Frenuloplasty – Boulder, CO
Comfortable, Effective Tongue Tie Treatment
Known as a tongue tie, when the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too thick or short, it can restrict the movement of the tongue and cause speech and feeding issues beginning at birth.
A frenuloplasty is a treatment that eliminates tongue ties by modifying or removing the lingual frenulum so the tongue can move freely, eliminating the risk of tongue-tie related problems now and in the future.
Why Choose Dr. Jesse Witkoff for a Frenuloplasty Procedure?
- Uses Scalpel- free, Cold CO2 Laser for More Comfortable Procedures
- Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with 30+ Years of Experience
- Can Perform Complete Frenuloplasties
What Is the Difference Between a Frenectomy and a Frenuloplasty?
Although both were designed to treat lip and tongue ties, there are some key differences between a frenectomy and a frenuloplasty. Frenectomies can be done on babies as young as a few days old up until about the age of four and are designed to release the lingual frenulum back to the position where it should have developed in the first place. Conversely, a frenuloplasty can be done on patients four and older and removes this tissue entirely to free up the movement of tongue to make eating and speaking easier.
Why Does a Lip or Tongue Tie Need to Be Treated?
While the lingual frenulum may be small and even seem insignificant, if it is too small or tight, it can cause a variety of problems throughout you or your child’s life. In infants, lip and tongue ties create difficulties breastfeeding and lead to malnourishment and poor weight gain. As they get older, it can make things like eating solid foods and speaking clearly more difficult and can even increase their risk of dental problems and breathing issues.
By treating the lip or tongue tie early on, you can improve your child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly, giving them a solid foundation for growth and development as they age.
The Frenuloplasty Process
The frenuloplasty procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area so no pain is felt during the procedure. Once numb, Dr. Witkoff will use the CO2 laser to release the frenulum to ensure optimal lip or tongue movement. In some cases, sutures may be needed to close the incision site, but these are usually dissolvable and should not need to be removed.
The recovery time for a frenuloplasty is usually very short. Your child may experience some minor discomfort or pain at the surgical site for several days, but this is typically well-managed with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Recovering from a Frenuloplasty
Immediately following the frenuloplasty procedure, your child may experience some pain or discomfort. You can give them over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by Dr. Witkoff or their pediatrician. This discomfort should clear up within one to two weeks with proper rest and adherence to the post-op guidelines. It is not uncommon for them to also experience some bleeding, pain, or in rare cases, numbness.
- Pain can also be treated with topical analgesic gel applied to gauze and placed on the surgical site every one to two hours (up to four times a day).
- Swelling and inflammation can occur for three to five days post procedure, and your child’s tongue may feel larger than normal or painful to move. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used as needed.
- Be sure to maintain your child’s oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) as usual. You can also help them rinse with warm saltwater a few times a day to help keep their mouth clean and soothe their surgical site.
- Provide your child with a soft diet during the first few days after treatment and be sure to avoid anything too hot or spicy, or anything that requires a lot of chewing.
- If sutures were used, these should dissolve or fall off on their own within three to five days but could take up to ten days to disappear. As they do, you may notice some granulation healing tissue in the open wounds. Should this become overgrown, simply brush the site with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any debris, however there’s no need to completely remove this tissue, so leaving it in place will not harm your child’s results.
Frenuloplasty FAQs
What Are the Risks of a Frenuloplasty?
Complications of this type of procedure are rare, but they could include numbness, bleeding, discomfort, infection, and scarring. By closely following the aftercare instructions of your dentist, you can prevent the scaring and re-attachment of the frenum, helping to increase the risk of success. This includes the necessary stretching exercises and keeping the area clean.
How Do I Care for the Wound?
After the sutures are gone, white tissue will begin to fill the surgical wounds. This is perfectly normal and not an infection. This tissue will heal and disappear in a few weeks. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can remove any oral debris if needed. Anti-biotics are usually not needed for this procedure. Instead, we recommend rinsing with slat water several times a day to keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Will This Procedure Be Painful for My Child?
This procedure is very quick, and the mouth will be numbed with a topical anesthetic. It isn’t uncommon for children to cry during this procedure, but this isn’t because it is painful. Children simply don’t like being held down. Fortunately, this will only be for a brief while and they will be back to themselves quickly. We always prioritize children’s comfort and will do everything we can to make them feel at ease during their procedure.
How Quickly Will My Child’s Speech Improve?
For older children, the improvement in tongue mobility is immediate. However, correcting speech patterns requires time and effort. The physical restriction is removed, but your child needs to retrain their tongue to correctly form sounds. Sometimes, children benefit by following up with a speech pathologist.
What Are the Signs That My Child May Need a Frenuloplasty?
For children, signs may include difficulty enunciating certain sounds – especially the “r,” “l,” “s,” and “th.” You may also notice visible restriction when trying to touch the tongue to the roof of the mouth or sweep the teeth. If you think that your child may benefit from a flenuloplasty, schedule an appointment with us so we can evaluate their smile and determine the best course of action to meet their needs.