For new mothers, breastfeeding can be an important part of those first days and weeks with your baby. It provides valuable nutrition while creating an important emotional bond between mother and child. But when nursing is painful or your baby is having difficulty latching or feeding, it can be stressful for the entire family.
At Convivial Dental, we are dedicated to supporting mothers and their newborns throughout Boston, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, and the surrounding communities. Our team provides infant frenectomy procedures for babies with restricted tongue or lip movement that may be affecting breastfeeding.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
A high or restricted frenum attachment can limit the ability of the tongue and/or upper lip to move appropriately during nursing. A restricted lingual frenum is commonly referred to as a tongue-tie, while a restricted upper lip frenum is often called a lip-tie.
Some signs that your baby may have a restricted tongue or lip include:
- Painful nursing for the mother
- Biting of the nipple
- Prolonged nursing with long breaks or naps between feedings
- Irritability during feeding
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Swallowing excess air that may cause stomach discomfort
- A U-shaped or heart-shaped tongue
- An upper lip that folds inward during nursing
Feeding challenges can have many causes, and not every baby with a restricted frenum requires treatment. Our team will evaluate your baby and discuss whether an infant frenectomy may be appropriate.
A Gentle Approach to Infant Frenectomy
Infant frenectomy is one of the procedures we perform at Convivial Dental. We use a CO₂ superpulsed laser to precisely release the restricted frenum and improve the movement of the tongue and/or upper lip.
We understand that having a procedure performed on your newborn can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make the experience as gentle and comfortable as possible for both baby and parent.
After swaddling the baby, the doctor will apply a small amount of sugarwater and perform the operation.
Following the procedure, your baby can return to you for nursing within minutes.
We will also provide you with exercises to help minimize the possibility of the frenum re-attaching during the healing process. Parents are asked to follow these exercises for approximately three to four weeks.
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
We believe that caring for a baby with a restricted frenum is about more than the procedure itself. That’s why Dr. Zavras’ team works in conjunction with speech pathologists, occupational therapists and lactation consultants to improve oral function, speech, swallowing, and nursing.
We also suggest working with an IBCLC lactation consultant or nurse following an infant frenectomy to help support your breastfeeding goals.
Our use of dental laser technology offers several advantages over traditional scalpel surgery, including precise treatment, better control, minimal or no bleeding, less postoperative swelling, and faster healing.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s latch, feeding, or possible tongue-tie or lip-tie, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Call Convivial Dental at 617-735-0800 to or click here to schedule a consultation.
We proudly support families throughout Brookline, Brighton, Boston, Cambridge, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Jamaica Plain, and surrounding communities, as well as families referred to our practice from throughout New England and beyond.
