When you’re a parent, finding the best healthcare provider for your child is a top priority. This is especially true when it comes to specialized procedures like a tongue or lip tie frenectomy. The presence of tethered oral tissues (TOTs)—such as tongue or lip ties—can affect everything from breastfeeding to speech development, making it crucial to seek out a highly skilled and experienced provider who specializes in frenectomy care.
At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry and the Tongue Tie Laser Institute, we understand that choosing the right provider is a significant decision that requires careful research and consideration. Whether your child is an infant struggling with breastfeeding or a toddler experiencing speech difficulties, it’s important to find a doctor who not only excels in frenectomies but also prioritizes comprehensive, collaborative care to ensure the best possible outcomes.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a frenectomy provider for your child. By asking the right questions and focusing on expertise, experience, and patient care protocols, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and give your child the best chance for long-term success.
Why Finding the Right Frenectomy Provider Matters
Not every healthcare professional is equally experienced in treating tongue and lip ties. The procedure, known as a frenectomy, involves releasing the tight frenulum—the tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth—using either surgical scissors or a laser. While it might seem like a simple process, the procedure’s precision, technique, and follow-up care can make all the difference in your child’s overall function and development.
Choosing the right frenectomy provider ensures that:
- The procedure is done safely and thoroughly
- Your child experiences minimal discomfort
- Long-term outcomes are optimized, reducing the risk of reattachment or lingering issues
Key Considerations When Choosing a Frenectomy Provider
To ensure you’re choosing the best doctor for your child’s frenectomy, here are some important factors to keep in mind.
Provider Skill and Expertise
When it comes to tongue and lip ties, the skill of the provider is paramount. Not all healthcare professionals are equally trained in the complexities of tethered oral tissues. A provider’s level of expertise can significantly impact the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Proficiency in Laser Dentistry: If the provider uses a laser for frenectomies, it’s essential to verify their level of certification and training. Look for professionals with advanced proficiency or master-level status from accredited laser dentistry organizations, such as the Academy of Laser Dentistry or the World Clinical Laser Institute. These certifications demonstrate that the provider has undergone rigorous training, including both didactic education and hands-on case presentations, to master the use of lasers in frenectomy procedures.
Experience with Different Age Groups
The age of the patient can play a significant role in how a frenectomy is performed. Infants, toddlers, and children each present unique challenges, and it’s crucial that your provider has experience working with patients in your child’s age group.
Infant Expertise: Performing frenectomies on infants, in particular, requires additional training and experience. A board-certified pediatric dentist, like those at Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, will have the expertise needed to assess the impact of ties on feeding and development, as well as the knowledge of infant anatomy and physiology to perform the procedure safely and effectively.
Background in Infant Feeding and Lactation Support
For parents of newborns and infants, tongue and lip ties often present issues related to breastfeeding. Poor latch, pain during nursing, and slow weight gain can all be signs of tethered oral tissues. It’s crucial that your frenectomy provider has a deep understanding of infant feeding dynamics and how tongue and lip function affect breastfeeding.
Lactation Support: Look for providers who have specialized training in infant feeding and oral motor functional assessments. This level of expertise goes beyond dental or medical training and ensures that the provider understands both the mechanics of breastfeeding and the importance of resolving issues related to tongue and lip ties for optimal feeding outcomes.
Collaborative and Comprehensive Care
A successful frenectomy isn’t just about the procedure itself—it’s about ensuring that your child receives the necessary care before, during, and after the surgery. A provider who prioritizes collaborative care will work with a team of specialists to support your child’s overall oral function and development.
Post-Procedure Care: Ask potential providers about their aftercare protocols. Do they provide detailed instructions for wound care and healing? Proper management of the healing process is essential to prevent reattachment of the tissue and to promote optimal functional improvement after the frenectomy. A provider who offers thorough guidance on post-procedure care will help you ensure the best long-term outcomes for your child.
Follow-Up Appointments: Follow-up care is another critical component of a successful frenectomy. Check whether the provider schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your child’s healing and progress. This allows the doctor to address any concerns, adjust aftercare routines as needed, and ensure that your child’s oral function is improving as expected.
Coordination with Lactation Consultants and Feeding Therapists: A full range of motion in the tongue or lip doesn’t automatically translate to improved feeding or oral function. Many children, especially infants, need targeted support from feeding specialists to learn how to use their newly released tissues effectively. Look for providers who collaborate with lactation consultants, occupational therapists, or feeding therapists to provide a well-rounded approach to your child’s care.
Mouth-Body Connection and Neuromuscular Regulation
Understanding the broader impact of tongue and lip ties on the body is essential for achieving long-term success. Providers who consider the mouth-body connection will evaluate how tethered oral tissues affect overall neuromuscular regulation and function.
Suck-Swallow-Breathe Coordination: For infants, successful feeding requires proper suck-swallow-breathe coordination. Providers who assess and address this rhythmic coordination are better equipped to help your child achieve optimal oral function after the frenectomy.
How to Research and Select the Best Provider
Now that you know what to look for in a frenectomy provider, how do you go about finding the right one for your child?
1. Online Research and Reviews
One of the first steps is to research potential providers online. Many reputable practices, like the Tongue Tie Laser Institute, provide educational resources, patient reviews, and detailed information about their approach to frenectomies. Social media presence and online reputation are also valuable tools for getting an idea of what to expect from a provider and their team.
2. Ask for Recommendations
Your therapeutic support team—whether it’s a pediatrician, lactation consultant, or feeding therapist—can be an excellent resource for provider recommendations. These professionals often work closely with frenectomy providers and can give you insights into the quality of care your child is likely to receive.
Additionally, friends and family members who have had children treated for tongue or lip ties can share their experiences and point you toward trusted providers.
3. Gather Information and Ask Questions
Before scheduling a frenectomy, don’t hesitate to ask potential providers detailed questions about their experience, techniques, and protocols. By gathering as much information as possible beforehand, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and ensure that your child receives the best care available.
The Importance of Finding a Knowledgeable, Skilled Provider
Finding the right frenectomy provider for your child is a critical step toward improving their oral function, feeding abilities, and overall well-being. At the Tongue Tie Laser Institute, we strive to provide families with expert, compassionate care tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our experienced team of pediatric dentists, lactation consultants, and feeding specialists work together to offer comprehensive, collaborative care that promotes long-term success.
Whether your child is an infant struggling with breastfeeding or a toddler experiencing speech issues, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your family’s journey toward better oral health and function.