete the treatment in just a few minutes
- Minimize bleeding and swelling
- Eliminate the need for stitches
- Reduce discomfort for your baby
- Promote faster healing and easier feeding right away
Post-Procedure Care
Recovery after an infant frenectomy is typically quick, gentle, and straightforward, especially when the procedure is performed using advanced laser technology. Most babies experience only mild discomfort, similar to a small irritation, and can often resume breastfeeding or bottle feeding immediately after the procedure. In fact, many parents notice an improvement in their baby’s latch and comfort the very same day.
Healing usually takes about one to two weeks. Because laser frenectomies minimize bleeding, swelling, and tissue trauma, the recovery process is much smoother compared to traditional methods. Dr. Amin will walk you through easy aftercare steps, including simple oral stretches to help the tissue heal properly and prevent reattachment. In some cases, he may recommend additional support from a lactation consultant or pediatric therapist to help maximize the benefits of the procedure.
Most importantly, stay in close contact with our Milford dental office during the healing process. We’re always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure your child’s recovery is smooth and successful.
