If your child has a lip-tie or a tongue-tie, undergoing a frenectomy could go a long way toward improving their quality of life. But how will you know whether your little one truly requires this procedure? As a parent, it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs of a lip or tongue-tie so that you can have the problem addressed as quickly as possible. As such, here’s a brief look at the frenectomy procedure and the signs that it might be necessary.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure that is performed to release an overly restrictive frenulum. This is a band of tissue that connects either the lips to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If your child has a frenulum that’s too short or tight, it can result in a lip or tongue-tie, meaning the lips or tongue cannot move normally. A dentist can correct this issue with a frenectomy, which involves gently removing the restrictive tissue with a soft-tissue laser.
What are the Signs That Your Child May Need a Frenectomy?
Your child may have a lip or tongue-tie that requires a frenectomy if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- As an infant, they have trouble breastfeeding.
- They have difficulty swallowing and may gag or choke when eating or drinking.
- They have a lisp or another type of speech impediment.
- They have a tendency to breathe through their mouth.
- They have a gap between their upper front teeth.
Upon noticing any of these symptoms, you should speak to your child’s doctor or dentist. Once they have diagnosed the problem, they can confirm whether a frenectomy is necessary in your child’s case.
What are the Benefits of Having a Frenectomy Performed?
By having a frenectomy performed, you can allow your child to enjoy the following benefits:
- Improved Lip or Tongue Movement: Once the restrictive tissue is gone, your child will be able to move their lip or tongue properly, which can improve their ability to chew, swallow, and perform other basic tasks.
- Clearer Speech: A lip or tongue-tie can have a negative impact on speech development. Correcting the issue can make it easier to speak clearly.
- Enhanced Confidence: If your child has an overly visible frenulum, a frenectomy can improve their appearance and give their confidence a boost.
In short, having a frenectomy performed could make all the difference for your child. Be sure to keep an eye out for the warning signs of a lip or tongue-tie so that you can take the appropriate steps to have the problem addressed as promptly as possible.
About the Practice
At Oak Ridge Dental, we’ve been providing high-quality dental care to San Ramon patients since 1985. We offer a diverse menu of high-quality, customizable dental services for both children and adults. This includes gentle frenectomies for correcting lip and tongue-ties. If you suspect that your child has an overly restricted lip or tongue, you can schedule an appointment with our team by visiting our website, using our online scheduling tool, or calling (925) 735-6190.
