Frenectomy - Lip & Tongue Tie Surgery
Is your child having trouble breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, eating solid foods, or speaking clearly? These challenges can sometimes be linked to tongue or lip ties, which are caused by the frenum—the small folds of tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums. At Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry, we offer laser frenectomy procedures performed by our experienced and compassionate team, dedicated to supporting your child’s oral health and overall well-being.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy, sometimes called a lingual frenotomy, is a quick, in-office procedure that addresses tongue-tie in infants. Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum is unusually tight, limiting the tongue’s range of motion and making breastfeeding or feeding more difficult.
In many cases, problems related to tongue-tie can be improved by adjusting breastfeeding positions or helping your baby achieve a better latch. Because of this, not every infant with a tight frenulum requires a frenectomy. However, for babies whose feeding difficulties persist, this procedure can restore proper tongue function and improve feeding outcomes.
If a frenectomy is recommended, it is most often performed within the first month of life. At Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry, our pediatrician will assess your child’s unique needs and guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you feel informed and confident about the best approach for your baby.
Types of Frenectomies
At Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry, we offer two main types of frenectomy procedures:
Lingual Frenectomy
The lingual frenum is a small fold of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too short or tight—a condition known as “tongue-tie” or ankyloglossia—it can restrict tongue movement. Tongue-tie may make breastfeeding challenging for infants and can affect speech development in children. A lingual frenectomy releases the tight frenum to restore normal tongue mobility.
Maxillary Frenectomy
The maxillary (labial) frenum is the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. If this frenum is too short or tight, it can interfere with speech, complicate dental care, and increase the risk of gum issues. A maxillary frenectomy removes or loosens the frenum, helping improve upper lip movement and supporting better oral health.
Conditions Treated by Frenectomies
A frenectomy may be recommended if your child’s tongue or lip tie is causing the following challenges:
Feeding Difficulties
A tight lingual frenum can make it hard for babies to latch during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. This may lead to inefficient milk transfer, inadequate weight gain, and stressful feeding sessions for both baby and parent.
Speech Issues
A restricted frenum can limit tongue movement, making it difficult for children to pronounce certain sounds. This may hinder speech development and affect communication. Early intervention with a frenectomy can help improve clarity and articulation.
Gaps Between Teeth
A tight labial frenum—the band connecting the upper lip to the gums—can prevent the front teeth from coming together, causing noticeable gaps. Removing or adjusting the frenum with a frenectomy can help improve tooth alignment and close spaces.
Gum Recession
A short or tight frenum may place excess tension on the gum tissue, often causing it to recede from the teeth. This exposes more of the tooth and increases sensitivity and cavity risk. A frenectomy can relieve this tension and help protect gum health.
Challenges with Oral Hygiene
Children with limited tongue mobility may struggle to clean their teeth thoroughly, increasing the risk of plaque and cavities. Improving tongue movement with a frenectomy can make oral hygiene easier and more effective for your child.
Our Frenectomy Procedure
At Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry, your child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities. We recognize that dental procedures can be stressful, especially for young patients, so we offer two advanced frenectomy options: traditional and laser techniques.
Traditional Frenectomy
A traditional frenectomy involves gently removing the frenum—the small fold of tissue—using precise instruments like a scalpel or surgical scissors. This procedure is done under local anesthesia to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible. While traditional frenectomies are safe and effective, they may result in slightly more bleeding and a longer healing period, but our experienced team takes every measure to minimize these effects and ensure a smooth recovery.
Laser Frenectomy
Laser frenectomy represents the latest in dental technology. Our skilled pediatric dentists use advanced lasers to perform the procedure with remarkable accuracy and minimal discomfort for your child. The laser approach is less invasive, making the entire process gentler and more efficient.
Benefits of Laser Frenectomies
- Less Bleeding: The laser both cuts and cauterizes the tissue at the same time, greatly reducing bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Reduced Pain: Gentle laser technology means less trauma to tissues, which keeps post-surgery discomfort to a minimum and often reduces the need for pain medication.
- Faster Healing: Laser treatment creates cleaner cuts than traditional methods, leading to quicker recovery times.
- Minimal Swelling: With less impact on surrounding tissues, laser frenectomies usually result in less swelling and an easier recovery for your child.
