Does Your Child Need A Frenectomy? Know What To Expect
Posted on: 27 December 2022
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One common procedure that your dentist may need to perform for your child is a frenectomy, which is also called a tongue tie release. This procedure involves removing a portion of the tissue that is causing the tongue to stay close to the floor of the mouth, which can cause several problems with children. At a young age, a child may have problems breastfeeding, and they can even develop speech problems as they become older. Here is what to expect if you decide to move forward with a frenectomy.
The Preparation
A frenectomy is a fairly simple and straightforward procedure and doesn't typically involve using any type of sedation to help a child get through it. However, sedation is always an option, and nitrous oxide is often used when sedation is necessary due to how quickly it takes effect and wears off.
The dentist will need to numb the area of the mouth that they will be working on to perform the frenectomy. This involves injecting a numbing agent into the tissue that will need to be removed, which will ensure that the patient doesn't feel anything.
The Procedure
The frenectomy procedure is done in one of two ways. Many dentists perform a frenectomy using a laser, which is going to cauterize the tissue as it cuts through it, which prevents bleeding and helps with the healing process. The other option is to essentially cut the tissue with specialty scissors. No matter what method is used, the procedure only takes a couple of minutes.
The Aftercare
The patient is going to have some discomfort after the procedure once the numbing agent wears off. However, it should only feel sore, as if they burned their mouth by eating something hot. This sensation will gradually go away on its own, and it is nothing to be concerned about. Your dentist may recommend the use of a pain medication to help manage any discomfort that your child is experiencing, or use ice packs to help numb the area.
The Follow-Up Visit
Expect your dentist to schedule a follow-up visit to see how the area is healing. They will want to make sure that enough of the tissue has been removed so that the tongue can properly move, as well as check for any signs of an infection or anything else that they need to be concerned about. Hopefully, everything will look great and the dentist will send you on your way.