Frenectomy vs. Frenotomy: Which One Does Your Child Need?

Treating a lip or tongue-tie often requires a surgical procedure to release the banded tissue so that your child can enjoy a greater range of motion. However, if the specialist you’re seeing is using language you are unfamiliar with, such as frenectomy and frenotomy, you may wonder about the difference between the two. What are they and which one is best for your child? Keep reading to get the answers you need to make the right decision.

What is the Difference Between a Frenectomy and Frenotomy?

Frenectomies and frenotomies are surgical procedures that address lip and tongue-ties to allow greater movement when a child is eating, speaking, and breathing.

A frenectomy requires a specialist to remove the frenulum, the banded tissue underneath the tongue or behind the upper lip. This can be accomplished using traditional methods, such as a scalpel and sutures, or with a high-tech dental laser.

A frenotomy involves releasing the frenulum by clipping it and separating the tissue. This immediately improves the tongue or lip’s range of motion.

Both procedures use topical anesthesia to numb the frenulum, so your child does not feel any discomfort during their appointment.

Is a Frenectomy or Frenotomy Better for Your Child?

The only way to know which procedure is right for your child is to schedule a consultation with a lip and tongue-tie specialist. Using their professional insight, experience, and advanced training, they will determine which option will deliver the results necessary to improve tongue or lip mobility.

Infants, children, teenagers, and even adults can receive either of these procedures to improve their quality of life. However, frenotomies are generally used for mild cases, especially when a baby is struggling to nurse and receive the nutrients they need.

A frenectomy is commonly recommended when the lip or tongue-tie is very thick and restricted, limiting your child’s ability to speak clearly, eat solid foods, or breathe freely. It can also help those suffering from low self-esteem because of smile imperfections caused by a restricted lip or tongue-tie.

While either procedure can produce successful results, it is ultimately between you and your child’s specialist as to which one will be better for your little one. Regardless of the decision, you can rest easier knowing that the results will lead to a happier, healthier, and more confident child.

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is certified in lip and tongue-ties by the American Board of Laser Surgery, and she is a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTs: Tethered Oral Tissues Program. If you have a child with a lip or tongue-tie and are wondering whether treatment is necessary, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website.