Breastfeeding after laser frenectomy will not interfere with healing and can be done immediately, and many infants find it reassuring. Breastmilk contains tremendous healing properties, so nursing can aid in a speedy recovery, as well.
Some babies have difficulty latching right away due to numbness from anesthetic, but this usually wears off within 30-45 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if your baby needs some practice to adjust to a new breastfeeding technique. If a posterior tongue tie was released, it can take several weeks for an infant to become acclimated to nursing in a more efficient way.
Consulting a lactation specialist can also be beneficial in helping your baby adapt to nursing after tongue tie and lip tie laser surgery.
After Laser Frenectomy Sucking Exercises for Infants
Babies having difficulty breastfeeding with tongue tie or lip tie can benefit from some simple sucking exercises designed to improve the quality of their sucking patterns. Sucking exercises are typically recommended to be implemented three days after the laser frenectomy, although can also be incorporated prior to the procedure to hasten post-surgery progress. Each exercise can be completed in 30-45 seconds. Performing the sucking exercises (if necessary) before the stretching exercises is suggested.
Sucking exercises to improve nursing after laser frenectomy include:
- With a clean index finger, rub your baby’s lower gum line slowly from side to side to promote the tongue following your finger. This strengthens the tongue’s lateral movements.
- Allow your baby to suck on your finger or a pacifier while gently pulling it back. This tug-of-war motion strengthens the tongue muscles for more effective nursing.
- While your baby sucks on your finger, press gently on the palate, then turn your finger over and press down on the tongue. Rub the middle of the tongue to encourage your baby to push against your finger.
- Massage your child’s cheek by placing your index finger on the inside of the cheek and your thumb on the outside. Rub gently to lessen mouth tension.
Dr. Rubin will give you detailed post-frenectomy instructions to ensure the best possible outcome for your child. Frisco Kids Dentistry is committed to helping you feel as comfortable as possible performing the post-surgery stretches on your child. We are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s laser frenectomy. If your child develops a fever after surgery or you feel that the wound is not healing properly, call our office as soon as possible.
If you would like more information about the benefits of tongue tie and lip tie laser surgery, please contact our office if you would like to arrange a pediatric dental consultation with a pediatric dentist at Frisco Kid’s Dentistry, please submit an online appointment request or call our office at 214-618-5200.
