Understanding Laser Frenectomy: Procedure and Recovery

Laser frenectomy changes or cuts a binding tissue or frenulum in the body with a laser. This procedure can help support your child’s oral and speech development. Traditional frenectomy uses incisions, which take longer to heal. A laser surgery like this can heal faster with the right aftercare. Here are the details that you must consider about the laser frenectomy procedure and recovery.

The procedure

A pediatric dentist will assess the child’s mouth first. A lip or tongue tie will need a laser frenectomy. This form of oral surgery will need the parent’s or guardian’s help. The child will lie face up, so the parent or guardian must hold the child during the procedure. Dental sedation can help the child relax and stay still during the procedure.

Numbing the area with an anesthetic will prevent pain. The dentist will then cut the frenulum with a laser instrument. This surgical tool will cauterize the area, which results in less bleeding. A severe lip or tongue tie will need a few stitches if the dentist performs an incision. A laser frenectomy might take about 15 minutes to complete.

For infants or toddlers

Studies show that a tongue or lip tie often manifests during infanthood. Babies with this condition are often inefficient at breastfeeding. The baby can experience significant weight loss or slow weight gain. The breastfeeding mother may also experience more pain if the baby has a lip or tongue tie. Laser frenectomy is easier to perform on infants. This procedure can take place at the clinic.

The recovery

Laser frenectomy recovery is quick and easy. Follow the dentist’s instructions to keep the healing consistent. Keep the surgical area clean. Doing so can reduce the young patient’s risk of infection. The dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent possible complications or infections.

The child must take the medications according to the dentist’s instructions. The area should start healing within one or two days. A week later, it will begin to develop a scar. The child should be able to return to normal activities by this time.

Part of the child’s smooth recovery is keeping the follow-up appointments. The parents should also make sure that the child performs the recommended exercises. These workouts are essential for quick healing. Laser frenectomy does not bleed that much. However, there might be numbness.

Types of frenectomy

Maxillary laser frenectomy is for the labial frenum. This connective tissue connects the top lip to the gums above the front teeth. This frenum is shorter than a normal one. It can make speech and dental development difficult.

This type of condition is lip adhesion. It can also cause dental issues like gum disease and cavities. A laser frenectomy can free the upper lip. The child can then move it more to perform dental functions.

The lingual frenum connects the tongue to the mouth. One can see the lingual frenum underneath the tongue when the tongue stretches to the roof of the mouth. Frenum length varies from one person to another. A short frenum prevents the tongue from proper movement. Studies show that this condition is more common in boys than in girls. Lingual laser frenectomy can free the tongue to perform more movements.

The benefits of a laser frenectomy

Research shows that a laser frenectomy is often an outpatient treatment. It often takes about two to three minutes to finish. This mildly invasive treatment is less traumatic to a child. Below are the benefits of this oral procedure:

• Reduces risk of reattachment:

The goal of a laser frenectomy is to provide a permanent improvement. Stretching the child’s tongue can keep the frenum from reattaching. Laser frenectomy reduces the risk of reattachment.

• Reduces discomfort:

Clinical studies show that kids tolerate laser frenectomy better than traditional frenectomy. This procedure is a better way to help kids and infants.

• Prevents excessive bleeding:

Laser frenectomy does not result in high-level bleeding. The laser burns the frenum and seals off the blood vessels.

• Reduces recovery time:

The child will recover faster because laser frenectomy will not need general anesthesia.

When to call the doctor

See the dentist if a diastema is developing. The parent should also be aware of possible complications after laser frenectomy. Such complications include persistent numbness and excessive bleeding. Bring the child to the dentist if any of these symptoms manifest.

Knowing the laser frenectomy procedure and recovery can prepare you and your child well for it

A short frenum can prevent your child from practicing proper dental care. It can also impair good language development and cause oral problems. A laser frenectomy can enhance the movements of the lips and tongue. Working with your pediatric dentist can help achieve your child’s oral and language development goals.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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