What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves clipping the frenulum to release tension and allow for normal movement. There are two primary types of frenectomies:
- Lingual frenectomy: This procedure focuses on the lingual frenulum under the tongue. It is usually recommended for infants who are experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding or older children who have speech difficulties.
- Labial frenectomy: This targets the labial frenum connecting the upper lip to the gum tissue. A maxillary frenectomy is often recommended when the tight frenum causes issues like gaps between the front teeth or mouth breathing.
Signs Your Child May Need a Frenectomy
- Difficulty latching while breastfeeding
- Trouble moving tongue side-to-side or sticking it out past their lips
- The tongue looks notched or heart shaped when they stick it out
- Speech impediments such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- Reflux or gastrointestinal issues
- Gum recession, tooth decay or crowding of teeth
Why Treat Tongue and Lip Ties?
For Infants and Toddlers
Tongue and lip ties can make breastfeeding challenging. A tight frenulum restricts the baby’s ability to latch properly, leading to inadequate nutrition and frustration for both mother and child.
For Older Children
Untreated tongue and lip ties can result in:
- Speech difficulties: Restriction of tongue movement can cause speech impairments, affecting phonetic development.
- Dental issues: A tight labial frenum can lead to gaps between the central incisors (front teeth), making orthodontic treatment necessary.
- Hygiene problems: Restricted tongue movement often impairs oral hygiene, increasing the risk of dental decay and gum disease.
Frenectomy Benefits
A frenectomy can improve your child’s quality of life in several ways:
- Easier breastfeeding
- Better digestion
- Improved speech and pronunciation
- Reduced risk of dental issues
- Better oral hygiene
A frenectomy is a quick, non-invasive procedure that can majorly improve your child’s quality of life! We do everything we can to make it a quick, stress-free procedure for both you and your child.
Frenectomy Procedure Details
Patient Preparation
Initial consultation: Your child’s lip/tongue tie will be evaluated by the doctor. The dentist will ask questions regarding possible deficits with nursing/latching, air intake or clicking during feeding. For older children speech is discussed as well as the ability to self-cleanse their own teeth with their tongue. The procedure is explained in detail to the parent(s) as well as what to expect post-operative.
Procedure Steps
Anesthesia: A small amount of local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, ensuring the entire procedure is painless for your child.
Frenectomy: A tool is used to isolate the frenulum and a scalpel or scissors are used to release the frenulum. The dentist will provide pressure with gauze for 1–2 minutes or until bleeding is controlled.
Healing After a Frenectomy
The amazing healing properties of children’s tissue typically result in a quick recovery. The entire procedure often has minimal complications, and children usually resume their regular activities within a few days. It is always stressed to parents that during the healing process it will look worse before it looks better.
Following these steps can aid in a smooth healing process:
- Soft foods: Stick to soft or liquid foods for a couple of days to allow the site to heal.
- Practice good oral hygiene: If your baby was treated, clean the surgical site with a sterile gauze pad after every feeding. For older children, continue to brush and floss regularly while avoiding the treatment area.
- Post-op follow-up: We will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
🔑Key Takeaway
Tongue and lip ties are conditions that can affect your child’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain good oral hygiene. A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure used to treat these conditions by releasing the tight or short frenulum. The benefits of the procedure include improved breastfeeding, better speech development, reduced dental issues, and improved oral hygiene. The process is typically quick, involves minimal pain, and requires only a few days for recovery.
FAQs About Tongue and Lip Ties
How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?
Babies with tongue ties may have difficulty latching or maintaining suction while breastfeeding. They may also have trouble moving their tongue in certain directions.
At what age should a tongue tie be cut?
Tongue ties can be treated at any age, but it is typically recommended to address them in infancy, before the age of 12 months. However, older children and even adults can still benefit from a frenectomy.
Does insurance cover frenectomy?
In most cases, a frenectomy is covered by dental insurance as it is considered a necessary medical procedure. However, it is best to check with your specific insurance provider for coverage details.