At Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to provide the best, most comprehensive dental care available for every Charlotte, NC, child. One of the procedures that we are proud to offer in our practice are frenectomies—a specialized treatment to remove the frenulum.
Below, we would like to discuss what a frenectomy is and how this procedure can benefit your child. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Frenectomy?
Before committing your child to a frenectomy procedure, it is important to first understand what this treatment entails. A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the severance of the frenulum, or the band of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the inner part of the mouth.
You can easily spot your own frenulum by looking in the mirror.
- The lingual frenulum connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. This is the thin strip of tissue visible when you lift your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
- The labial frenulum connects the lip to the inner portion of the mouth and can be located inside the mouth on both the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) jaws. You can view this tissue by gently pulling the lip outward from the teeth.
Why Is A Frenectomy Performed?
A frenectomy may be recommended to improve the function of the mouth and even preserve the health of the teeth. The procedure can be used to treat a wide variety of issues, including:
- Tongue tie (ankyloglossia): The normal function of the lingual frenulum is to attach the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When it is too tight, this can prevent proper movement of the tongue. A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum restricts the movement of the tongue, preventing the child from being able to stick out their tongue, speak properly, or nurse effectively.
- Lip tie: The lingual frenulum normally serves the purpose of connecting the lip to the inner portion of the mouth. When it is too tight, this can restrict the movement of the lips and affect a child’s speech or cause difficulty drinking from a bottle or nursing.
- Gapped teeth: When the labial frenulum on the upper lip extends to low on the gums, this can cause the teeth to develop with a gap centered between the two front teeth. This is known as a diastema.
- Gum recession: If the labial frenulum is too short, it can pull on the gum line and cause the tissue to recess.
What Happens During A Frenectomy?
Now that you know more about the frenulum and why this procedure can be important for your child’s oral health, you may be wondering what happens during a frenectomy.
- A frenectomy is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in-office. The procedure will begin with your child being given anesthetics or sedation if needed to minimize any apprehension or discomfort.
- Using the Waterlase laser, our team can easily and gently sever the frenulum. Unlike using a scalpel to remove the tissue, the laser seals the wound shut and minimizes bleeding. It also precisely targets the tissue and cuts without causing trauma to the surrounding area.
- Once the procedure is complete, your child may experience some mild swelling or tenderness which can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Their Future Smile Is Our Priority
At Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child has a healthy smile that allows them to grow their confidence, freely function as intended, and enjoy life to the fullest. If you believe your child is suffering from one of the above concerns associated with the frenulum, please contact us and schedule an appointment. Our team will thoroughly examine your child’s mouth and determine if a frenectomy is the best option.
We are on your team and are here to help you create the healthiest and happiest smile for your child. Call today—We look forward to connecting with you soon.
