Laser frenectomy for babies: a simple procedure to make breastfeeding easier
A simple procedure that can improve breastfeeding and your baby's well-being
It is common for newborns and babies to have a small tissue that limits the movement of the tongue or upper lip. Although it seems harmless, this anatomical detail can interfere with breastfeeding, nasal breathing, speech development and even the pattern of orofacial growth.
The technical name for this condition is tongue tie or ankyloglossia, and the most effective treatment is a frenectomy — a small procedure to remove or release the frenulum. When performed with laser technology, the treatment becomes even more precise, quick and comfortable, even in babies only a few days old.
At our clinic in Almancil, in the centre of the Algarve, we offer laser frenectomy for babies safely, using modern equipment and a team experienced in paediatric dentistry and laser dentistry.
This page answers parents’ most common questions clearly: what the procedure is, when it is indicated, how it is done and why so many families choose dental laser for babies.
What is a frenectomy in babies?
A frenectomy is a small procedure to remove or release the tongue frenulum (lingual frenulum) or the upper lip frenulum (labial frenulum) when they are too short or tight, limiting the natural movements of the mouth.
In babies, a short lingual frenulum can make essential movements difficult, such as sucking properly at the breast or keeping a good latch, and can even cause pain for the mother while breastfeeding. A tight lip frenulum can affect the lip seal and interfere with the normal growth of facial structures.
When these frenula affect function, they are classed as restrictive, and early release can bring significant benefits. Releasing the frenulum helps the baby suck better, breathe better through the nose and develop the oral muscles in a balanced way.
The procedure is quick and, when done with a dental laser, causes almost no bleeding or pain. It is a minimally invasive approach, with a very fast recovery and no hospital stay.
Many parents come to us on the recommendation of lactation consultants, paediatricians or speech therapists, especially when there are signs such as breastfeeding difficulties, poor weight gain or excessive tiredness while feeding.
Want to know if this treatment is right for you? Book an assessment.
When is a frenectomy indicated?
A frenectomy in babies is never done for aesthetic reasons. It is always indicated on the basis of functional problems, observed in the baby’s behaviour during breastfeeding or in specialised clinical assessments.
A short tongue frenulum (ankyloglossia) or lip frenulum can compromise essential actions in the first months of life, with a direct impact on the baby’s quality of life and the mother’s well-being.
The most common signs that call for an assessment are:
Breastfeeding difficulties
the baby cannot keep a latch, makes noises while sucking, often chokes or falls asleep quickly while feeding.
Pain or damage to the mother's nipple
mothers who feel intense pain when breastfeeding, even with an apparently correct latch.
Insufficient weight gain
babies who feed often but do not gain weight satisfactorily.
Tension in the oral and neck muscles
stiffness in the jaw, limited tongue movement or difficulty lifting the tongue to the palate.
Recommendations from health professionals
paediatricians, breastfeeding consultants, speech therapists or osteopaths who notice functional changes linked to the frenulum.
When there is a proven impact on sucking, breathing or muscular and orofacial development, the procedure is considered beneficial and should be done promptly, preferably in the first weeks of life.
Laser frenectomy in newborns is particularly suitable because it is a short procedure, with no stitches or general anaesthesia, and with better recovery conditions than conventional scalpel techniques.
Advantages of laser frenectomy compared with the conventional technique
Laser frenectomy has become the preferred approach in many dental clinics and children’s hospitals because of its clinical benefits and comfort for the baby. Unlike the traditional technique, which uses a scalpel or scissors, the dental laser allows a more precise, faster and less traumatic procedure.
The main advantages include:
Less pain and discomfort
The laser acts precisely on the tissue, vaporising it without mechanical cutting, which means much less painful stimulation. In most cases no injected anaesthesia is needed — a topical anaesthetic gel is enough.
Almost no bleeding
The laser can seal the blood vessels at the moment of the incision, which greatly reduces or even eliminates bleeding during the procedure.
Lower risk of infection
While cutting, the laser also sterilises the treated area. This lowers the risk of local infection, which is especially important in babies, whose immune system is still developing.
No stitches needed
Most laser-treated cases do not need stitches, which makes recovery simpler and faster.
Almost immediate recovery
The baby can feed again minutes after the procedure; this quick return is key to avoiding early weaning and strengthening the bond between mother and baby.
Greater acceptance by parents
Because the technique is less invasive and safer, parents feel more confident about agreeing to the treatment, especially for newborns or very young babies.
These advantages make laser frenectomy a highly recommended option in clinics with the right setup, such as Atelier do Sorriso, where we use the Fotona laser — one of the most advanced technologies in modern dentistry.
How is the laser procedure done in babies?
Laser frenectomy in babies is a quick, simple procedure carried out in a controlled clinical setting, with no hospital stay or hospital preparation.
First, the baby has an assessment appointment, in which our team examines the type of frenulum (lingual or labial), its thickness, its effect on function and the clinical signs. Based on this examination and on the history reported by the parents or health professionals, the treatment plan is defined.
On the day of the procedure, the baby is placed in a safe, comfortable position, in a calm environment prepared to welcome them. We use the Fotona laser, which allows a precise incision without direct physical contact, without mechanical cutting and with minimal discomfort.
The procedure takes on average 5 to 10 minutes, including the time to apply topical anaesthesia when indicated. In newborns, sensitivity to the laser is very low and discomfort is usually minimal.
During the laser application:
- The frenulum is released with a controlled beam of light
- No stitches are needed
- The baby is monitored at all times
- The parents stay close by and are supported by our team
After the procedure, the baby can feed again straight away, which is even encouraged, as sucking helps healing and the correct repositioning of the tongue.
Our team guides the parents on gentle post-procedure exercises, which help prevent relapse and support the normal development of oral functions.
Is this procedure safe in newborns?
Yes, laser frenectomy is a safe procedure, even in newborns only a few days old. When performed by a specialised team with the right technology, it carries a low clinical risk and a high success rate, and complications are extremely rare.
The Fotona laser we use at our clinic in Almancil acts on the tissue with millimetre precision, without physical contact and with minimal harm to the surrounding structures. This reduces the risk of inflammation, infection or bleeding, which naturally worry parents when a procedure is done in the first months of life.
Another important point: babies’ nervous and vascular systems are more sensitive, so less invasive techniques such as the laser are particularly suitable. Controlling the energy emitted by the device means that only the necessary tissue is treated, fully respecting the healthy structures around it.
Recovery is also almost immediate. The baby can go back to breastfeeding right after the procedure, with no hospital stay, fasting or general anaesthesia. In healthy babies, healing takes a few days and is closely followed by our clinical team.
Safety also comes from the prepared environment, the hygiene and infection-control protocols and the experience of our multidisciplinary team, which includes dentists trained in laser, paediatric dentistry and caring for newborns.
Related treatments
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Atelier do Sorriso:
Laser Frenectomy in the Algarve
A laser frenectomy releases the tongue or lip tie that makes breastfeeding difficult. At Atelier do Sorriso we perform the procedure with a laser, a quick technique that is less invasive than the conventional one.
Assessed Indication
We confirm that the tie is really interfering with breastfeeding before suggesting the procedure.
Laser Technique
The laser cuts and coagulates at the same time, with less bleeding than a scalpel.
Quick Procedure
A short procedure, carried out in the clinic.
Simple Recovery
Healing is quick and breastfeeding can resume soon after.
Safe for Newborns
The procedure follows protocols suited to the baby’s age.
Support for Parents
We explain aftercare at home and follow the baby’s progress.
Photos of our clinic in Almancil, Algarve, where we perform laser frenectomy for babies:
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