Frenectomy Upper West Side

Are you or your child experiencing difficulties with speech, eating, or oral discomfort due to a restrictive tongue or lip tie? Do you have a newborn struggling with breastfeeding? At Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, we offer advanced laser frenectomy procedures to address tongue and lip ties with minimal discomfort and exceptional results for patients of all ages. Our approach to treating tongue and lip ties focuses on preserving functionality while enhancing comfort and quality of life through precise, targeted laser treatments.

What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?

Tongue and lip ties are common oral conditions that occur when the thin pieces of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) or the lip to the gums (labial frenum) are too short, thick, or tight. These restrictive tissues can limit normal movement and function, potentially causing a variety of issues throughout life.

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)

A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenum is restrictive, limiting the tongue’s ability to move freely. This can affect:

• Breastfeeding in infants (difficulty latching, poor milk transfer)
• Speech development (difficulty with certain sounds)
• Eating and swallowing
• Oral hygiene
• Development of the palate and airway

Lip Tie

A lip tie occurs when the labial frenum connecting the upper lip to the gums is overly tight or extends too far down toward the teeth. This can affect:

• Breastfeeding in infants (poor latch, inability to create proper seal)
• Dental development and alignment
• Increased risk of tooth decay (especially in front teeth)
• Gum recession
• Gap between front teeth (diastema)

At Dental West NYC, we understand the impact these conditions can have on quality of life, and we’re committed to providing effective, minimally invasive solutions using advanced laser technology.

Our Laser Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the restrictive frenum tissue to restore proper function and movement. At Dental West NYC, we perform this procedure using our state-of-the-art PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser, which offers significant advantages over traditional surgical methods.

Benefits of Laser Frenectomy

Our advanced laser technology provides numerous benefits for frenectomy procedures:

• Minimal Discomfort: The laser procedure is typically more comfortable than traditional surgical techniques.
• Precise Treatment: The laser allows for exceptional precision, targeting only the problematic tissue.
• Minimal Bleeding: The laser seals blood vessels as it works, resulting in little to no bleeding during the procedure.
• Faster Healing: Laser treatment promotes quicker recovery with less post-operative discomfort.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: The laser sterilizes as it treats, minimizing the risk of infection.
• No Sutures Required: In most cases, no stitches are needed following a laser frenectomy.

What to Expect

At Dental West NYC, your comfort and care are our priorities throughout your frenectomy procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

Before the Procedure

We’ll conduct a thorough examination to assess the restrictive frenum and discuss your symptoms. For infants and young children, we may coordinate with lactation consultants, speech therapists, or other specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

During the Procedure

The laser frenectomy procedure at our Upper West Side office is quick and straightforward:

1. For adults and older children, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure complete comfort. For infants, a topical anesthetic gel may be used.
2. Using our precision PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser, Dr. Walter or Dr. Kamel will carefully release the restrictive frenum tissue. The laser’s energy precisely vaporizes only the problematic tissue while sealing blood vessels and nerve endings simultaneously.
3. The entire procedure typically takes just a few minutes to complete, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.

After the Procedure

Following your laser frenectomy, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific situation:

• For infants, we encourage immediate breastfeeding to promote proper function and comfort.
• For older children and adults, we may recommend specific stretching exercises to prevent reattachment and promote optimal healing.
• Most patients can return to normal activities immediately, though we recommend a soft diet for the first day or two.

Frenectomy for Different Ages

Infants and Babies

For infants with feeding difficulties related to tongue or lip ties, early intervention can make a significant difference. Signs that your baby might have a tie include:

• Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
• Frequent breaking of suction while nursing
• Poor weight gain
• Maternal discomfort during feeding
• Clicking sounds while nursing
• Gassiness or reflux symptoms

Our gentle laser treatment can provide immediate relief, allowing for improved feeding and comfort for both baby and mother.

Children

For children, untreated tongue and lip ties can affect speech development, eating habits, and dental health. Signs that your child might benefit from a frenectomy include:

• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
• Problems with eating or swallowing certain foods
• Mouth breathing
• Sleep disturbances
• Dental issues such as decay on front teeth or gap between teeth

Our laser frenectomy procedure can help address these issues with minimal discomfort and quick recovery.

Adults

Many adults have lived with the effects of tongue or lip ties their entire lives without knowing there’s a solution. Common signs in adults include:

• Speech difficulties
• Neck tension or pain
• Sleep issues or breathing problems
• Difficulty with certain tongue movements
• Gum recession or dental problems

It’s never too late to address these issues, and our laser frenectomy can provide relief from long-standing symptoms.

Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Frenectomy

Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.

We take pride in our expertise with soft tissue laser procedures, which are particularly beneficial for treating tongue and lip ties. As Dr. Asher Schlusselberg notes, “The laser just doesn’t function on hard tissue like that. But on soft tissue, it is like the most incredible piece of machinery you can have. It’s over six figures and I paid for it because I think it’s that important.”

Our PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser allows us to perform frenectomies with exceptional precision and comfort, providing superior results for patients of all ages.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you or your child is experiencing symptoms related to tongue or lip ties, Dental West NYC’s dedicated Upper West Side periodontist offers the expertise and technology to achieve outstanding results with laser frenectomy. Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible care.