Overview
At Cornerstone Family Dentistry at Cornerstone Family Dentistry, your health and comfort is always a top priority. Whether it’s difficulty breastfeeding, speech issues, sleep apnea, general breathing issues, or discomfort in the mouth, our compassionate team is here to help- from birth to adulthood. Led by experienced dentists Dr. Mindy and Dr. Jackie, we specialize in providing gentle frenectomy procedures designed to improve your or your child’s oral function and overall well-being. We treat infants as soon as they are discharged from the hospital and provide a lactation consultant during infant frenectomy consultations and follow-up appointments at no additional cost to you. We are dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment where both you and your child feel cared for and confident in the treatment you receive.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure performed to correct a tongue-tie or a lip-tie, which is addressed during the procedure. The tongue-tie or lip-tie is a small fold of tissue that connects the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the underlying structures of the mouth. When the tongue-tie/lip-tie is abnormally positioned, too tight, or restrictive, it can lead to various issues, including speech difficulties, restricted movement, and dental problems. A frenectomy involves the removal or loosening of the tongue-tie/lip-tie to alleviate these concerns and improve oral function and comfort.
Types of Frenectomies
There are several types of frenectomies, depending on the location of the tongue-tie/lip-tie and the specific issues it may be causing:
Lingual Frenectomy:
This procedure involves removing or releasing the tongue-tie/lip-tie, the band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Lingual frenectomies are often performed to address tongue tie, a condition in which the tongue-tie/lip-tie restricts tongue movement and can cause breast feeding challenges, interfere with speech, eating, breathing, and oral hygiene.
Labial Frenectomy:
Labial frenectomies involve the removal or release of the tongue-tie/lip-tie, the band of tissue that connects the lips to the gums. We may recommend this procedure to address issues such as gum recession, spacing between the front teeth, or difficulty wearing dentures or orthodontic appliances.
Signs and Symptoms of Needing a Frenectomy
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding in infants
- Speech difficulties, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- Limited mobility or range of motion of the tongue or lips
- Gum recession or gaps between the front teeth
- Discomfort or pain caused by tension or restriction of the tongue-tie/lip-tie
- Difficulty with breathing and/or sleep apnea
What are the Benefits of Getting a Frenectomy?
- Improved oral function and mobility
- Improved breathing
- Enhanced speech clarity and articulation
- Reduced risk of dental problems such as gum recession or tooth misalignment
- Greater comfort and freedom of movement in the mouth
By addressing the underlying issues caused by a tight or restrictive tongue-tie/lip-tie, a frenectomy can help improve overall oral health and quality of life.
What to Expect When Getting a Frenectomy
Before the frenectomy procedure, your dentist will comprehensively evaluate your oral health and discuss the treatment plan with you, including the type of frenectomy recommended and any necessary preparations. The procedure itself is typically performed using local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
During the frenectomy, Dr. Mindy or Dr. Jackie will carefully remove or release the tongue-tie/lip-tie using precision techniques, minimizing discomfort and promoting optimal healing. The procedure is usually quick and straightforward, with minimal downtime and a relatively rapid recovery.
Recovery and Follow-Up
After the frenectomy, you may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or bleeding at the treatment site. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on caring for the area, including gentle oral hygiene practices and any necessary dietary restrictions. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days and experience significant improvement in their symptoms shortly after that.
We may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the tongue-tie/lip-tie is healing properly. Dr. Mindy or Dr. Jackie, in conjunction with our lactation consultant, will also guide exercises or stretches to help maintain optimal mobility and prevent tongue-tie/lip-tie reattachment.
Gentle Frenectomy at Cornerstone Family Dentistry
If you suspect your child may benefit from a frenectomy or have concerns about their oral health, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Let Cornerstone Family Dentistry be your partner in ensuring your child’s healthy, happy smile. Contact us today.
