Frenectomy Procedure
As a new parent, it’s important to be aware of the various procedures that your baby may require. One such procedure is a frenectomy, which involves removing a small piece of tissue known as the frenulum. While this may sound concerning, the procedure is safe and typically yields many benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a frenectomy involves and why it may be necessary for your baby.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure where a frenulum, a small piece of tissue that connects different parts of your baby’s mouth, is removed. There are two kinds of frenum in your baby’s mouth, which are lingual frenum located under the tongue, and labial frenum located above the upper front teeth. The frenulum sometimes can be a constricting tissue that can cause problems in feeding, speech or oral hygiene.
Why does my Baby Need a Frenectomy?
There are various reasons why your baby may need a frenectomy. One common issue is a tongue-tie (see our tongue-tie treatment), where the frenulum underneath the tongue is too short or tight. This can interfere with breastfeeding and cause difficulty latching on due to restricted movement of the tongue. A short frenulum can also cause speech problems in older infants and children, and labial frenum can cause a gap between your child’s two front teeth. Frenectomy is used to correct these issues.
When is the best time for a Frenectomy?
The ideal time for a frenectomy is when the child is young since healing is faster. It is usually performed in the first few weeks after birth until before the child turns one year old. In some cases, a frenectomy may be performed later in childhood or adolescence after symptoms develop, although the procedure may be more complex compared to performing it at a young age.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure?
A frenectomy is quite simple and is usually performed under local anesthesia, so it’s not painful at all. The procedure involves a small cut to the frenum, removing the constriction to allow the tongue or lip to function correctly. After the procedure, the baby may feel a little discomfort or may experience slight bleeding, but this goes away quickly.
Visit Dr Toothfairy for your Baby’s Frenectomy
A Frenectomy can be an essential procedure for your baby. This simple, safe, and painless procedure can improve breastfeeding in infants, speech in children, and restore oral hygiene. It’s important to consult a pediatric dentist, such as Dr. Lara Saleh, for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of frenulum issues in your baby. If this procedure is right for your family it can yield many benefits for your baby’s oral health and development.
Need A Dentist Appointment For Your Child?
Time for your child's first dental visit? Looking for a new pediatric dentist in Falls Church, VA for your Children? Request an appointment with Dr. Toothfairy.
