Frenectomy
If your infant has difficulty breastfeeding, they may have a tight frenum. A frenectomy is a procedure that can improve an infant's ability to breastfeed and offer a host of additional benefits for life. Dr. Ashley Ramsey in Rowlett, TX, uses the latest laser technology to perform safe and comfortable frenectomies.
What Is a Frenum?
A frenum, also called a frenulum, is a binding tissue that can be found in the mouth. The maxillary labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gum tissue above the front teeth. The lingual frenum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Frenums provide stability to the upper lip, lower lip, and tongue, but if they are too tight, problems can arise.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy in our Rowlett, TX, dental office uses a soft tissue laser to alter a frenum that is too tight or restrictive, causing a lip or tongue tie. This procedure is often recommended for affected infants because the condition can cause difficulty with breastfeeding. It can also lead to other problems like speech difficulty, dental decay, and digestive problems later in life.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a holistic treatment that can have benefits on a person's physical, mental, and emotional state for the rest of their life. When performed early, frenectomies can provide many benefits, including:
If the maxillary labial frenum is altered, a baby can have better tongue movement. You may notice that they're able to successfully latch during breastfeeding, receiving the nutrients they need to develop. We can treat babies who are 7-10 days old.
When restrictive frenums have been separated, lip and tongue movement becomes easier, resulting in a child who can pronounce words clearly and confidently. This benefit lasts well into adulthood.
A restrictive labial frenum can make it difficult to clean the upper front teeth and gums, leading to decay and gum recession. If the labial frenum is altered, oral hygiene can be more effective and smiles can be healthier.
We Use the Solea CO2 Laser for Frenectomies in Rowlett
Our Rowlett office uses the Solea® All-Tissue Laser from Convergent Dental to complete frenectomies. This CO2 laser allows us to quickly and precisely free lip and tongue ties without shots, bleeding, or pain. No sutures are required after surgery and healing times are generally fast.
The Solea laser is versatile, allowing us to perform soft tissue procedures (frenectomies, mucocele removals, tooth exposures, and gingivectomies) and hard tissue procedures (fillings, crowns, and extractions) without conventional dental handpieces that can make patients anxious. The result is comfortable care and an experience that doesn't hurt how patients feel about dentistry.
Paying for a Frenectomy
Thanks to its health benefits, certain insurances will contribute to the cost of your child's frenectomy, but not all plans will. We accept most types of insurance and can determine your coverage before the procedure. For costs not covered by insurance, we offer in-house financing plans and accept CareCredit®.
Texas Smiles With Help From Our Dental Team
Sheryl Fidger
Rowlett, TX
2024
This is the best dentist. They care for the patient. They explain each process. The staff is so extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The dentist themselves make you feel comfortable and are gentle. I HIGHLY recommend this dentist.
View on GoogleHailey Norton
Rowlett, TX
2024
We have been going here for about 5 years now, since my oldest was 1. Every visit, we feel taken care of. Any concerns, they always address. My kids have actually love going to the dentist since they were born because of this place.
View on GoogleThe Procedure Timeline
A frenectomy for your infant will consist of these steps:
"A frenectomy is a holistic treatment that can have benefits on a person's physical, mental, and emotional state for the rest of their life."
Recovering From a Frenectomy
Because our Rowlett, TX, dentists use gentle techniques and a soft tissue laser to perform frenectomies, recovery should be fast and comfortable. Some simple things you can do to aid in a successful recovery include:
Keep the Area Clean
Keep the area around the frenum clean and make sure no food remains near the treatment site. Be sure to keep up with your baby's regular dental care.
Minimize Discomfort
You can use frozen breast milk to minimize any pain your baby may feel after the procedure, but be sure to check with your pediatrician.
Practice Stretches
The mouth heals quickly, and the frenulum can reattach, so stretches are integral to the healing process. We recommend using clean hands to stretch the upper lip or tongue every four hours for four weeks. Our dental team will give you detailed instructions after your baby's frenectomy.
Attend Appointments
You will have to return to our dentistry office in Rowlett, TX, for follow-up appointments. Our dentist will examine the treatment site to ensure there are no complications and the area is healing properly.
The Healing Process After Releasing a Lip or Tongue Tie
A frenectomy is a surgery that requires several weeks to heal. During this time, your child may develop a diamond-shaped white-to-yellow patch. This is a wet scab, not an infection, and is a part of the healing process. It will typically peak in size around day seven, and will shrink in the following weeks. Be gentle with this scab as the skin is healing underneath it.
Frenectomies
and Orthodontics
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Though our Texas dental practice typically performs frenectomies on infants, it is often performed on children prior to receiving orthodontics. A frenulum that is too short or too long can cause the jaw or teeth to become displaced even after undergoing orthodontic treatment, so a frenectomy is often advised. This can help ensure the success of this dentistry treatment and maintain your child's straight teeth into adulthood.
Helping Kids Feel Excited About Coming to the Dentist
Sarah Standlee
Rowlett, TX
2024
My 4 year old twins go here! They are the only kids i know who are actually excited to go to the dentist! They love it and the dentist has done an amazing job taking care of them as well as making it a good experience!
View on GoogleOneQueenThreeKings
Rowlett, TX
2024
My three children have been going here for three years now and I absolutely love everything about it definitely would recommend for your child their patient always nice you can tell they love their job
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