Will you or your child be undergoing a laser frenectomy? It’s completely natural to be curious and maybe even a little nervous about what to expect from this procedure, but knowledge is power, as they say. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from treatment before, during, and after, and how it can benefit the patient in ways you may not have considered!
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie is a condition that occurs when the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue that holds your tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is too thick or short to allow the tongue to move properly. This can result in difficulties nursing for babies and can later cause a variety of problems including speech and breathing problems that last throughout the patient’s life.
What is a Laser Frenectomy?
Traditionally, frenectomies were performed with a scalpel and sutures. Though it was safe and effective, it caused a lot of bleeding and was much more painful to recover from. Today, your dentist uses a soft-tissue laser to quickly vaporize excess tissue in the mouth. This works by aiming a concentrated beam of light on the lingual frenulum. It is more accurate than a scalpel, so your dentist only removes what’s necessary, and because the light generates heat, it cauterizes the tissue as it works, eliminating the need for stitches or sutures in most cases. This results in a much more comfortable and much faster healing process and a reduced risk of infection.
What Happens During a Laser Frenectomy?
The laser frenectomy procedure is surprisingly fast and easy. To ensure the patient is comfortable, the dentist will first apply a little bit of numbing cream to the area. Then, once the mouth is numb, the dentist will use the laser to quickly and comfortably remove the excess tissue.
The Healing Process
After the procedure, the patient can begin eating again immediately. For newborns, nursing directly after treatment is recommended, as this will not only help comfort your baby, but it will also help them test out their newly improved feeding capabilities. Should the patient experience any bleeding, apply light pressure to the area. Most patients don’t need pain relievers following treatment, but if they do an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen should suffice. For children and babies please speak with their pediatrician for proper dosage information.
Please note that the treated areas will appear white or yellow for a few days. This is completely normal and not the sign of an infection or anything to be worried about.
Remember, although it’s completely normal to be concerned about what may happen during you or your child’s upcoming laser frenectomy, the truth is that this treatment is fast, comfortable and very effective. If you have any questions about any aspect of the procedure or aftercare, please feel free to ask your dentist for assistance, and have a safe and speedy recovery!
About Dr. Witkoff
Dr. Jesse Witkoff is a board-certified pediatric dentist with many years of experience in treating conditions like lip and tongue ties in children. He earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now known as Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). Additionally, he’s completed over 500 hours of post-graduate education just in the area of frenectomies, frenuloplasties, interceptive orthodontics, and airway dentistry, and is a proud member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry among many others. To schedule a consultation for a laser frenectomy, visit our website or call 720-743-3340.