973-989-7970 
Frenectomy – Lip & Tongue-Tie Dentist
A tongue-tie or lip-tie is a birth condition that restricts the affected person’s range of motion in their tongue or lips. These oral restrictions are caused by especially short “tethers” in the mouth and can affect your child both now and in the future if they do not receive corrective treatment. That is why Dr. Matt performs lip-tie and tongue-tie revisions, also known as tongue- or lip-tie releases, in Randolph, New Jersey.
Through a quick procedure known as a frenectomy, Dr. Matt and our team can improve your child’s range of motion right in the comfort of our office using the state-of-the-art DEKA CO2 laser. To learn more about our CO2 laser treatment for lip- and tongue-ties, call a member of our team at 973-989-7970 and schedule an appointment with our dentists at Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph.
What Is Tongue- or Lip-Tie?
Sometimes called ankyloglossia, a tongue- or lip-tie refers to a condition in which the tongue or lip does not have full range of motion. This is caused by the frenulum, also known as the frenum, which is a band of tissue that tethers the tongue and the lips to the rest of the mouth. Some people are born with an especially short or thick frenelum, which can cause them to lose mobility in their mouth.
Symptoms
If you start to notice signs of this condition in your child, we encourage you to reach out to us and schedule a consultation for treatment. If your newborn or older infant is having trouble breastfeeding, the International Affiliation of Tongue Tie Professionals urges a visit to an experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to eliminate other possible reasons for breastfeeding problems. Some of the common signs of a lip- or tongue-tie to look out for are:
- Falling asleep when nursing
- Colic
- Reflux
- Inadequate weight gain
- Weak latch when breastfeeding
- Constantly needing to feed
- Disorganized swallowing
- Milk dribbles when feeding
Our state-of-the-art DEKA CO2 laser for treating lip- and tongue-ties
Lip- & Tongue-Tie Diagnosis
Tongue-Tie
A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum is tightly fastened to the point that it restricts function of the tongue, making it difficult for infants to feed and causing pain for the breastfeeding mother. As a result, infants with tongue-ties will have a more difficult time swallowing. Often, these babies will also have symptoms of reflux and colic and will tire quickly when attempting to feed.
Lip-Tie
A lip-tie occurs when the upper or lower labial frenulum, which connects the lip to the gums, is tightly connected, restricting movement of the lips. This can significantly impact a baby’s ability to feed as it prevents the baby from forming an adequate seal around the nipple. As a child gets older, a lip-tie can also impact speech and cause orthodontic concerns.
FAQ
What are lip- and tongue-ties, and how do they affect my child?
Lip- and tongue-ties are conditions where the tissue connecting the lip to the gum (lip-tie) or the tongue to the floor of the mouth (tongue-tie) is too tight or restrictive. These conditions can affect a child’s ability to breastfeed, speak and eat properly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent potential complications such as speech delays, dental issues and difficulty with certain oral functions.
How is lip- and tongue-tie diagnosed in children?
Lip- and tongue-tie are usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a pediatric dentist or other healthcare professional. They will look for signs such as restricted movement of the tongue or lip, difficulty breastfeeding or speech issues. In some cases, a specialist might use specific diagnostic tools or refer you to a lactation consultant or speech therapist for further evaluation.
What are the treatment options for lip- and tongue-ties in children?
Treatment options for lip- and tongue-ties typically involve a simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy. Our dentists and team use a state-of-the-art DEKA CO2 laser to perform this procedure and release the tight tissue. Your child’s procedure will be quick and can significantly improve their oral function and comfort.
Is the treatment for lip- and tongue-tie safe, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
Yes, the treatment for lip- and tongue-tie is generally safe and effective. The frenectomy procedure is minimally invasive, and most children experience only mild discomfort afterward. Recovery is typically quick, with most children resuming normal activities within a day or two. Our dentists will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include gentle exercises to ensure proper healing and prevent reattachment of the tissue.
