Laser Frenectomy Boulder
Treating Tongue and Lip Ties the Right Way
Frenectomies have been the go-to treatment option for lip and tongue ties for quite some time; these days, the issue can easily be corrected within minutes, leading to a significant improvement in the patient’s life. However, many people are nervous about having a frenectomy performed, whether it’s for them or their child. Not to worry though – Dr. Witkoff and our team use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that the process is more comfortable and convenient than you can possibly imagine. To learn more about the benefits of a laser frenectomy in Boulder and how it can help you or a loved one, give our dental office a call today!
Why Choose Jesse Witkoff, DDS for Frenectomies?
- Cold CO2 Laser: Faster Recovery & More Comfortable Treatment
- Dr. Jesse is a Respected Lecturer & Mentor in His Field
- Nitrous Oxide Available for a More Comfortable Treatment
What Exactly Is a Frenectomy?
Frenectomies are fairly straightforward oral surgical procedures. Their purpose is to gently remove or reshape the abnormally tight tissue that’s preventing the lips and/or tongue from moving as they should. However, since every patient is different, the exact amount of tissue that needs to be removed can vary. In any case, this treatment can make a large difference in the patient’s quality of life, often improving their ability to speak clearly, eat properly, and breathe without issue, all of which are also directly tied to their self-esteem.
Why We Only Do Laser Frenectomies
Traditionally, frenectomies were performed with a scalpel or scissors, but our dental practice here in Boulder is thrilled to offer an alternative option thanks to our gold-standard cold CO2 laser. This approach has several benefits for our patients, but the most significant one is vastly improved comfort and speedier recovery times. Also, the lasers that we use are quite precise, meaning that we won’t remove any more tissue than is necessary. Compared to traditional frenectomies, a laser frenectomy also tends to result in far less swelling and bleeding.
Using advanced laser technology also allows us to achieve a 90% treatment success rate. In the rare case that retreatment is needed within 12 months of your procedure, our office will complete it free of charge.
How Does a Laser Frenectomy Work?
A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the overly restrictive frenulum that is causing the lip or tongue tie. Using this beam, Dr. Witkoff will remove a small amount of tissue to allow the lips or tongue to move more freely and naturally. Since the laser helps cauterize the treatment area, there will also be little to no bleeding to worry about once the treatment is complete. As a result, recovery times for frenectomies performed with a laser tend to be much shorter compared to traditional frenectomies performed with a scalpel!
Laser Frenectomy FAQs
Does a Laser Frenectomy Hurt?
A laser frenectomy is surprisingly comfortable! The laser cauterizes the tissue as it moves, which can do much to reduce bleeding and pain. In some cases, local anesthetic is not even necessary, though we do use it in certain instances. If a patient is particularly anxious or sensitive, we can use nitrous oxide sedation as well.
The recovery from a laser frenectomy is also pretty easy. Your child may experience some soreness and swelling, but these should be mild and temporary. Our team can provide detailed guidance on how to help your child have a smooth recovery process.
What Should I Do to Help My Child Recover after a Laser Frenectomy?
Helping your child recover after a laser frenectomy is usually a straightforward process. Right after the procedure, it is common for children to experience some mild soreness and swelling in the treated area. You can help by offering plenty of comfort and reassurance. If needed, over-the-counter pain medication that is appropriate for your child’s age can help alleviate any soreness. Be sure to follow our team's instructions on medication and care.
It is important to encourage your child to eat soft, cool foods for the first couple of days — think yogurt, applesauce, or ice cream. These choices are gentle on the mouth and can help soothe the area as it heals. Make sure your child avoids crunchy or spicy foods until their mouth feels better. Good oral hygiene is also essential, but remind your child to brush gently around the treated area to prevent irritation.
Additionally, we may recommend simple stretching exercises to prevent the frenulum from reattaching. These exercises are easy to do at home and can make a big difference in the healing process. If you notice anything unusual, like excessive bleeding or signs of infection, reach out to us right away.
Does Insurance Cover Frenectomies?
Some medical and dental insurance plans do cover laser frenectomies. Usually, coverage depends on whether the procedure is deemed necessary for the patient’s health.
As a fee-for-service dental practice, we require that you pay for treatment at the time of service. However, our team is happy to provide documentation that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. We find that, in about 90 – 90% of cases, dental insurance companies approve the submitted claims.
Medical insurance may not be as helpful, particularly for policies that have a high out-of-network deductible. Therefore, although the frenectomy might technically qualify for coverage, it may do little more than help you meet your deductible.
Can I Be in the Room When the Laser Frenectomy Is Performed on My Child?
We understand how important it is for children to feel safe and supported during their frenectomy. Our team does our best to create a comfortable environment! However, we often recommend that parents of infants and toddlers wait outside the room during this procedure. This helps to minimize distractions and contributes to a smoother treatment process. If you have specific concerns about this or wonder if we might make an exception in your case, we would be happy to speak with you.