If your baby has just been diagnosed with a lip or tongue-tie, don’t worry! This is becoming a more common diagnosis, and the corresponding treatment, called a frenectomy, can help them regain complete movement and function of their smile. Read on to learn more about the frenectomy process and the ideal time for an infant to receive the treatment.
What is the Best Time for an Infant to Get a Frenectomy?
The overgrown strip of oral tissue that connects your child’s lips to their teeth or tongue to the floor of their mouth (lip or tongue-tie) is making it difficult for your baby to nurse, bottle feed, and even start experimenting with making new sounds. Fortunately, they’re still in their formative years, and it’s possible for them to receive treatment.
It’s actually ideal for a baby to receive a frenectomy before they turn 12 months old. However, signs may not always be visible this early, in which case they may need to be treated later on.
The earlier a baby receives the treatment, the less of an impact it will have on their day-to-day life. For example, they won’t miss eating their favorite crunchy snacks if they aren’t old enough to eat those yet by the time they have their frenectomy! They also heal incredibly quickly, usually within about two weeks. The older they get, this process may become more extended due to their daily activity.
What Happens During a Frenectomy?
Today, many dentists and frenectomy experts opt for laser treatment, which involves them using a small soft tissue laser to remove that overgrown oral tissue. It’s able to cauterize the area on-contact, minimizing any post-operative bleeding, discomfort, and reducing the risk of infection by killing bacteria. It can also help speed up your baby’s recovery time.
Taking Care of Your Baby After a Frenectomy
After your baby’s frenectomy, you’ll want to complete all of the stretches shown to you by their dentist to make sure the tissue doesn’t reconnect. Make sure they get plenty of cuddles and skin-to-skin contact to help soothe and comfort them, and remember that some bleeding or mild oozing after the procedure is expected. If at any point you have questions or concerns, never hesitate to contact your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Andrea Csok is more than a dentist- she’s also a mother of two. Her focus on lip and tongue-tie treatment was born out of her own unique struggles with the issue and how it impacted her son, so she’s adamant about educating and providing relief for parents and their little ones. She uses the latest technology, like a soft tissue laser, to make the frenectomy process as pain-free and simple as possible. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center’s website or call 216-292-2277.