Laser Frenectomy

Your child’s smile may benefit from a laser tongue and lip tie repair. This quick and painless operation, which uses cutting-edge laser technology, can help prevent future dental issues brought on by a tongue or lip tie while also enhancing speech, eating habits, and breastfeeding capability. We at Dentistry for Children offer laser frenectomy in our office to assist your child in obtaining a healthy smile for life.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure to release a tongue or lip tie. A tongue tie is when the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, which can restrict the movement of the tongue. A lip tie is when the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums is too tight, which can restrict the movement of the lips. Both tongue-ties and lip-ties are common in infants but can also occur in adults.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Tongue and Lip Tie?

The most common sign of a tongue tie and lip tie is difficulty breastfeeding. Other signs and symptoms may include:

Clicking sound when your baby sucks on your breast or bottle
Gassiness and colic
Poor weight gain
Fussy eating habits (e.g., chewing on food instead of swallowing)
Trouble sticking out tongue
Trouble moving tongue from side to side

Why Should You Get a Frenectomy?

Tongue and lip ties conditions are relatively common—and readily treatable with a frenectomy. A frenectomy can make all the difference for you and your child. Don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Clark about this procedure. There are several ways a tongue or lip tie can affect your child.

It can inhibit chewing and swallowing
Difficulties with brushing and flossing
Increased risk of dental decay
Aversion to solid foods
Repeated trauma to the maxillary frenum because it is so low and prominent
Restricted tongue motion can cause speech impediments
Inability to adequately latch during breastfeeding

What is a Laser Frenectomy?

A laser frenectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a laser to release a tongue-tie or lip-tie. This procedure is often preferred over traditional surgical methods because it results in less tissue damage, bleeding, and pain. Additionally, laser frenectomies have a shorter recovery time than conventional procedures—so you can get back to enjoying quality time with your little one as soon as possible.

Our Laser Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy is a pretty painless treatment carried out right here in our office. After applying a topical anesthetic to the area, Dr. Clark will use the laser to loosen the connective tissue swiftly. After the operation, there will likely be little to no bleeding because the laser sterilizes the region, encourages healing, and seals the incision site. Typically, the entire process takes no more than two minutes!

What are the Benefits of Using a Laser for a Frenectomy?

There are many benefits of using a laser for a frenectomy, including the following:

Less tissue damage
Less bleeding
Less pain
Shorter recovery time
Improved speech
Improved eating and digestion
Decrease indigestion
Improved quality of life

What Can I Expect After My Child’s Frenectomy?

After your child’s frenectomy procedure, it’s normal for them to experience discomfort and swelling. You can help relieve their discomfort by giving them pain medication and applying ice to the area. It’s also essential to keep the area clean and dry, so brush their teeth gently and avoid giving them hard foods (like chips) until they’ve fully healed.