You’re already learning a thousand new things about your baby. Then your lactation consultant says two words you weren’t expecting: “tongue-tie.”
Suddenly, your brain starts racing:
- Does my baby need surgery?
- Is breastfeeding going to get harder?
- Who do I call about a frenectomy?
- What even is a frenectomy?
- How do I know if my baby actually needs treatment?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Hearing a new medical term when you’re already trying to figure out feeding can feel like a lot. You may even start searching for answers before you’ve finished your next feeding.
But it’s okay. Take a breath. A tongue-tie diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean your baby needs a procedure. Some babies have a restrictive frenulum without experiencing significant problems, while others may have difficulty with feeding or tongue movement.
The next step is simply understanding what’s going on. A pediatric dental evaluation can help you determine whether your baby’s tongue-tie affects function and whether a frenectomy may be appropriate. You don’t need to have all the answers before you walk through the door, that’s what your dental team is there to help with.
First Things First: What Is a Tongue-Tie?
A tongue-tie, also called "ankyloglossia," happens when the tissue under the tongue restricts how freely the tongue moves. In some babies, this restriction can make breastfeeding more difficult.
You might notice:
- Trouble latching or staying latched
- Clicking or unusual sounds during feeding
- Long or frustrating feedings
- Difficulty moving the tongue
- Breastfeeding discomfort for the parent
These signs can have several possible causes, so an evaluation helps determine what’s actually happening.
What Is a Frenectomy?
If a pediatric dentist determines that a restrictive frenulum affects your baby’s oral function, they may recommend a frenectomy. This minor procedure releases the tight tissue under the tongue or around the upper lip.
At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. James Guymon and the team use kid-friendly laser dentistry for tongue-tie and lip-tie releases. The practice describes the laser as precise and gentle, with minimal bleeding and quick healing.
And yes, you can ask all the questions. In fact, please do!
So, What Happens After the Referral?
You don’t need to walk into your appointment knowing the difference between a frenulum and a frenectomy. That’s your pediatric dental team’s job.
During an evaluation, the dentist looks at your child’s tongue or lip movement, considers the concerns that prompted the referral, and explains whether treatment makes sense. If a frenectomy is appropriate, the team can walk you through what happens before, during, and after the procedure.
Tatum Pediatric Dentistry focuses on making dental care comfortable and stress-free for children and parents. Our Scottsdale dental office also offers laser dentistry specifically for tongue-tie and lip-tie concerns.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Let Our Scottsdale Dentist Help
If your lactation consultant recommends an evaluation for a tongue-tie or lip-tie in Scottsdale, AZ, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Contact Tatum Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an evaluation and get clear answers about your child’s needs. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next.