Tongue Tie Dentist in SW Oregon | Pediatric Dentist in SW Oregon l Frenectomies

The Frenectomy Process

Diagnosis

To begin, your child’s dentist will assess their overall oral health and development to determine if a frenectomy is the right choice for them. We will only recommend surgery if we truly believe that it is necessary for your child’s future health and well-being.

Laser frenectomy surgery

We use laser tools to simplify the treatment process. It takes only a few minutes to remove your child’s tongue or lip tie with a laser frenectomy. In addition, with laser frenectomies, there is almost no bleeding, pain, or discomfort. Not only that, but sutures are rarely required, and your child’s mouth will heal extremely quickly.

Recovery & aftercare

Your child will not need much special care after their treatment, thanks to our laser tools. However, your dentist will provide you with some instructions for physical therapy. Stretching and moving the lips and/or tongue is necessary to ensure your child’s mouth heals properly, so make sure to follow these instructions.

Why Would My Child Need A Frenectomy?

Frenectomies are only required if your child has tongue or lip ties. Let’s discuss these conditions now.

Tongue ties occur when the band of tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too thick. This condition is also called “ankyloglossia.” This thick band of tissue makes it hard for your child to move their tongue properly, which is particularly problematic in infants who may be breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Lip ties are similar. They occur when the bands of tissue connecting the upper, lower, or both lips to the gums are too thick and overdeveloped. Again, this makes it difficult or impossible for a child to properly move their lips, which poses major difficulties for infants who need to bottle feed or breastfeed.

 Next: How They Are Done

How They Are Done

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In a frenectomy, a special tool is used to snip these bands of tissue. This allows their tongues and/or lips to move freely and properly, eliminating issues like feeding problems or speech impediments.

Our team of pediatric dental specialists have invested in laser dental tools to help keep your child comfortable during common dental procedures. The power and precision of laser tools helps us give your child the best possible dental experience along with the best treatment outcomes.

 Next: Signs Your Child May Need A Frenectomy

Signs Your Child May Need A Frenectomy

In babies, tongue and lip ties usually result in problems feeding. Your child may have trouble latching onto the breast or drinking properly from a bottle. They may be cranky or fall asleep easily when feeding, and may have trouble gaining weight.

In older kids, tongue ties can also result in speech impediments for sounds like “t,” “d,” and other sounds that require the tongue to contact the upper teeth and palate.

The best way to determine whether or not your child needs a frenectomy is to schedule a consultation at Timber Kids Dentistry. One of our dentists can assess your child’s oral health, diagnose the issue, and recommend the proper treatment, such as a laser frenectomy at our office.

 Next: Why Would My Child Need A Frenectomy?

Frenectomies & Laser Dentistry

Stress-Free Treatment For Tongue & Lip Ties