Frenectomies

At Children First Dental in Edmonton, we offer thoughtful, evidence-based tongue and lip tie assessments for infants, toddlers, and children. Our approach is conservative and individualized, with a focus on function, comfort, and long-term oral development (how the mouth works now and as your child grows)—not routine procedures.

Having Feeding or Breastfeeding Concerns?

Is breastfeeding painful or stressful? Does your baby struggle to latch (stay attached to the breast), make clicking sounds while nursing, seem very gassy after feeds, choke or cough while breastfeeding, or fall asleep quickly at the breast?
Some babies appear unusually fussy or “colicky” (hard to soothe), or show reflux-like symptoms (frequent spit-up or discomfort after feeds). While there can be many causes, restricted oral tissues—often called lip or tongue ties—may be one contributing factor for some children.

Understanding Lip & Tongue Ties

Everyone has labial (lip) and lingual (tongue) frenulums (small bands of tissue under the lip or tongue). In some children, these tissues may be tight or restrictive and affect normal oral function (movement and coordination).
Importantly, a visible frenulum alone does not mean treatment is needed. Decisions are based on how the mouth functions and whether symptoms or developmental concerns are present—not on appearance alone.

Possible Signs & Concerns

Depending on age and individual presentation, a lip or tongue tie may be associated with:

Feeding & Breastfeeding

• Painful breastfeeding or nipple pain
• Difficulty latching or staying latched
• Clicking sounds while nursing (loss of suction)
• Poor milk transfer (baby not getting enough milk)
• Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, choking, or coughing
• Long feeds or a baby who tires or falls asleep quickly

Oral Development

• A high, narrow palate (roof of the mouth)
• Limited tongue movement
• Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
• A gap between the upper front teeth (diastema)
• Challenges with oral rest posture or swallowing (how the tongue sits at rest)

Not all lip or tongue ties require treatment. A personalized examination is essential.

Signs Can Look Different by Age

• Infants: latch difficulties, nipple pain, clicking, reflux-like symptoms
• Toddlers: picky eating, gagging, delayed speech sounds, mouth breathing
• Older children: speech concerns, orthodontic issues (bite or spacing), open-mouth posture, breathing concerns during sleep

Our Conservative Approach

Dr. Wong follows the teachings of Dr. Richard Baxter of the Alabama Tongue-Tie Center and has completed the Tongue-Tied Academy Course, in addition to studying the work of Dr. Bobby Ghaheri.
Dr. Wong does not recommend release procedures routinely. Treatment is only considered when there is a clear functional concern (a problem affecting feeding, speech, or development).
We often work alongside Edmonton-based lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists (speech therapists), myofunctional therapists (oral muscle specialists), and orthodontists to ensure recommendations are appropriate and well coordinated.

What Lip & Tongue Ties Are — and Are Not

A prominent frenulum does not automatically mean treatment is needed. Many children have lip or tongue ties that do not interfere with function (how the mouth works) and require no intervention.

Our goal is to provide honest, balanced guidance, including reassurance when treatment is not necessary.

What to Expect at an Examination

Your child’s examination includes a careful oral assessment, a discussion of feeding or developmental concerns, and a review of relevant history. Recommendations are always made on a case-by-case basis (no one-size-fits-all), with your child’s comfort and development in mind.

Release Procedures (When Indicated)

A release of a restrictive frenulum may be called a frenotomy, frenectomy, or frenuloplasty (different medical terms for similar procedures). These treatments are designed to improve oral mobility and function.

At Children First Dental, we perform tongue-tie and lip-tie releases using a LightScalpel CO₂ laser. This advanced dental laser allows for extremely precise treatment of delicate oral tissues while minimizing bleeding and discomfort. Many children experience faster healing and a smoother recovery compared with traditional surgical techniques.

After a release is performed, parents receive clear guidance and support. Follow-up care may include working with other providers to help achieve the best outcome.

After a Release

Some children improve quickly, while others progress more gradually. Ongoing support may be recommended to help your child adapt and make the most of improved movement.

A Personal Perspective

Dr. Wong’s approach is shaped by both clinical experience and personal insight. Having navigated feeding challenges within his own family, he understands how overwhelming and confusing this process can feel for parents. After a careful and thorough evaluation, Dr. Wong performed both a lingual and labial frenectomy for his own daughter when there was a clear functional indication. This experience further reinforced his commitment to thoughtful, conservative, and evidence-based care—ensuring that treatment is recommended only when it is truly in a child’s best interest.

Book an Examination

If you have concerns about your child’s feeding, speech, oral development, or breathing, an examination can help determine whether a lip or tongue tie may be contributing—and whether any treatment is truly necessary.

Book an examination to discuss your child’s individual needs.