Lip & Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)
At Soni Dentistry, we offer professional lip and tongue tie release procedures, also known as frenectomies, to help patients of all ages improve oral function, comfort, and overall health. Our skilled dentists in London, Ontario are experienced in diagnosing and treating restricted frenums that can impact speech, eating, breastfeeding, and oral development.
What Is a Frenum?
A frenum is a small band of muscular tissue connecting different areas of the mouth, such as:
- Labial frenum: Connects the upper lip to the gum between the two front teeth.
- Lingual frenum: Connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Buccal frenum: Less common, connects the inside of the cheeks to the gums.
When a frenum is too tight or restrictive, it can lead to functional and developmental issues for both children and adults.
Why Perform a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple oral surgical procedure that releases the frenum, improving mobility and function.
Labial Frenectomy Benefits:
- Reduces oral discomfort
- Eliminates gaps between the upper front teeth
- Improves bite function and facial appearance
- Enhances self-confidence
- Stabilizes dentures for denture wearers
- Supports successful breastfeeding in infants
Lingual Frenectomy Benefits:
- Improves tongue mobility for speech and self-expression
- Enhances feeding and chewing function
- Supports proper nasal breathing
- Promotes better facial and jaw development
- Helps prevent dental cavities by improving natural oral cleansing
- Assists with successful breastfeeding
Frenectomy for Babies
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue under a baby’s tongue is too short, restricting tongue movement. This can affect:
- Breastfeeding efficiency and latch
- Infant weight gain and feeding satisfaction
- Early speech development
- Nasal breathing and oral posture
Signs your baby may have a tongue tie include difficulty latching, clicking or dribbling during feeds, frequent or prolonged feeding sessions, head-turning, and tension in the neck or jaw.
Before considering a frenectomy, it is recommended to consult with a lactation consultant or bodyworker to ensure other feeding issues are addressed.
Frenectomy Consultations & Breastfeeding Support
Thinking about a tongue-tie or lip-tie release (frenectomy) for your baby? At Soni Dentistry, we understand that feeding challenges can be stressful for families. However, not all breastfeeding concerns are caused by a tongue tie or lip tie.
Before considering a frenectomy, we strongly recommend consulting with a lactation consultant to help identify and address any underlying feeding issues. A comprehensive breastfeeding assessment can help determine whether a tongue or lip tie may be contributing to difficulties with latching, feeding, or weight gain.
Some babies with feeding concerns may also develop neck tension or prefer turning their head to one side. In certain cases, this tension can mimic the symptoms of a tongue tie because the tongue is connected to structures within the neck. For this reason, we may also recommend seeing a qualified bodyworker prior to any release procedure to help rule out muscular or tension-related concerns.
If you are concerned about your baby’s ability to breastfeed and would like a consultation with our dental team, please complete the Infant Feeding Intake Form.
As a proud member of the London community, Dr. Jamie Liu is dedicated to supporting local families and infants with feeding concerns. If you live in London, Ontario and are unable to book an appointment in a timely manner through the intake form, please contact our reception team directly at (519) 657-5111.
Why Choose Soni Dentistry
Our dentists are experienced in performing safe and effective frenectomies using modern techniques to minimize discomfort and promote rapid healing. Whether for infants, children, or adults, we focus on improving oral function and overall well-being.
Call Soni Dentistry (519) 657-5111 to schedule a consultation for lip or tongue tie release in London, Ontario, and take the first step toward improved oral health and comfort.