Frenectomies, Tongue-Ties & Lip-Ties Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a dental procedure that releases a tight or restrictive frenulum—the thin band of connective tissue located beneath the tongue or behind the upper or lower lip. While everyone has frenulum attachments, some are overly thick, tight, or short, limiting natural movement.

When oral tissues are tethered, children may experience difficulty with:

• Breastfeeding or bottle feeding
  
• Speech development
  
• Chewing or swallowing
  
• Mouth breathing or sleep-related concerns
  

At Building Smiles, frenectomies are performed using advanced CO₂ laser technology, allowing for a precise, gentle release with minimal discomfort, little to no bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods.

Why Might My Child Need a Frenectomy?

Frenectomies can be beneficial for children of all ages, including newborns, when a restrictive frenulum interferes with normal function.

In Infants

Tongue-ties and lip-ties may cause breastfeeding challenges such as:

• Difficulty latching or maintaining a latch
  
• Painful or shallow latch for nursing parents
  
• Clicking sounds during feeding
  
• Excessive air intake, gas, or reflux-like symptoms
  
• Poor weight gain
  

Dr. Nair works closely with families and, when appropriate, collaborates with lactation consultants and pediatric providers to determine whether frenectomy treatment may be helpful.

In Toddlers, Children, and Teens

In older children, untreated tongue-ties or lip-ties may contribute to:

• Speech articulation challenges
  
• Difficulty eating certain foods
  
• Open-mouth posture or mouth breathing
  
• Sleep-disordered breathing symptoms
  
• Tension in the jaw or neck
  

Every child is different, and not all frenulum attachments require treatment. Dr. Nair takes a conservative, individualized approach, recommending frenectomy only when there is a clear functional concern.

Types of Frenectomies We Provide

Tongue-Tie (Lingual Frenectomy)

A lingual frenectomy releases a restrictive band beneath the tongue that limits its mobility. Tongue-ties can be:

• Anterior, easily visible near the tip of the tongue
  
• Posterior, subtler and hidden beneath mucosal tissue
  

Restricted tongue movement may affect feeding, speech, and airway development if left unaddressed.

Common signs of tongue-tie in infants include:

• Restricted tongue movement
  
• Heart-shaped or notched tongue
  
• Feeding fatigue
  
• Clicking sounds during nursing
  

Lip-Tie (Labial Frenectomy)

A lip-tie occurs when the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight, preventing the lip from flanging outward properly. This can affect breastfeeding, oral hygiene, and spacing between teeth as children grow.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Frenectomy Appointment

A frenectomy at Building Smiles is a quick and straightforward procedure.

• The area is gently numbed using topical anesthetic (local anesthetic may be used for older children).
  
• Dr. Nair uses a state-of-the-art CO₂ laser to precisely release the restricted tissue.
  
• The procedure typically takes less than 30 seconds for infants and only a few minutes for older children.
  
• Sutures are rarely needed, and bleeding is minimal.
  

After the procedure, our team will carefully review post-operative stretches and aftercare instructions with you to support proper healing and long-term success.