Those first few days after a tongue tie frenectomy might feel like uncharted territory, but don’t worry! The recovery journey is typically smoother than most parents expect, and those post-procedure wiggles and whimpers usually transform into smiles faster than you can say “frenectomy.”
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve guided countless families through this process, and we’re here to walk you through exactly what to expect as your child’s tiny tongue adjusts to its newfound freedom! Our team of multilingual pediatric dentists, led by Dr. Marcela Mujica, specializes in caring for children of all ages, focusing on gentle, personalized treatment. From our offices in Charlotte, Plaza Midwood, and Indian Trail, we’re committed to helping your child achieve proper oral function through procedures like tongue tie release.
What is a Tongue Tie Frenectomy?
A tongue tie frenectomy is a quick procedure that releases the tight band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 10% of newborns suffer from a tongue-tie. When this tissue is too tight or thick, it can restrict tongue movement, potentially causing difficulties in the following situations:
- Breastfeeding and bottle feeding for infants (poor latch, slow weight gain)
- Speech development (trouble with sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r”)
- Eating certain foods and managing food textures
- Oral hygiene and reaching all areas of the mouth
- Social confidence as children grow older
The procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes and can be performed using modern techniques like laser treatment. These techniques often result in less bleeding and a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods using scissors or scalpels.
The First 24 Hours After a Frenectomy
The initial recovery period is when your child may experience the most discomfort. On the first day, you can expect:
- Some fussiness or irritability
- Minor bleeding or spotting that should subside quickly
- Reluctance to eat or drink immediately after the procedure
- White or yellow patch formation at the site (this is part of the healing process)
To help manage this early stage, we recommend keeping up with any prescribed pain medications and following a gentle feeding schedule. Cold items like popsicles or cold water can help soothe the area for older children, while younger babies might find comfort in skin-to-skin contact and gentle rocking.
For infants, breastfeeding or bottle feeding can usually resume immediately, though they may need some time to adjust to their new range of motion. Some babies immediately show improved feeding, while others may take a few days to adapt to their new tongue mobility.
The First Week of Recovery
As the days progress, you’ll likely notice your child becoming more comfortable. During this time:
- The white or yellow patch will remain as healing continues
- Feeding should become progressively easier with improved latch and suction
- Any discomfort should gradually subside
- Your child will likely return to their normal activity level
- Some children may experiment with their new tongue movement
Many parents tell us they’re surprised by how quickly their little ones bounce back! While the healing site might look unusual with its white patch, most children adapt remarkably well to their new tongue mobility.
Performing Stretching Exercises
The key to success after a frenectomy is maintaining a consistent routine with your dentist’s recommended stretching exercises. These simple movements are truly the unsung heroes of successful frenectomy recovery! Typically, these exercises:
- Need to be performed 4-6 times daily for about 2-3 weeks
- Take only about 20-30 seconds each time
- Should be done with clean hands
- May cause temporary discomfort but are essential for proper healing
- Involve gently lifting the tongue and/or lip to prevent reattachment
Creating a routine for these exercises can make them easier to remember and less stressful for both you and your child. Many parents find pairing them with regular activities like diaper changes or before feedings helpful. Using a favorite toy or song as a bit of distraction can help make the process smoother for toddlers and older children.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While complications are rare following a frenectomy, it’s vital to know when to reach out for additional help. Contact us if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure
- Signs of infection like increased swelling, redness, or fever
- Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period
- No improvement in function after healing is complete
- Significant reattachment of the tongue tissue
Remember, we’re always just a phone call away if you have any concerns or questions during your child’s recovery process, no matter how small!
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that making decisions about your child’s oral health can feel overwhelming. Our team of compassionate pediatric specialists is dedicated to creating a welcoming, kid-friendly environment where children of all backgrounds feel comfortable. We offer services in multiple languages, including Spanish and Russian, making quality dental care accessible to more families in our community.
If you believe your child may be experiencing issues related to a tongue tie or if you have questions about the frenectomy procedure and recovery process, please reach out to our team. Call our Arrowood office at (980) 263-2330, Plaza location at (980) 425-3100, or Wesley Chapel office at (704) 946-5326. You can call, text, or book online, or fill out our online appointment request form to get them the care they need.
