3 Questions You Should Ask When Considering a Frenectomy

When learning your child could benefit from lip and tongue tie treatment in Palm Harbor, you may feel a bit relieved. Knowing there is a safe and effective procedure designed to offer greater oral function can be a welcomed reality if you and your baby are struggling with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. But while you may be pleased to learn about a possible solution, you might also have a few concerns. Before scheduling your child’s frenectomy, here are three questions you should ask when meeting with a specialist.

How Safe is a Laser Frenectomy?

The use of scissors and sutures remains a popular option among some dentists and lip and tongue tie specialists; however, laser dentistry is being well-received among many professionals. Unlike traditional methods that can cause much bleeding and swelling, the use of a soft tissue laser reduces the chances of possible infection while making the process significantly quicker and more comfortable for the child.

Although each laser is different, a similar process occurs with a concentrated beam of light providing optimal precision and accuracy when lacerating the tethered oral tissue (TOT). Not only it is safe, but it ensures quick and effective healing.

Will My Child Be In Any Pain?

Before your child undergoes frenectomy treatment in Palm Harbor, a specialist will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the mouth. Although it’s normal for a baby to become apprehensive because of their unfamiliarity with their surroundings, they will feel no pain throughout the procedure. The soft tissue laser emits no heat, vibration, or sound, so it is less scary for both you and your child.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?

Once the procedure is complete, the specialist will encourage you to try to breastfeed or bottle-feed almost immediately, as this will help to soothe the child. As the anesthetic wears off, there may be some slight soreness, but most children can expect to recover well and without much, if any, pain.

The child’s specialist will provide necessary instructions for you to follow, which are stretches you’ll need to perform, to help your little one adjust to using their lip and tongue to the fullest extent. Because they will be unfamiliar with how to use it now that it is no longer restricted, these guidelines and tips will be essential for successful recovery.

A week after the procedure, you will need to bring your child back for a follow-up appointment to allow the specialist to check and make sure everything is healing nicely.

When it comes to your child’s oral health, it’s natural to be concerned and to ask questions. Do not hesitate to inquire further about the need for a frenectomy. Once you have the answers, you’ll feel more confident in choosing the right solution for your child.

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she is certified in treating infant and pediatric tongue ties and lip ties by the American Board of Laser Surgery. She is also a graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue Tie Academy and TOTS: Tethered Oral Tissue program. If you believe your child may be dealing with a lip or tongue tie, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website.