What is a frenotomy
A frenotomy is a procedure that involves releasing a restricted frenulum — a thin band of connective tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum), the lip to the gum (labial frenulum), or the cheek to the gum (buccal frenulum). A restricted frenulum (ankyloglossia) limits tongue mobility, which can affect feeding, breathing, speech development, and dental alignment.
At NidoMed, frenotomies are performed by a surgeon or neonatologist in sterile clinical conditions. The procedure is brief (lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes), and in young infants it often requires no anaesthesia — the incision itself causes less discomfort than a routine vaccination. For older children, we use local anaesthesia.
At our clinic, a frenotomy is always part of a broader therapeutic process. Before the procedure, a feeding therapist or speech-language pathologist assesses tongue function. After the procedure, we guide rehabilitation exercises so the tongue can learn new movement patterns — releasing the frenulum is the beginning, not the end of therapy.
When to consider a frenotomy
- Your infant has documented breastfeeding difficulties (painful feeds, poor latch, slow weight gain) and a feeding therapist has confirmed restricted frenulum function.
- Your child has difficulty articulating sounds that require tongue elevation (such as l, r, sh, ch), and a speech-language pathologist has identified an anatomical restriction.
- A dentist or orthodontist has determined that a labial frenulum is affecting tooth alignment (causing a diastema) or hindering oral hygiene.
- The frenulum restricts tongue mobility as confirmed by a functional assessment (not based on appearance alone).
What to expect
The procedure is quick and safe. For infants, the baby can be put to breast immediately after the procedure. For older children, discomfort typically subsides within a few hours. After the procedure, parents receive instructions for stretching exercises that help prevent reattachment and support the tongue in learning its new range of motion.