Every year, thousands of children are born with lip and tongue ties, meaning that they’ll face a list of challenges later in life involving oral functionality. However, there is hope—and it comes in the form of a frenectomy, which is the go-to solution for addressing these types of issues. And as dental technology continues to evolve, the way in which dental professionals can solve problems continues to become easier for all parties involved. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at how laser frenectomies make the entire process a piece of cake and limit the likelihood of healing complications.
What Is a Laser Frenectomy?
A laser frenectomy is a very common procedure that involves the excision of the frenulum, which is the small fold of soft oral tissue responsible for connecting the lips, cheeks, and gums. It’s typically recommended for children experiencing lip- or tongue-ties, since these types of issues can result in impaired speech, difficulty feeding, and other oral health concerns. Using a sophisticated laser tool, the dentist can quickly loosen or remove any problematic tissue and reshape the frenulum as needed. It’s quick to carry out, often only taking a few minutes, and carries very little risk of infection or complications.
How Laser Technology Benefits the Frenectomy Process
Part of what makes the recovery period following a laser frenectomy so efficient is the impressive laser technology being utilized. These tools are ideal for both cutting and coagulating the soft tissue during the frenectomy, which results in very precise cutting, minimal collateral damage, a cleaner operating field, and far less postoperative discomfort, which benefits the patient and dentist alike. This technology is leaps and bounds ahead of former treatment methods, many of which involved a scalpel and a lengthier recovery process.
Navigating the Laser Frenectomy Recovery Period
Even though a laser frenectomy might seem daunting, especially to your little one, there are several ways you can further ensure a smooth and stress-free recovery period. While the laser lessens the severity of post-op symptoms, some swelling, discoloration, and discomforts are still to be expected, meaning that administering over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and gentle saltwater rinses are useful practices. Some minor bleeding might also occur.
If you suspect your child is suffering from a lip or tongue tie, you can rest assured that effective solutions exist such as laser frenectomies—and advanced dental technology will only continue to make these processes quicker, more simplified, and far less uncomfortable for patients!
About the Practice
The talented team at the Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center has proudly served families in the Cleveland, OH area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Andrea Csok. They’re excited to offer a wide range of services aimed at assisting patients dealing with tongue tie, lip tie, and all other related issues. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance: (216) 292-2277.