Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph

Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph sees patients who have been referred, or who have booked directly, for a frenectomy or frenotomy — a release of a tight tongue or lip frenulum. The release may be done with scissors, a scalpel or a laser, depending on the tissue and the provider's preference. Always confirm details such as current hours, referral requirements and insurance coverage directly with the clinic using the contact information on this page.

Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph lists the following services:

• Frenectomy

Common services at frenectomy providers include tongue-tie and lip-tie assessment, laser or scalpel frenectomy, frenotomy for infants, tongue-tie revision, and aftercare such as stretching exercises and myofunctional or speech-therapy referrals. If a service you need is not listed here, call the clinic and ask — the list above comes from the clinic's own published information and may not be complete.

The provider first examines the frenulum and assesses how much the tongue or lip is restricted. The area is then numbed with a local anesthetic — infants are usually treated with a topical or local numbing agent — and the tight tissue is released with scissors, a scalpel or a laser. The release itself is quick and is not painful once the area is numb. Afterward the provider explains the stretching or massage exercises that help keep the tissue from reattaching.

Preparation basics: feed or medicate as usual unless the clinic advises otherwise, bring your insurance card and photo ID, and plan for a short appointment — a simple release often takes only minutes.

What does Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph do?

Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph is an oral surgery clinic in Tacoma, WA that assesses and treats oral restrictions such as tongue-tie and lip-tie in infants, children and adults. Treatment is usually a frenectomy or frenotomy — a release of the tight frenulum — often with a laser, followed by stretching exercises or myofunctional therapy as needed.

Do I need a referral to book a frenectomy at Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph?

Many insurance plans require a referral or prior authorization before covering a frenectomy. Requirements vary by insurer and by clinic, so contact Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph directly using the phone number on this page and ask what your plan needs.

How much does a frenectomy cost at Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph?

Frenectomy costs vary widely with the patient's age, the technique (scalpel, scissors or laser) and your insurance plan. A simple infant release is usually the least expensive; a laser frenectomy or a revision costs more. Ask the clinic for an itemized estimate and check with your insurer about in-network rates before booking.

Does insurance cover frenectomy procedures and aftercare treatment?

Most US insurers, including Medicare, cover frenectomy procedures and aftercare therapy when they are medically necessary and properly documented. Coverage details — deductibles, co-pays and supply replacement schedules — differ by plan, so verify with your insurer and the clinic.

How long does frenectomy healing take?

Most patients are comfortable within a few days and fully healed in one to two weeks. Stretching or massage exercises are usually recommended for about two to four weeks so the tissue does not reattach.

At what age can a frenectomy be done?

A frenectomy can be performed at any age — from newborns with feeding difficulty to adults with speech, breathing or hygiene problems linked to a tight frenulum. The technique and setting change with age, so the clinic will recommend the approach that fits the patient.

What should I bring to my appointment at Franciscan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at St. Joseph?

Your photo ID and insurance card, and any referral paperwork. For an infant, bring a bottle or the means to feed right after the appointment, which often comforts the baby. For older children and adults, eat and take medications as usual unless the clinic advises otherwise.