
Mar
At State Street Smiles in Hackensack, New Jersey, Drs. Edward Jackson and Dina Jackson and his team specialize in treating tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) in infants and children through a simple frenectomy procedure. This condition, caused by a tight or thick band of tissue under the tongue, can impact feeding, speech, and overall oral development. While frenectomies have proven to be a safe and effective method for addressing tongue ties in children, it is understandable that parents might have questions. If you are a parent considering this procedure for your child, here are some common questions we receive.
Signs of tongue-tie vary by age. Symptoms may include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, excessive fussiness while feeding, and poor weight gain in infants. Older children might have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, difficulty sticking out their tongue, or problems with chewing and swallowing. A professional evaluation by Dr. Jackson can determine whether a frenectomy is necessary.
A frenectomy is a quick and minimally invasive procedure where the restrictive tissue under the tongue is gently released using a laser or surgical scissors. The procedure takes only a few minutes and causes little to no discomfort. Since laser technology minimizes bleeding and promotes faster healing, most children recover quickly with minimal aftercare.
We prioritize your child’s comfort during the frenectomy. For infants, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area, and the procedure is over within seconds. Older children may receive a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. Most children feel only mild discomfort afterward, and over-the-counter pain relievers can easily manage it.
Healing after a frenectomy is typically fast and straightforward. Some mild swelling or fussiness is normal for a day or two, but most children quickly resume normal feeding and speech patterns. Parents are encouraged to perform gentle tongue exercises to prevent reattachment and support proper tongue mobility. Dr. Dina Jackson will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
If you suspect your child has tongue-tie, Drs. Edward Jackson and Dina Jackson and the team at State Street Smiles are here to help. Our gentle, effective frenectomy procedure can improve your child’s feeding, speech, and oral function. Contact us today at (201) 389-2183 or visit www.statestreetsmiles.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better oral health for your child! We are here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have as you make this decision with our team.