As a parent, you should want what’s best for your child’s smile—and this includes more than just the appearance of their pearly whites! Lip and tongue ties are common issues among children that if left unaddressed, might impair your kid’s oral functionality. Luckily, a frenectomy is usually able to get things back on track. Continue reading below to learn a little more about frenectomies and what you can expect as your child recovers from this common and incredibly useful treatment!
What Is a Frenectomy?
Lip and tongue ties have the potential to cause all sorts of serious obstacles in day-to-day life, including difficulty breastfeeding, trouble eating or chewing, speech impediment, and even impaired dental development. Fortunately, frenectomies are the go-to treatment for these issues; they’re designed to modify the tissue that’s causing restriction within the mouth. After the mouth is numbed, a state-of-the-art laser is used to gently snip away just the right amount of tissue. It’s a very quick, low-risk, straightforward, and minimally invasive treatment.
What Can I Expect Following My Child’s Frenectomy?
Recovery from a frenectomy is generally straightforward, and it often takes around two or three weeks for the surgical site to fully heal. During this time, your child’s oral functionality should see noticeable improvement—however, there are numerous factors that affect this recovery period. The age and health of the child, their individual healing factor, and the extent of the procedure can all influence this process. It’s normal for children to experience swelling and some minor bleeding, and the site might also look a little pale as it heals.
How Can I Help My Child During Their Recovery Period?
As a parent, it’s your duty to help your little one successfully navigate their recovery period; fortunately, this is quite simple to do! Here are some tips you’ll want to consider:
- Be sure that your child’s mouth is kept clean following the procedure.
- Don’t let your child eat any hot or spicy foods that might irritate the surgical site.
- Utilize ice packs and cold compresses to assist with swelling and discomfort.
- Encourage your child to practice their tongue- and lip-stretching exercises; these are crucial for the mouth’s proper rehabilitation.
- Follow any and all specific guidelines provided by your child’s dentist, such as taking prescribed medicine or antibiotics, and as soon as you encounter an issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance!
About the Author
Dr. Veronica Martinez, known fondly by her patients as “Dr. V,” received her dental doctorate from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee and is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the renowned American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Her practice in Scottsdale is thrilled to offer a wide range of pediatric dental services, including lip and tongue tie treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange an appointment for your child, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (480) 282-6746.
