FRENECTOMIES
Frenectomy Treatment
A frenectomy treatment is a very minor oral procedure where we use a small laser to remove a piece of tissue called the frenum from inside the upper lip (labial frenum) or under the tongue (lingual frenum). If you’re breastfeeding and experiencing pain, low milk supply, or your infant is slow to gain weight, a tongue-tie and lip-tie may be the cause. Children with a frenum that is too short or too thick can experience developmental and oral health issues. The frenectomy treatment is a safe outpatient procedure that can be performed in our office in less than 15 minutes.
F.A.Q.
How do I know if my infant or child needs a frenectomy treatment?
Infants with a tongue-tie or lip-tie may have difficulty with nursing or bottle feeding. Many doctors do not check for this, and they may not be easily seen (especially if the tie is further back on the tongue). For older children, you might have noticed difficulty speaking (not being able to pronounce the letter “L” properly), difficulty eating, or they may mention pain or pressure in their mouth. Also, if they cannot stick out their tongue or touch their palette or back teeth with their tongue, they may require treatment.
What can we expect during the appointment?
Using the latest in laser technology, we can administer a frenectomy treatment quickly, while minimizing pain and recovery time. After applying a topical anesthetic, we’ll start gently severing the frenum tissue with small laser pulses. The entire procedure takes just 10-15 minutes.
How quickly will my child heal after the frenectomy treatment?
A laser frenectomy heals fairly quickly, typically within one to two weeks. You may notice bleeding for a few hours after the procedure, and small amounts of blood may be visible in the saliva for 2-3 days. Swelling is normal and can be managed by applying a cold compress. We can prescribe pain relief medication for your child to help with any soreness.
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