Treating Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie for Improved Oral Health
A frenum or frenulum is a small piece of tissue that attaches either the upper lip to the gum tissue or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
In some children, this frenum or frenulum is attached too tightly and can pull on the lips or gums causing tongue-tie, problems nursing, speech issues, trouble eating or drinking, or cause pulling on the gums around teeth that can create a periodontal issue as the child ages.
During a frenectomy, our doctors make a small incision in the frenum or frenulum, allowing for greater movement of the lips. Results are instant, and this simple procedure can be done in-office with a local anesthetic. The incision site usually heals in a few days with little to no discomfort.
How It works
Consultation
The process begins with a consultation to assess if your child requires a frenectomy. During this visit, you can discuss your concerns with the dentist, and your child will receive a thorough oral exam. The dentist will carefully check for signs of tongue or lip ties and determine if a frenectomy is the right solution.
Local Anesthesia
The procedure begins with applying local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring your child feels no pain or discomfort during the treatment.
Snip of the Frenulum
There are various tools available to cut the frenulum, such as lasers or scissors. During the consultation, your doctor will discuss the best option for your child. Regardless of the method, the procedure is quick, with the frenulum being snipped in seconds. Using a laser minimizes bleeding and discomfort while promoting faster healing.
Aftercare
A laser frenectomy eliminates the need for stitches or sutures. After the procedure, it's important to clean the treated area at least twice a day. Your child's dentist may also suggest tongue or lip stretches to ensure proper healing and prevent the frenulum from reattaching.
Treating Tongue Ties in Children
A lingual frenectomy is a procedure to treat tongue ties, or "ankyloglossia," which occurs when the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is overly tight. This restriction can limit tongue movement, making breastfeeding, chewing, and speaking difficult. During the procedure, the frenulum is carefully snipped, allowing the tongue to move freely and improving overall oral function.
Treating Lip Ties in Children
A maxillary frenectomy is performed to treat lip ties, which occur when the frenulum between the upper gums and upper lip is overly tight. This can restrict lip movement and may cause issues like diastema (a gap between the front teeth). During the procedure, the frenulum is snipped to restore normal lip movement and improve your child’s oral health.