As a parent, your child’s health is your top priority. This includes their oral health, which can sometimes be overlooked. One common oral health issue that can affect children is a condition that may require a frenectomy. But what is a frenectomy, and when might your child need one? Let’s dive in.
A frenectomy is a simple oral surgical procedure that involves the removal or alteration of the frenum, a small piece of tissue that connects your gums to your lips or your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. There are two types of frenum in the mouth: the labial frenum and the lingual frenum.
The labial frenum connects the inside of your upper lip to your gums just above your upper two front teeth. A prominent or tight labial frenum can cause a gap between the upper two front teeth, also known as a diastema. The lingual frenum connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If the lingual frenum is too tight, it can restrict the movement of the tongue, a condition often referred to as “tongue-tie”.
Your child might need a frenectomy if they have a tongue-tie or a prominent labial frenum causing a gap between their front teeth. Tongue-tie can cause difficulties with feeding in infants, and later on, can lead to speech difficulties, challenges with oral hygiene, and other dental problems. A labial frenum can cause a gap between the two front teeth and can lead to gum recession if it pulls too much on the gum margin.
It’s important to note that not all children with a tongue-tie or a prominent labial frenum will require a frenectomy. The need for the procedure is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of the condition and the associated symptoms.
The frenectomy procedure is quick and simple. It can be performed using a scalpel or a laser, and usually takes only a few minutes. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so your child will not feel any pain. If a laser is used, the procedure is virtually bloodless, and the healing time is typically faster than with a scalpel.
After the procedure, your child may experience some minor discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. They can typically return to their normal activities the same day.
At Pediatric Dental World, we understand that the thought of your child undergoing a surgical procedure can be stressful. That’s why our team of experienced pediatric dentists, including Dr. Jason Clapp, Dr. Jessica Bell, Dr. Jennifer Lee, and Dr. Natalie Smith, are committed to providing the highest level of care in a comfortable and child-friendly environment.
We use state-of-the-art technology, including lasers for frenectomy procedures, to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young patients. We also take the time to explain the procedure to you and your child, answer any questions you may have, and provide detailed aftercare instructions.
If you think your child might benefit from a frenectomy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Pediatric Dental World. We serve families in Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lantana, and surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (972) 317-6997 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing your child with the best possible dental care.