In-Person
Consult
If you’ve just learned your child might have a tongue-tie, their pediatric dentist has likely taught you a couple of new words. Frenotomy? Frenectomy? They sound nearly identical, and it’s easy to get them confused. Both can release the tension under your child’s tongue or lip, and many providers actually use the words interchangeably. Keep reading to see the difference, so you can make an informed decision about your child’s lip or tongue-tie care.
What Is a Frenulum?
To understand the difference between the two procedures, you’ll need to know what they affect. The frenulum is a small band of tissue that connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth, and your lips to your gums. When it’s too short or thick, it can limit mobility for those areas. This is what’s known as a “tongue-tie” or “lip-tie.”
What Is a Frenotomy?
A frenotomy releases tissue tension with a quick cut without removing the frenulum. It’s typically used for newborns with a thin tie, especially when they struggle with breastfeeding.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy removes part or all of the frenulum instead of just cutting it. This procedure is more common for lip-ties, older children and teens, or when the tissue is thicker. Many pediatric dentists use a soft-tissue laser to perform this treatment, which can keep bleeding and swelling minimized.
Why Do These Terms Get Mixed Up?
Because these terms often get used interchangeably in casual conversation, their meanings can get diluted. Using one or the other when talking to a pediatric dentist is perfectly fine. Where it matters is in expectations for healing and recovery. A frenotomy requires less healing time than a frenectomy does, even if both procedures are relatively low-impact.
How Do You Know Which One Your Child Needs?
First, not every tie needs treatment. Your child’s pediatric dentist will look at how your child eats, speaks, and moves their tongue or lip, before making any determinations. For babies, they may also seek input from a pediatrician or lactation consultant to make the call. Afterward, they’ll explain which procedure they’ll use and why.
Whether it’s called a frenotomy or a frenectomy, the goal is the same: helping your child eat, speak, and breathe more comfortably. If you’re not sure what your child needs, a consultation is the best step forward to keep them healthy and smiling.
About the Practice
At Chicago Tongue-Tie Center, our team, led by board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Justin and Dr. Bindi, treats lip and tongue-ties with the care and attention they deserve. Every frenectomy is performed with our LightScalpel laser, which makes the procedure gentler and the recovery time shorter. We also work closely with pediatricians and lactation consultants to make the best decisions for your child. Call (312) 248-2455 to schedule a consultation today.