Frenectomy Information
Did you just learn of the word āfrenectomy?ā
Perhaps your lactation consultant or pediatrician has suggested your baby or toddler might need one.
Although it can be frightening anytime someone suggests your child needs a surgical procedure, no matter how simple, frenectomies are more common than you might think.
A frenectomy is an operation to cut an extra flap of tissue or fiber that occurs in some babies, limiting the range of motion of their tongue or lips.
Reasons a Baby or Toddler might need a Frenectomy
- The baby cannot latch or does not latch easily when nursing.
- The nursing mother is suffering from breast swelling, clogged ducts, bleeding, or flattened nipples.
- A toddler or young child is experiencing difficulty chewing solid food, or is developing a lisp.
- Later in life speech problems and growth development problems can occur.
Safe, Simple, Effective Frenectomy Procedure
At the Laser Center for Pediatric Frenectomies, we are trained and certified professionals using the safest, simplest, state-of-the-art methods to address your childās Ankyloglossia.
At the Laser Center for Pediatric Frenectomies, we are trained and certified professionals using the safest, simplest, state-of-the-art methods to address your childās Ankyloglossia.
We utilize the latest laser technology fromĀ LightScalpel.Ā In traditional frenectomy surgery, either a scalpel or scissors are used. The tissue is snipped, and if necessary, sutures are applied. In addition, there is often the need for some kind of anesthetic.
Using our advanced specialty lasers, there is minimal bleeding, little discomfort, and no need for anesthetic. There is no recovery time, and babies can begin nursing immediately. The risk of infection, since the wound is immediately cauterized, is also greatly reduced.
The laser vaporizes or āerasesā the unwanted tissue using high-energy light. The method is so precise it can actually remove only a few cells at time ā so there are no worries about cutting away more than is required for a return to healthy nursing.
What does Ankyloglossia (tongue tie) look like?
Tongue-tie
Normal
Ankyloglossia, a congenital oral condition also known as ātongue tieā can limit tongue movement, having a significant impact on breastfeeding, speech development, and orofacial growth.
Up until recently, a frenectomy was an operation that required cutting and stitches. Often, the baby would’ve needed to be anesthetized.
Tongue-tie
Normal
Ankyloglossia, a congenital oral condition also known as ātongue tieā can limit tongue movement, having a significant impact on breastfeeding, speech development, and orofacial growth.
Up until recently, a frenectomy was an operation that required cutting and stitches. Often, the baby would’ve needed to be anesthetized.
Today,Ā Laser FrenectomyĀ is a quick, painless procedure requiring very little time, no anesthesia, no stitches, and offering a rapid recovery. With the newest laser procedures used in our practice, each frenectomy is safe and simple, resulting in improved nursing for your child.
Laser Frenectomy Technology
Painless Laser
Laser treatment was introduced into dentistry in the 1970ās and has continued to progress.
At the laser center for Pediatric Frectomies we prefer the use of a co2 laser because it is safe and gentle, especially on infants soft tissue.
LightScalpel Laser
At the Laser Center for Pediatric Frenectomy we are able to treat patients with the LightScalpel laser.
LightScalpel uses Laser technology which virtually vaporizes the tissue of the frenum and seals small blood vessels. The tool can be used to make incisions as well as removing unhealthy tissue.
The laser is so selective and precise the doctor can actually remove only a few cells at a time when needed.
There is very little bleeding and in most cases sutures are not required.
At the Laser Center for Pediatric Frenectomy we are able to treat patients with the LightScalpel laser.
LightScalpel uses Laser technology which virtually vaporizes the tissue of the frenum and seals small blood vessels. The tool can be used to make incisions as well as removing unhealthy tissue.
The laser is so selective and precise the doctor can actually remove only a few cells at a time when needed.
There is very little bleeding and in most cases sutures are not required. Because the laser seals the area, there is also very little swelling and discomfort, unlike traditional scalpel surgery where soft tissue is involved. All of these factors lead to a faster recovery with less trauma and pain, and no anesthesia.
Better results are achieved at the Laser Center for Pediatric Frenectomies because of the advanced laser accessories used in our practice. The laser tools are lightweight with ergonomic hand pieces that allow for precision and accuracy and make working in difficult places much easier than with traditional, surgical frenectomies.
LightScalpel