Lip Tie Surgery - Dallas, TX

The appropriate treatment for a lip tie depends on its classification level. In mild cases, non-invasive therapy techniques can be helpful in improving lip mobility and facilitating breastfeeding. One such method involves gently sliding your finger along your baby’s upper lip to gradually loosen the tight space between the lip and the gum line. This approach can help enhance your baby’s ability to latch during feeding.

Lip ties classified as level 1 or level 2 are generally not considered severe and often do not require any surgical intervention. However, if a tongue tie is also present and is contributing to feeding difficulties, your healthcare provider may recommend revising or releasing both ties—even if the lip tie alone would not typically warrant treatment.

In contrast, level 3 and level 4 lip ties are more restrictive and commonly treated with a procedure called a frenectomy. This involves carefully severing the small band of tissue connecting the lip to the gum. The procedure can be performed using a laser or sterilized surgical scissors and is typically done by a pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

There is no single, definitive cause of lip tie in infants. Simply put, some babies are born with a lip tie, while others are not. The condition typically develops during fetal development, but the exact reasons why it occurs remain unclear.

Many experts believe that genetics may play a significant role. It’s thought that lip ties can be inherited, meaning if one or both parents had a similar condition, their child may be more likely to develop it as well. However, while this genetic link is widely suspected, it has not yet been conclusively proven through scientific research.

In many cases, children can gradually grow out of a lip tie as the tissue naturally loosens over time. This is especially true for milder cases—classified as level 1 or level 2 lip ties. Level 1 lip ties involve minimal attachment and typically do not cause any significant issues. Level 2 ties, which are attached mainly to the gums, also tend to improve as the child grows and facial structures develop.

However, more severe lip ties—levels 3 and 4—often do not resolve on their own and may lead to complications. A level 3 lip tie is attached near the area where teeth will eventually emerge. This can interfere with proper tooth eruption, cause oral discomfort, and make feeding difficult—not just during breastfeeding, but also when transitioning to spoon-feeding or solid foods.

Level 4 lip ties are the most restrictive. In these cases, the tissue extends all the way to the palate of the mouth, significantly limiting lip movement and making normal feeding and development difficult. For these more severe classifications, a frenectomy is often recommended to allow for normal function and development.

Signs Your Baby May Have a Lip Tie

If you’re concerned that your baby might have a lip tie, watch for these common symptoms during feeding:

• Difficulty latching during breastfeeding

• Strong sucking effort to create suction

• Clicking sounds while nursing

• Poor milk transfer

• Inadequate weight gain or unexpected weight loss

• Colic-like behavior

• Excessive gas or reflux

• Fussiness or pulling away from the breast during feeding

• Coughing, choking, or gulping while nursing

• Chewing or biting the nipple

If your infant is experiencing any of these symptoms, support is available. At Beyond Dental & Implant Center, we offer compassionate and expert care to evaluate and treat lip ties. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today. We proudly serve patients in Dallas, Plano, Addison, Garland, Richardson, Carrollton—and beyond!