What Is a Laser Frenectomy and How Does It Work?

McMullin Dental Care offers laser frenectomies in Monroe, Michigan, to remove the frenum, a small band of tissue that causes a lip or tongue tie (ankyloglossia). Dr. Maria McMullin can perform this procedure on the upper lip (labial frenum) or under the tongue (lingual frenum). Our laser frenectomies are quick, minimally invasive, and lead to faster recovery.

How can I tell my child has a lip/tongue tie?

A lip or tongue-tie occurs when the frenum is too short or thick, restricting the tongue or lip’s movement. Tongue-ties are common in children and usually cause the following symptoms.

  • Struggling with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • Milk leaking from the corner of the mouths
  • The tongue tip may be notched or heart-shaped 
  • The tongue cannot extend beyond the lips 
  • Clicking sound while feeding 
  • Tooth decay because of poor oral hygiene
  • Difficulty playing wind instruments
  • Nipple pain or bruising for the nursing mother
  • Older children may have a gap between the front teeth

What does a frenectomy involve?

A frenectomy or tongue-tie release is a minor procedure that involves severing the frenum to improve the tongue or lip’s mobility. Traditionally, this procedure involves using a scalpel or scissors to cut the restrictive soft tissue. While the traditional method works, it’s invasive and prolongs recovery.

At McMullin Dental Care, we use laser technology to administer frenectomies. Instead of scalpels and sutures, the dentist uses light energy to sever the frenum, making the procedure quick and less traumatic.

What are the benefits of laser frenectomies?

Laser frenectomies offer several benefits, including:

  • Precision: The laser only targets the frenum, leaving healthy tissues intact.
  • Speed: It only takes a few minutes to complete the procedure.
  • Minimally invasive: There is no need for incisions or sutures. There is minimal bleeding and post-treatment discomfort.
  • Faster healing: The laser stimulates the body’s healing mechanism. The recovery time is typically shorter than traditional surgery.
  • Reduced infection risk: The laser sterilizes the area as it cuts, lowering the chance of complications during the healing process.

What issues can a frenectomy resolve?

A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure. It can address various functional issues, significantly improving quality of life.

  • Improved speech: A tight frenum can restrict tongue movement, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. After a frenectomy, the tongue gains its full range of motion, which aids in better articulation.
  • Better feeding: A frenectomy improves breastfeeding for tongue-tied babies who struggle to latch. It also reduces maternal discomfort during nursing.
  • Enhanced breathing: A restrictive frenum can sometimes cause mouth breathing. A frenectomy can improve tongue positioning, encouraging nasal breathing. A frenectomy also leads to a healthy airway, reducing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Better oral health: A tongue/lip-tie release promotes effective brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

FAQs

Can I breastfeed my baby before the procedure?

Yes, but only a small amount to avoid regurgitation of the milk. After the procedure, you can provide full feeding to your child.

How long does a frenectomy take?

Minutes! Unlike the traditional method, laser frenectomy is surprisingly quick. While the entire appointment may take up to 30 minutes, the procedure itself takes a few minutes, creating a faster, more pleasant experience for the patient. This speed ensures minimal interruption to your everyday life at work, school, or home.

Does a laser frenectomy hurt?

Laser technology simplifies the frenectomy procedure. Unlike scalpels or scissors, laser technology causes little to no pain. There is also less need for stitches, which means less discomfort during and after the procedure.

Can a released lip or tongue-tie grow back?

After a frenectomy, you should not worry about the lip or tongue tie growing back. However, the tie can reattach, often when healing happens so quickly that the tissue reattaches to the lip or tongue. To prevent reattachment, it’s important to follow the simple post-op exercises.

What happens if a lip tie is not corrected?

An untreated lip or tongue-tie can lead to challenges with feeding, speech development, and even oral hygiene. In some cases, it may affect tooth spacing. Early treatment can prevent these issues and support healthy development.

We can perform a frenectomy on babies as old as a few days. We actually recommend frenectomies at a younger age to avoid issues that may need additional therapies.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery is usually quicker than traditional surgery. A day after the procedure, mild discomfort sets in as healing kicks off. However, this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Following aftercare instructions helps speed up healing and ensures the best results.

Is a frenectomy safe for older children?

Yes! We can safely and effectively administer laser frenectomy for patients of all ages, including older children and even adults. Treatment can improve speech, comfort, and oral function at any stage of life. However, we recommend frenectomies at a younger age before the cascading effects of tongue or lip-tie set in.

Are there risks of complications with frenectomy?

Complications are rare, especially with laser techniques. Because the procedure is precise and minimally invasive, there’s less bleeding and a lower risk of infection. You may observe increased drooling after the procedure, but it resolves as soon as the wound heals.

Does insurance cover the cost of a frenectomy?

Exact coverage varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits.

Who offers laser lip and tongue-tie release near me in Monroe, MI?

Do you or your loved one need a frenectomy? Trust McMullin Dental Care for gentle dental care. We offer advanced laser frenectomy to ensure a smooth, comfortable experience for patients of all ages. Call (734) 868-5115 and schedule your appointment today.

Do you need a laser frenectomy near Monroe?

McMullin Dental Care provides exceptional dentistry to patients of all ages. If you or your child needs a laser frenectomy, call (734) 868-5115 and schedule an appointment with our dental team.

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