Frenectomy in Oklahoma!
Is your child facing challenges with speech, feeding, or their overall oral comfort due to a lip tie or tongue tie? At Dental Arts, our experienced dentists can help your child achieve better health with a frenectomy to address these concerns. Contact our dental office at (918) 937-2787 or fill out the contact form below to get started with your consultation!
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that involves removing a small piece of tissue called the frenulum. This is the small bit of tissue that attaches the upper lip and lower lip to the gums or attaches the tongue to the inside of the mouth. In some cases, the frenulum can be too tight or small, which is called a lip tie or a tongue tie, depending on the affected area. This can restrict lip or tongue movement, which can negatively impact a child’s ability to feed or speak. Doctors and dentists can perform a frenectomy to enable the unimpeded movement of the lips or tongue for better oral motor control.
Why Would My Child Need a Frenectomy?
While a lip tie and tongue tie are not harmful conditions, leaving them untreated can lead to various challenges, including:
- Speech Difficulties – A tight or restrictive frenulum can impede proper lip or tongue movement and lead to speech impediments.
- Feeding Issues – Infants with a lip tie or tongue tie may struggle with latching during breastfeeding or bottle feeding, which can lead to difficulty gaining weight and malnutrition.
- Dental Concerns – Frenulum restrictions can contribute to dental health issues like misaligned teeth and improper jaw development.
How Does a Lip Tie or Tongue Tie Form?
A lip tie or tongue tie can occur during fetal development and is typically present at birth. It is typically caused by a genetic predisposition such as a disease that affects the growth of certain tissues in the body like the frenula in the mouth. While there are several different types of a lip tie and tongue tie, they all are generally present at birth and can negatively affect a baby’s ability to latch onto the breast or bottle for feeding.
How Is a Frenectomy Performed?
Initial Assessment - Before the procedure, our skilled team at Dental Arts of Catoosa will do a thorough evaluation to understand the extent of the frenulum restriction and determine if a frenectomy is needed.
Frenulum Removal - At Dental Arts of Catoosa, we utilize advanced laser technology that allows us to handle frenectomy procedures with increased precision right here in our dental office. The restricted or tight frenulum will be carefully removed using the laser.
Tissue Closure - After the frenulum is removed, the laser is also used to close the incision and help control bleeding. The tissue is left to naturally heal, and stitches may or may not be required, depending on the specific case.
Post-Procedure Guidance - We will provide you with post-operative care instructions to promote optimal healing. This may include recommendations for pain management, dietary considerations, and proper oral hygiene practices.
Follow-Up Care - Our team schedules follow-up appointments at our dental office to monitor the healing process and address any questions or concerns that may arise. This ensures that each patient receives comprehensive care from start to finish.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
If your child needs a frenectomy, they can experience a ton of great benefits:
- Improved speech development – A lip tie or tongue tie can make it difficult for children to learn to pronounce their sounds and lead to speech delays. By getting a frenectomy, this barrier is handled so your child can speak with confidence.
- Enhanced nutritional intake – For infants, a frenectomy can improve breastfeeding by allowing for better latch and suction so they can get the nutrients their growing bodies need.
- Preventive dental care – Resolving a lip tie or tongue tie early can prevent potential dental problems, including misalignment.
- Reduced discomfort – Children and adults alike can experience increased comfort and reduced tension after a frenectomy to release their lip tie or tongue tie.
Will My Child Have to Get a Frenectomy if They Have a Lip Tie or Tongue Tie?
There are several different levels of severity when it comes to lip ties and tongue ties. Some barely restrict lip or tongue movement at all while others can make it quite difficult for babies to feed. In some cases, the lip tie or tongue tie can be left alone without impacting your child’s health or comfort. But if your child has a severe lip tie or tongue tie that affects their health and wellbeing, our dentists may recommend a frenectomy to correct or “release” the lip tie or tongue tie.
why choose dental arts?
Your family's smiles deserve exceptional dental services, and at Dental Arts, our friendly staff takes pride in providing just that. Dr. Soren Michaelsen and his associate dentists are passionate advocates for the health and beauty of every patient's smile. With their expertise and commitment, you can trust our dental office to deliver personalized treatment that goes above and beyond your expectations. By combining cutting-edge technology with a personalized approach, our dentists ensure that every frenectomy procedure is performed with precision, efficiency, and the utmost care for patient comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomies
Schedule Your Frenectomy Consultation
Don’t let a lip tie or tongue tie keep your child from smiling! Call our dental office at (918) 937-2787 to schedule your frenectomy consultation, or fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will reach out to you.
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