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A frenulum is a piece of tissue that prevents an organ from moving. There is a frenulum that attaches your upper lip to the gums, while another connects the lower lip to the gums. A frenulum that is too short or thick, will cause problems in speech patterns and tooth misalignment. In infants, a shortened frenulum underneath the tongue will inhibit breastfeeding. When the frenulum disrupts movement, growth, or development, corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation.

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is performed in your dentist’s office. It can be performed with either a scalpel or laser and takes less than 15 minutes. Using a laser causes very little bleeding and does not require stitches. A laser also results in less postoperative discomfort and a shorter healing time. Young children and infants are put under general anesthesia for the procedure and adults have the procedure performed using local anesthesia. If your child needs a frenectomy, there is nothing to worry about. The procedure is very successful and causes minimal discomfort.

Discover the advantages of undergoing a frenectomy

Undergoing a frenectomy can greatly improve speech and eating abilities. When the frenum is overly tight, it restricts the movement of the tongue, leading to difficulties in speech and challenges while eating. By removing the frenum, the tongue gains more freedom to move, resulting in enhanced speech and improved eating patterns.

Another benefit of a frenectomy is the potential improvement in oral hygiene. An excessively tight frenum can create a gap between the teeth and gums, making it difficult to properly clean the area. By eliminating the frenum, this gap is eliminated, making it easier to brush and floss effectively. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease.

Furthermore, a frenectomy can provide relief from pain and discomfort caused by a tight frenum. When the frenum is too tight, it can cause discomfort while eating, speaking, or brushing teeth. By removing the frenum, we can effectively reduce this pain and discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable daily experience.

The frenectomy procedure

At our office, we have the capability to conduct frenectomies for infants and children. This procedure is both convenient and flexible, as it can be performed using either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the child's specific condition and severity. Our team of skilled doctors, led by Dr. Michael Skadron and Dr. K.C. Hemstreet, will meticulously create a small incision in the frenulum and utilize specialized instruments to detach it from the surrounding tissue. Following this, the frenulum will either be cut or released, and the incision will be carefully closed.

Frenectomy recovery

After a frenectomy, the recovery period is usually short. Most children only feel slight discomfort and can resume their normal activities within a few days. It is important to note that the lip and tongue may have a different sensation after the procedure, and it may take some time for your child to adjust. In some cases, speech therapy or orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct any misalignment caused by the condition.

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