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Frenectomy
Comfort, Care, Confidence
Frenectomy Procedure – Lingual & Labial
A frenectomy is the removal of a small piece of tissue (called a frenulum) that prevents excessive movement of the connected tissue. The two main types in the mouth are the lingual and labial frenum.
The lingual frenum can be found between the floor of the mouth and the underside of the tongue. Sometimes it can form too tightly, restricting the tongue, possibly preventing someone from eating or speaking properly. The person affected can get a frenectomy to allow the tongue to move properly.
The labial frenum is the tissue in the upper arch that attaches the gum to the lip. If it is too long or wide, it sometimes attaches through the gum tissue located between the two front teeth and the top of the mouth. When removing a gap between the front teeth, a frenectomy may be needed.
Gentle, Precise, Restorative
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is when the dentist uses a scalpel, a laser, or a combination of the two, to reduce the size of the frenum. Depending on the dentist’s preferences and limitations of the procedure, the dentist will use the tools to form and cut the tissue for the best results.
A frenectomy can be beneficial to infants in many ways. Infants born with a shorter frenum (tongue-tie), are likely to have difficulty nursing and latching on during breastfeeding. If left untreated, the infant can develop malnourishment over difficulty getting the food that they need.
However, if this is treated as early as possible, you can reverse these harmful effects and restore your child’s quality of life and health.
Frenectomies and Latching
Infants who need a frenectomy may have trouble releasing and re-latching. Some of the other possible symptoms you may notice include:
- Falling asleep while nursing
- Making clicking noises while nursing
- Gumming at nipples while nursing
- Unable to swallow milk properly Developing blister on their lip
- Poor weight gain
- Taking gulps while nursing Improper latch
Conversely, nursing mothers are likely to experience pain and discomfort while nursing, along with sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples.
It is, therefore, important for the infant and mother to seek treatment for a frenectomy early on.
You will also be helping to ensure that your child gets the proper food intake early in their infant life. If you notice weight gain issues in your child with a shorter frenum, it’s important to seek help immediately.
We will be happy to see you for a consultation to discuss the best treatment option for your infant. We have advanced methods available that can provide the relief both you and your child need to leave normal, healthy lives.
What Happens After the Procedure?
There is usually very little pain or swelling afterward, and the person can have full use of their lips and tongue. People who have had this procedure describe the discomfort being similar to burning your mouth on hot food. Rinsing with mouthwash can help prevent infections and speed up the healing process.
Book an Appointment Now!
A frenectomy is a simple procedure with minimal risks and recovery time. It can be performed at any age to improve oral health. Schedule your consultation with our dentist at Riverock Dental.
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