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A frenectomy involves releasing a tight or restrictive tissue (called a frenum) in the mouth, most often under the tongue or the upper lip. When this tissue is too tight, it can interfere with essential functions, such as feeding, speech, dental treatments, and even oral hygiene.
Visit our experienced dental specialists at Advanced Family Dentistry in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to learn more about a frenectomy and find out how it may benefit your child.
Frenectomy 101
Tongue-tie, a condition present at birth that restricts tongue movement due to a short, thick tissue band tethering the tongue to the floor of the mouth, may affect up to 12.8% of children. A frenectomy is a quick, simple, in-office procedure that treats tongue-tie to support easier tongue movement for your child.
The Advanced Family Dentistry experts can also remove tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (lip-tie) if it interferes with your child’s development, feeding, speech, or oral health.
Six reasons your child may benefit from a frenectomy
Here are some reasons your child may be a candidate for a frenectomy at Advanced Family Dentistry:
1. Difficulty breastfeeding
If tongue-tie or lip-tie gets in the way of successful breastfeeding, a frenectomy can be an effective way to help your baby feed easily to receive the nutrition they need to thrive in growth and development.
2. Pain during breastfeeding
Breastfeeding a baby with tongue-tie or lip-tie may be more painful due to the barriers your baby faces when attempting to eat. If this is the case, chat with your Advanced Family Dentistry specialist to learn if your baby is a candidate for a frenectomy.
3. Speech impediments
If your child’s tongue-tie or lip-tie negatively affects their ability to speak clearly, a frenectomy can often help. Their dentist helps determine if the structure of soft tissue in their mouth is the cause of a speech concern. If so, your child may benefit from a frenectomy.
4. Front teeth gaps
Does your child have a gap between their two front teeth because of soft tissue connecting their upper lip to their gums? Treatment at Advanced Family Dentistry can remove abnormal tissues to eliminate tooth gaps and optimize the appearance of your child’s smile.
5. Gum recession
A labial frenum (soft tissue that causes a gap between the teeth) can also lead to gum recession if it pulls on the gums. A frenectomy removes this tight tissue band to restore healthy gums and avoid further recession.
6. Orthodontic concerns
If a frenum interferes with your child’s ability to undergo orthodontic treatment effectively, a frenectomy can eliminate the affected tissues to allow your child the treatment needed to create a flawless smile.
Can adults undergo a frenectomy?
While commonly performed in babies and children with tongue-tie or lip-tie, teenagers and adults can also benefit from undergoing a frenectomy if they have concerns about their speech, problems wearing dentures, or difficulties receiving other dental treatments.
See the experts at Advanced Family Dentistry to learn if you or a family member can benefit from laser treatment or other frenectomy methods. Contact our office at Advanced Family Dentistry by phone or online today.