Frenectomy
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the mobility of the tongue or lip when the frenulum, the small band of tissue connecting it to the gums, is too short. This procedure is particularly crucial for infants, as it allows them to latch on properly for nursing.
Approximately 10% of the population experiences a lip or tongue tie, a condition that typically develops during early fetal growth and restricts tongue movement. A straightforward surgical technique known as a frenectomy is employed to rectify either a tongue tie or a lip tie.
Problems With Tongue or Lip Tie
One of the first indications of a tongue or lip tie is difficulty in feeding for breastfed infants. Due to the lip's limited lift, an effective latch is challenging, and the restricted tongue movement makes it hard to extract milk. Bottle-fed infants can also struggle with feeding effectively if they have a tongue tie, although this is less frequent. Signs of ineffective feeding may include fussiness and inadequate weight gain.
Untreated tongue or lip ties can impact dental growth and speech development. Additionally, an improper resting position of the tongue can lead to an underdeveloped jaw structure. Breathing difficulties and an increased likelihood of requiring braces may also arise. Generally, a frenectomy is a safe and advisable solution for infants, effectively addressing the current issue while reducing the risk of future complications.
Frenectomy Procedure
Conducted as a quick, minimally invasive process, a frenectomy utilizes a laser to release the tie. Once the procedure is completed, both the lip and tongue will have the freedom to move normally. Typically, infants do not receive anesthesia, enabling them to feed immediately afterward. In contrast, older patients will be given numbing medication.
Following the procedure, the treatment area may appear white and gray, which is a normal part of the healing process. For older patients, specific stretching exercises are recommended. Parents or caregivers of infants treated for a tongue tie will need to massage the area with a clean finger gently before each feeding for the next week or two. It will also be important to retrain the infant’s latch to a flipped-out position during feeding.
Should you notice any unusual symptoms after the frenectomy, such as extended bleeding or signs of infection, please reach out to our office. We will do our utmost to see you as quickly as possible.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Frenectomy and other procedures.
"When I first walked into this practice, I felt super comforted and everybody was super friendly and welcoming. My doctor was so amazing, so funny, so great. My procedure went very, very well, and I had such a smooth recovery."
"My doctor was amazing. He answered all my questions. He was he was very caring and understood my concerns. Did my procedure go well? I would say it went fantastic and the recovery was amazing. I was very happy with with the outcome."
"My doctor was phenomenal. He first of all, very professional, gentle, very kind. He put me at ease right away. The caring that I have encountered here just can't be beat."
"I brought both of my daughters to Dental Implants and Oral Surgery of Longmont, and they had their wisdom teeth removed. When my daughters and I first walked into this practice, the staff was great. They were very attentive to my daughters’ needs. The doctors are wonderful."
"When I first walked into the office, the staff here was really welcoming. They're very kind. My doctor was really personable and attentive, and very professional. The WUWTA videos really helped me feel more informed before my surgery, and they gave me a lot of tips for the post-op care."
"When I first walked into the practice, they made me comfortable and relaxed, and very friendly."
"I was amazed by how welcoming the staff was. They really go out of their way to make sure that everyone is comfortable. My doctor was very professional."
"I was immediately struck by how warm and gracious the staff were. What matters to me is I want somebody in this kind of work who is technically perfect. By far, this is the best practitioner I've ever been to."
"I felt cared for and I felt comfortable. They were all really nice. My doctor was awesome. He's friendly and you know, when you walk in, he makes you feel cared for and he makes going to the doctor fun. My procedure went perfect and the recovery was great."
Building Better Smiles For Longmont
At Dental Implants & Oral Surgery of Longmont, our goal is to bring you the best smile possible through exceptional oral surgery services tailored to meet your unique needs. From your first appointment until well after your procedure, we are here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health. We encourage you to reach out to our office to schedule a consultation and discover the life-changing power of oral surgery.