Dr. Matthew Mannella is proud to be a member of the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals (IATP). The IATP is an international, multi-disciplinary group of professionals who have come together out of a common interest in effective management of tongue-tie and upper lip-tie. The goal of this organization is to improve knowledge, education and training in the field of oral restrictions, and we are proud to have a member of this group to serve our patients here in Randolph, New Jersey.
If you are concerned about a possible lip- or tongue-tie with your baby, contact Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph by calling our team at 973-989-7970 and setting up a consultation with Dr. Matt. We look forward to providing exceptional pediatric dental care to litte patients in Morris County, Sussex County, Essex County and Warren County.
Amazing experience from check in to check out. My daughter had a tongue and lip tie revision. Dr Matt was very informative and explained all that was going on with my two week old before we ultimately decided to go forward with the procedure. he was so kind and gentle with our new born and I could feel the change immediately in her latch. The front desk staff was super welcoming and the offic is 250% geared and decorated for kids. – Kristen F.
We had an amazing experience! We found Dr. Matt and his office when our newborn was diagnosed with a lip tie. Being new to the area, we wanted a pediatric dentist who not only provided the Frenectomy, but knew what they were doing as we had to trust someone with our small 3 week old. We took a leap of faith based on all the incredible reviews and were nothing short of pleased. Not only did Dr. Matt confirm a lip tie, but he also told us our son had a slight tongue tie, which we weren’t aware of. The entire visit Dr. Matt and the nurse were both so kind and sweet answering all of my questions and ensuring me our newborn will be safe and well taken care of, which he was. They even allowed me to stay a little later for me to feed and comfort my son post procedure. While our youngest son needed the Frenectomy, we also took our toddler to get a cleaning as well. Both boys left with a positive dental experience. The staff and nurses were so sweet and helpful and we left happy, comfortable, and thankful for the experience we had. A week after the visit, we even received a call to check in on the boys and see how they were doing and if they had any questions. This was a really sweet touch as we’ve never had this before. We recommend this Dentist office and team to anyone!
-Brittany M.
I called at 3pm one day and they were able to give me an appointment for the next morning to evaluate my baby for tongue and lip tie! The staff was friendly and Dr.Matt Mannella was amazing! He listened to my concerns, explained everything really well when I decided to move forward with the procedure and was very friendly. I would recommend this place!
-Elisabet P.
Dr. Matthew Mannella is amazing. My newborn daughter had a tongue tie release procedure done at 4 weeks which literally took only 10mins for the whole process. There was no wait time. Dr Mannella explained everything clearly. It was a great experience at Pediatric Dental Associates and I would 100% recommend this office to my friends and family.
– Sebaanne S.
We had a wonderful experience at Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph – Dr. Matt & team took excellent care of our 8 week old during her tongue and lip frenectomy procedures, and actively supported us during her recovery. The procedure was seamless, and provided significant relief to our newborn. We cannot recommend enough!
– Katie T.
We were and are so incredibly thankful that Dr Manella stayed late the other day to fix our daughter’s severe tongue tie the same day we brought her home from the hospital. He came highly recommended to us and we were so upset when the original wait was more than three weeks, but he made an exception for us before she was even two days old and we could not be more grateful. He explained everything in detail, showed us pictures, and made sure all our questions were answered. We felt so comfortable with all the staff there. Our daughter isn’t even a week old yet and we found her future dentist thanks to this!
– Michelle S.
Dr. Matt was amazing!! He explained our sons tongue tie issue and really took his time explaining the process and post care. He was patient and allowed us to ask as many questions. The procedure was quick and I was able to nurse my son right after.
– Melanie A.
My four week old got treated for her tongue tie here. The whole staff was warm and welcoming. Dr. Matt was fantastic. He took the time to explain everything and listen to what our struggles with feeding had been. He evaluated her and only treated the area we were having the most difficulty in. He didn’t just cut to cut. The procedure was quick and she is doing wonderfully. I’m excited to see how her healing progresses.
– Jess J.