Your child has been diagnosed with a tongue or lip tie. You’ve been told a frenectomy is the next step. Now you’re researching how it’s done, and you’ve found two options: laser or scissors.
Both methods release the restrictive tissue. Both can improve feeding, speech, and breathing. The difference comes down to precision, bleeding, recovery, and the risk of the tie returning.
Dr. Daniel Moheban at Children’s Dental Specialties in Worcester has performed laser frenectomies for years. He’s board certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He’s also a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and has studied laser dentistry extensively. His practice uses the BabyLase protocol for infants and children. Here’s what parents need to know before choosing a method for tongue and lip tie.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy releases the tight band of tissue that restricts your child’s tongue or lip. That tissue is called the frenum. When it’s too short or too tight, it can interfere with breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, and even sleep.
The procedure itself is quick. A trained provider releases the tissue, and the child can usually feed right away. But the method matters. Scissors cut the tissue. A laser vaporizes it while sealing blood vessels and nerve endings at the same time.
How a Scissors Frenectomy Works
A scissors release is the older method. The provider uses small surgical scissors to snip the tight tissue. The procedure takes seconds. It’s widely available and typically less expensive.
Scissors work well for thin, anterior ties, where the restriction sits right at the tip of the tongue. But they have limitations. The cut bleeds. The wound is a diamond shape that can heal back together, which means the tie can reattach. And scissors can’t always reach deeper posterior ties or complex lip ties.
If the release is incomplete, your child may need a second procedure. That’s stressful for everyone.
How a Laser Frenectomy Works
A laser frenectomy uses a focused beam of light to remove the restrictive tissue. The laser cuts and cauterizes at the same time. That means minimal bleeding, a sterile field, and a more precise release.
Dr. Moheban uses dental lasers for frenectomies at Children’s Dental Specialties. Our dental practice’s BabyLase protocol is designed specifically for infants and children. The laser removes the tissue without the trauma of cutting.
Here’s the benefits of laser dentistry treatment for your child:
- Less bleeding: The laser seals blood vessels as it works. Most parents see little to no bleeding during or after the procedure.
- Less pain: The laser seals nerve endings, which reduces discomfort. Most infants nurse immediately after the procedure. Older children typically return to normal activity within a day.
- No stitches: Scissors releases sometimes require sutures. Laser releases typically don’t. The wound heals naturally without the need for stitches.
- More complete release: The laser can reach deeper tissue, including posterior ties and complex lip ties. That precision reduces the risk of leaving residual restriction behind.
- Lower reattachment risk: A complete release, combined with proper post-op stretches, reduces the chance that the tie will heal back together. Skipping the stretches is the leading reason ties reattach, regardless of method.
Why Dr. Moheban Uses Laser for Frenectomies
Dr. Moheban’s training supports the laser approach. He’s studied laser dentistry extensively and is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He’s also trained in myofunctional sciences and orofacial myology. He understands how tongue function affects breathing, sleep, and facial development, not just breastfeeding.
Our practice performs a functional assessment to determine whether a frenectomy is actually necessary. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes that not all infants with ankyloglossia require surgery, and other causes of feeding difficulties are more common. Dr. Moheban’s evaluation process reflects that standard.
If your child needs a release, the laser is his tool of choice. If your child doesn’t, he’ll tell you that too.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a laser frenectomy is typically quick. Most soft-tissue healing is complete within one to two weeks.
The treated area will look like a small diamond-shaped wound. It may turn whitish-yellow over the next few days. That’s normal healing tissue, not infection.
The most important part of recovery is the stretching routine. Dr. Moheban will show you how to gently lift the tongue or lip and massage the site. You’ll do this several times a day for about three weeks. Your child may protest, but skipping the stretches is the leading reason a tie reattaches.
You’ll have follow-up visits to check healing and function. The team at Children’s Dental Specialties is available for questions between appointments.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
If your child has been diagnosed with a tongue or lip tie, don’t guess about the method. Get an evaluation from a pediatric specialist who uses laser technology.
Call Children’s Dental Specialties at (508) 625-5534 or request an appointment online. Dr. Moheban will examine your child, explain what he finds, and recommend the right approach. If a frenectomy is needed, you’ll know the method, the recovery, and the cost before you decide.