10 Jul Why Frenectomy Is Vital for Early Oral Development?
Do you ever stick your tongue on the bottom of your mouth and find a piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the mouth? This tissue is referred to as the frenum. Some people even have this tissue that is tight or too short and this poses some complications as one develops. A frenectomy can resolve these problems.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that aims at altering the structural connections present within the oral cavity. It is most commonly related to surgeries for fixing lip or tongue ties, commonly in babies. The procedure entails severing or trimming the frenum, which is a flap of tissue that joins structures in the oral cavity. The two most common types of oral frenectomies are the lingual frenectomy and the labial frenectomy.
Types of Frenectomy
Lingual Frenectomy
The lingual frenum is a small fold that ties the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This tissue is visible and easily felt if you lift your tongue upwards. A tongue tie or a short lingual frenum is a condition that affects some individuals at birth. This condition constricts the tongue and can limit the ability to nurse a child and speak clearly. A frenectomy can help to make the tongue more mobile.
Labial Frenectomy
The labial frenum is a fold of tissue that links the upper lip to the tissue just above the frontal teeth. An abnormally small labial frenum can result in speech problems and a prognosis of spaces between the anterior teeth. Labial frenectomy is useful to increase lip mobility and facilitates speaking or dental functions.
Frenectomy Procedure
A frenectomy is generally not a complex process. Here are the general steps:
- The patient lies face-up, and the doctor applies a numbing agent.
- The doctor may cut the tissue with a scalpel, scissors, or a laser.
- In severe cases, sutures may be required.
Laser frenectomy usage will help to minimize complication risks and blood loss.
Frenectomy in Infants
Frenectomy in infants is prevalent because lip ties and tongue ties are usually diagnosed during infancy. These conditions can hinder breastfeeding, causing failure to gain weight or even losing weight among babies. A frenectomy procedure is easy to do on an infant and does not require the patient to be in a hospital, but can be done in the doctor’s office.
Adult Frenectomy
It is also important to note that as people age, their oral cavity undergoes different changes. If the speech and eating abilities advance normally, an adult may not require a frenectomy. However, a tight frenum can lead to retraction of the gums or interfere with tongue or lip mobility. In these cases, an adult frenectomy is useful.
Frenectomy Recovery
In most cases, recovery from a frenectomy is not complicated. Here’s what to expect:
- Keep the area clean.
- Limit certain foods for a few days to avoid infection.
- Use over-the-counter medication for any discomfort.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics so that the patient does not develop an infection. The region should start to recover in a day or two, and other activities should be resumed after a week.
Importance of a Frenectomy
Some benefits of this frenectomy surgery include enhancement of breastfeeding, speech development, and dental health among children. It can also help in avoiding gum diseases and other dental problems in and around the mouth. The frenectomy cost ranges depending on the surgery type and the surgeon, but it is usually expensive, yet reasonable when it comes to oral health.
Conclusion
If you ever suspect that you or your child may need a frenectomy, seek advice from a doctor, dentist, or pediatrician. They can recognize the problem and do the operation if it is needed. You can easily find a frenectomy provider near you if you search for a frenectomy near me.
It is advisable to seek the services of a frenectomy dental health professional on a recurrent basis. The team at Smiley Kids Dental can assist with any dental check-up that you or your child might be due for. Visit the nearest office today for an appointment!
No Comments