Our pediatric dental team is highly trained in using the latest laser techniques, focusing on the unique needs of young patients. We are committed to providing a smooth, efficient, and stress-free frenectomy experience for every child we treat.
Benefits of Frenectomy in Infants and Children
Identifying and treating a tongue tie or lip tie early with a frenectomy in Lake Ridge, VA, can greatly benefit your child’s health. Here are some key advantages:
- Improved Feeding: A frenectomy can help your child achieve a better latch during breastfeeding or bottle feeding, reducing frustration and ensuring adequate nutrition.
- Enhanced Speech Development: Increasing the mobility of the tongue allows for clearer speech and the development of proper speech patterns.
- Better Oral Hygiene: Restricted tongue movement can make it hard to clean the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. A frenectomy can make brushing and flossing easier.
- Greater Overall Comfort: Oral restrictions can cause discomfort and frustration in infants and young children. A frenectomy can help relieve these issues, promoting better health and well-being.
What to Expect During Frenectomy?
When you choose Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry for your child’s frenectomy, you can be assured they will receive compassionate care and expert treatment throughout the entire process.
Consultation
Every journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Our experienced pediatric dentist will thoroughly evaluate your child’s oral health to determine if a frenectomy is necessary and identify the best course of action tailored to your child’s needs. We encourage parents to ask questions and share any concerns so you feel confident and informed before moving forward.
Preparation
If a frenectomy is recommended, our team will guide you step by step through the preparation process. We understand that coordinating dental procedures for your child can be stressful, which is why we take the time to explain everything clearly. Our goal is to answer your questions and ease any concerns, ensuring you are fully prepared and reassured about your child’s care.
Procedure
Frenectomy procedures at our office are precise and efficient, typically taking less than 30 minutes. Based on your child’s unique needs, our dentists will recommend either a traditional or laser frenectomy. Both options are performed with precision and care, minimizing discomfort and promoting optimal outcomes.
Recovery
After the procedure, your child’s comfort and recovery are our top priorities. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth healing process and may arrange follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any questions that arise. Our team is here for you every step of the way, offering ongoing support and guidance to ensure the best possible experience for both you and your child.
Aftercare and Recovery
Proper care after a frenectomy is essential to ensure your child’s comfort and promote effective healing. Use this guide for recommended steps following the procedure:
1. Pain Management
To ease discomfort during the initial recovery phase, administer over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as advised by your pediatric dentist. These medications help manage any soreness or pain your child may experience after the procedure.
2. Oral Hygiene
Keeping the mouth clean is vital to prevent infection and aid healing. Encourage gentle brushing of teeth and tongue after meals, being careful around the surgical area. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and have your child rinse with a mild saltwater solution several times a day to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
3. Soft Diet
For the first few days, serve soft foods to minimize discomfort and avoid disrupting the healing site. Good options include yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups. Steer clear of hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the surgical area.
4. Monitoring Recovery
Regularly check the surgical site for signs of normal healing, such as mild swelling and minor discomfort. If you notice unusual symptoms like severe swelling, ongoing bleeding, persistent pain, or signs of infection (including pus or fever), contact your dental provider promptly. Early attention to these signs helps ensure your child recovers quickly and safely.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing the right dental clinic for your child’s frenectomy in Lake Ridge, VA is essential. At Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry, we are committed to providing exceptional care through the following:
- Expertise: Our pediatric dentist is highly skilled in performing frenectomies and is experienced in the latest laser techniques.
- Compassionate Care: We understand that dental procedures can be overwhelming for children, so we strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our clinic is equipped with advanced dental technology to ensure treatments are precise and efficient.
- Personalized Approach: Every child is unique. We tailor our care to meet your child’s individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Schedule A Frenectomy Consultation
If you’re concerned that your child may have a tongue or lip tie, we encourage you to reach out to Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry. Our caring and experienced team will provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether a frenectomy in Lake Ridge, VA, is the best option for your child. We know that every child is different, so we tailor both the procedure and aftercare to meet your child’s individual needs, ensuring comfort and a positive outcome.
Take the first step toward helping your child thrive—schedule a consultation with Lake Ridge Pediatric & Adult Dentistry today to learn more about how a frenectomy can make a difference.
