Have you discovered that your little one has a tongue-tie? This knowledge can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you’re not sure what to do next. Fortunately, there is a straightforward treatment for tongue-ties with lasting benefits called a frenectomy. But what is this procedure, and what can you expect from it? Continue reading to learn all about the treatment process and how it can help your child be happier and healthier!
What Happens Before My Child’s Treatment?
A frenectomy begins with a consultation with a skilled pediatric dentist. During this visit, your child’s tongue will be examined to assess the severity of the tongue-tie. They’ll need to gather information by asking you about your child’s feeding habits, behavioral issues, speech, and oral hygiene practices. The answers to these questions will help decide if a frenectomy is the right way forward for your child.
Many pediatric dentists will work in collaboration with chiropractors, lactation consultants, and physical therapists to ensure an all-encompassing full-body approach. It takes a village y’all! The mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of our body.
What Happens During a Frenectomy?
The good news is that frenectomies solve tongue-ties quickly and easily. In fact, for younger children, the procedure typically takes just a few minutes! Here’s what you can expect:
First, your child’s pediatric dentist will numb the area around the frenulum (the band of skin attached under the tongue). They’ll either use a local anesthetic or a specialized laser to ensure that there’s no pain felt during the next step.
Next, your child’s frenulum is gently cut using a soft tissue laser, releasing it. This restores their tongue’s range of motion, allowing your child to move it much easier. The laser also cauterizes the cut as it’s being made, reducing, or eliminating bleeding entirely!
Finally, once the procedure is over, your child’s dentist may offer a bit of gauze to manage any light bleeding. However, most children are completely calm and ready to go with no issues.
What Should Happen After a Frenectomy?
If your child is an infant, feeding immediately after the procedure can help them soothe and heal faster. Otherwise, they should be good to go home and relax. The recovery process is usually uneventful, but you can help speed it along by:
- Following post-op procedures prescribed by your child’s dentist including tongue exercises and oral care.
- Providing distraction and comfort through games, movies, reading, or other activities.
- Offering appropriate dosages of over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Giving them plenty of nutritious food to eat.
Soon, your child will bounce back happier and healthier than before! You should notice positive changes in their symptoms relatively quickly: better latching during breastfeeding, fewer speech impediments, and better comfort overall. So, if you suspect your child needs a frenectomy, don’t hesitate to reach out to their pediatric dentist. The smile on their face and the relief you’ll feel will be well worth the effort!
About the Author
If your child has a tongue-tie in Aledo, Dr. Adrienne Archidiacono-Jeanis is a board-certified pediatric dentist who can help. After completing her specialty training at the University of Texas Houston, she fell in love with the state. Since then, she has been serving the community by taking care of tiny teeth. Call (817) 406-2025 to schedule a tongue-tie treatment for your child at Aledo Pediatric Dentistry or visit our website to explore other services.