It’s natural to have concerns about any type of dental procedure, especially those that your child needs to undergo! But when it comes to an oral frenectomy, you have nothing to worry about; this technique is intended to assist with your child’s budding smile and future oral health, and you’ll be happy to hear that the process and following recovery is quite manageable and straightforward. Keep reading to learn a little more about the frenectomy process and the expected recovery timeline so that you and your little one can head into it with absolute confidence!
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a fairly clear-cut and quick procedure in which binding or restrictive tissue on the body is cut or modified, and it’s an incredibly effective solution for addressing tongue and lip ties, especially in infants and young children. This is important because pediatric tongue and lip ties can cause health concerns in children, such as difficulty eating and speaking, among other issues.
The procedure itself can be completed in just a few minutes; after the mouth is numbed, the frenum, which is the soft piece of tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, and gums, is altered as needed using a special instrument or in some cases, a laser tool. This process is totally safe for children and adults alike, and possible risks and complications are very minimal.
Recovering from a Frenectomy
Recovering from an oral frenectomy is generally straightforward; within a day or two the area should begin to heal, and after about a week, it should begin to scar over as your child resumes all of their normal activities. A full frenectomy recovery generally takes no more than four weeks in total.
Some bleeding and swelling after the surgery is normal, but this can be effectively mitigated with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, and keeping the head elevated during sleep. The area also needs to be kept clean, meaning that if your infant or younger child has undergone the procedure, it falls on you to help them with this! Warm saltwater rinses are useful, and brushing can resume the day after surgery so long as the surgical sites are avoided.
As with other types of oral surgery, a soft food diet needs to be implemented during recovery, and your child should avoid any strenuous physical activity. It’s also crucial to follow any other specific guidelines provided by your child’s oral surgeon; though the process is common and straightforward, complications can occur if you aren’t diligent.
Your child’s frenectomy will help to set up their smile for lasting health, and they cannot navigate the recovery period without your help! By knowing what to expect before, during, and after their frenectomy, you’ll ensure that your little one doesn’t experience any issues.
About the Practice
The Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center is thrilled to provide an exceptional level of care for families in Cleveland and the surrounding area. Under the leadership of Dr. Andrea Csok and her skilled team, they offer a wide range of services aimed at assisting with a wide range of lip- and tongue-tie-related issues. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your little one, feel free to contact Dr. Csok through her practice’s website or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (216) 292-2277.