Bloomy's Laser Dentistry

Infant & Pediatric Frenectomies

Helping Your Child Feed, Function, and Thrive

At Bloomy's Laser Dentistry, we understand that feeding challenges can be stressful for both babies and parents. When a tongue tie or lip tie affects your child's ability to feed, speak, or function comfortably, a frenectomy may be an effective treatment option.


A frenectomy is a simple no sedation required, in-office procedure that releases tight oral tissue (known as a frenum) to improve movement and function. However, not every tongue tie or lip tie requires treatment. We recommend a thorough evaluation and only suggest a frenectomy when the tethered tissue is causing symptoms or limiting normal function.

A Team Approach to Care

We believe the best outcomes come from working together. Depending on your child's needs, we may recommend collaborating with:

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Lactation consultants

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Myofunctional therapists

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Speech-language pathologists

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Bodywork therapists (such as pediatric chiropractic, craniosacral, or physical therapy providers)

This collaborative approach helps support optimal feeding, healing, and long-term oral function.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that releases or removes a restrictive frenum, a band of tissue that connects the tongue, lips, or cheeks to the mouth. When this tissue is unusually tight or short, it can limit movement and interfere with normal function.


The procedure is performed in our office and is designed to improve mobility while minimizing discomfort.

Infant Frenectomies vs. Older Children

Although the procedure is similar, recovery differs based on your child's age.


For infants, rehabilitation focuses on returning to effective breastfeeding or paced bottle feeding, often with guidance from a lactation consultant.


Older children and adults typically benefit from myofunctional therapy after a frenectomy. These exercises help retrain the tongue and oral muscles to develop proper movement patterns and function.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the band of tissue beneath the tongue is unusually tight or short, restricting normal tongue movement.


While every baby has a lingual frenulum, approximately 5–12% of newborns have a tongue tie significant enough to interfere with feeding.

Tongue ties are often hereditary and may contribute to:

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Difficulty latching during breastfeeding

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Maternal nipple pain or trauma

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Poor milk transfer

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Decreased milk supply over time

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Slow weight gain

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Difficulty with bottle feeding in some infants

What Is a Lip Tie?

A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is unusually tight or thick, limiting the lip's ability to flange outward during feeding.


Because many babies with tongue ties also have lip ties, both should be evaluated when feeding difficulties are present.

Symptoms associated with a lip tie or tongue tie may include:

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Clicking or noisy nursing

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Frequent popping on and off the breast or bottle

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Milk leaking from the sides of the mouth

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Poor weight gain

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Very frequent feedings

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Coughing or gagging during feeds

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Lip blisters

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Excessive gas or fussiness

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Reflux-like symptoms

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Noisy breathing or snoring during sleep

A full breakdown of what to watch for at each age — and what nursing parents often experience — is on our symptoms page.

Our Philosophy

Our goal is not simply to treat a tongue tie or lip tie, it is to improve your child's overall function and quality of life. Every child is unique, and we carefully evaluate each patient before recommending treatment. When a frenectomy is indicated, we are committed to providing compassionate care while partnering with your family's healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every tongue tie or lip tie need to be treated?

No. Many babies and children have a tongue tie or lip tie that does not affect feeding, speech, breathing, or oral function. We only recommend treatment when a thorough evaluation shows that the tethered tissue is causing functional concerns.

How long does the procedure take?

The laser frenectomy itself typically takes only a few minutes. Your appointment will be longer to allow time for preparation, the procedure, feeding afterward, and a review of aftercare instructions.


Will my baby feel pain?

A topical anesthetic is used to help keep your baby comfortable during the procedure. It is normal for babies to cry during or after the procedure, often because they are being gently swaddled or having their mouth held open not necessarily because they are in pain. Mild soreness is expected for a few days and can usually be managed with the comfort measures recommended by our team.

Can I feed my baby immediately after the procedure?

Yes. We encourage parents to breastfeed or bottle-feed immediately after the release. Feeding helps comfort your baby and allows us to begin assessing improved tongue and lip function.

Why is bodywork or therapy recommended before and after a frenectomy?

Many babies develop compensatory movement patterns before birth and during feeding. Working with lactation consultants, bodywork providers, feeding therapists, or myofunctional therapists helps improve muscle function and mobility, giving your child the best opportunity for a successful outcome.

Are the stretching exercises really necessary?

Yes. Post-operative stretches are one of the most important parts of the healing process. They help reduce the risk of the tissue reattaching while the area heals. Our team will teach you exactly how to perform them and will support you throughout recovery.

When will I notice improvement?

Every child is different. Some babies show improvement immediately, while others improve gradually over several days or weeks as they heal and continue working with their lactation consultant or therapist.

Will my baby need follow-up visits?

Yes. We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing, answer your questions, and ensure your child is progressing as expected.

Does insurance cover a frenectomy?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Our team will help verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs before treatment whenever possible.

How do I know if my child needs an evaluation?

If your baby is having feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, painful nursing, or other symptoms associated with a tongue tie or lip tie, we recommend scheduling a consultation. Dr. Ackeilia Heatrice will perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether treatment is appropriate for your child.

Not sure if it's a tie?

Dr. Ackeilia Heatrice will perform a comprehensive evaluation and tell you plainly whether treatment is appropriate for your child.