Frenectomies

Frenectomy is a common dental procedure performed on children and adults.

A frenectomy (also known as a frenuloplasty, frenulectomy, frenulotomy or frenotomy) is the removal of a frenulum, which are soft tissues attached to the muscles of the cheeks and lips.

When an upper frenum is attached too high on the gums, it can causing recession or spaces between teeth and when a lower frenum is attached too close to the end of the tongue, it can cause speech impediments. This is sometimes referred to as being “tongue-tied” or as “ankyloglossia”.

Laser Frenectomy

The procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic and can involve either clipping or the use of a special laser, which causes little or no bleeding because the laser seals the ends of the blood vessels in the area as it cuts. The laser also will seal nerve endings, reducing pain after the procedure. However, laser treatment does take longer than simply anesthetizing and clipping so patients will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best treatment.

ADULT FRENECTOMY

Are you struggling with discomfort or restricted movement due to a tight or restrictive frenulum? We can provide you with a safe, efficient, and advanced solution – adult frenectomy performed using state-of-the-art Waterlase Laser technology.

An adult frenectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenulum – a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue, lips, or cheeks to the surrounding oral structures. Sometimes, a tight or thick frenulum can lead to issues such as difficulty speaking, eating, or maintaining proper oral hygiene, as well as contribute to orthodontic challenges.

At our office we prioritize patient comfort, precision, and efficiency. Our decision to utilize the Waterlase Laser for adult frenectomy is based on the numerous benefits it offers:

The Waterlase Laser operates with incredible precision, targeting only the specific tissue needing adjustment while leaving surrounding tissues largely unaffected. This results in less trauma, minimal bleeding, and faster healing times.

The laser technology cauterizes blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, reducing post-procedure discomfort and inflammation.

The Waterlase Laser enables us to perform the frenectomy procedure quickly and efficiently, often in a single visit.

The laser’s precise cutting action seals blood vessels as it goes, leading to minimal bleeding during and after the procedure.

The gentle nature of the laser technology promotes quicker tissue regeneration and healing, allowing you to return to your daily activities with minimal downtime.

We will assess your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine if an adult frenectomy is the right solution for you. If an adult frenectomy is recommended, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how adult frenectomy with Waterlase Laser can improve your quality of life. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re committed to delivering the highest level of care to our valued patients.

CHILD FRENECTOMY

Breastfeeding is a crucial and special bonding experience between a mother and her baby. However, in some cases, challenges can arise due to lip and tongue ties. These conditions, known as ankyloglossia (tongue tie) and labial frenulum (lip tie), can significantly impact a baby’s ability to nurse effectively.

Tongue tie occurs when the frenulum, the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is short, tight, or extends too far towards the tip of the tongue. This condition restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can pose challenges during breastfeeding.

A lip tie refers to an abnormal attachment of the upper lip to the gum tissue. It occurs when the frenulum, the thin membrane connecting the lip to the gums, is tight or extends too far down the gum line. This restricted mobility can impede the baby’s ability to latch onto the breast properly, leading to several symptoms:

Babies with a lip tie may struggle to achieve a deep latch. They may have difficulty flanging their upper lip outward, which is necessary for a secure and effective latch.

A tight lip tie can hinder the baby’s ability to create and maintain suction while breastfeeding. This can result in inadequate milk transfer and frequent feeding sessions.

Due to a weak seal and improper latch, clicking sounds during breastfeeding are common in babies with a lip tie. This clicking noise indicates that the baby is not maintaining a consistent latch.

Inadequate milk transfer caused by a lip tie can lead to slow weight gain or weight loss in the baby. Frequent nursing attempts and poor feeding efficiency can contribute to this symptom. The reduced efficiency in transferring milk can lead to more frequent feedings, causing the baby to be fussy and unsatisfied.

Frequent feedings and prolonged nursing sessions: Babies with tongue tie often need to nurse for longer durations to extract enough milk.

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