If your child has a lip or tongue-tie that makes regular oral functions like chewing and speaking uncomfortable, our pediatric dentists and team can give them a frenectomy at Salt Lake Pediatric Dentistry: a procedure that surgically separates the tie. Talk us during a consultation about whether your child needs a frenectomy in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, at our Holladay location. Call 385-378-5790 today.
A frenectomy is a frequently performed pediatric dental procedure that involves removing a frenulum — a small fold of tissue connecting the lips, tongue or cheeks to the gums or mouth. In some children, this tissue can be overly restrictive, leading to challenges with speech, eating or maintaining oral hygiene.
Our pediatric dentists and team specialize in pediatric frenectomy services, offering thorough assessments for lip and tongue ties in infants through adolescents. Utilizing advanced laser technology, we ensure the procedure is quick and virtually painless.
Lip and tongue ties are common in infants and can cause issues with breastfeeding, speech development and oral hygiene. Dr. David Gustafson, Dr. Jeffery K. Rupp or one of our associates will assess your child’s condition and determine if a frenectomy is necessary to improve their oral health and development.
This procedure is done under local anesthesia, using a laser to precisely remove the restrictive tissue. The laser technique minimizes bleeding and lowers the risk of infection, providing a gentler approach.
Comparing Laser and Cauterizing Frenectomies
When planning a frenectomy for your child, it is important to understand the different techniques available. The two primary methods are laser frenectomies and cauterizing frenectomies.
Cauterizing frenectomies involve using a heated instrument to cut through the tissue causing the lip or tongue tie. Although dentists have used this method for many years, it is now considered outdated and is less commonly used, as it produces excessive heat and a higher chance of scarring, as well as greater discomfort during your child’s procedure and recovery.
Laser frenectomies offer a more advanced and refined approach. Lasers allow for a controlled and minimally invasive procedure. Laser frenectomy reduces bleeding as well as discomfort, and often results in a smoother recovery. By using state-of-the-art dental lasers to perform your child’s frenectomy, our pediatric dentists and team can ensure your child receives the highest possible quality of care.
Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, your child may experience mild discomfort and swelling, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. Our team will provide detailed postoperative care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure a quick and safe recovery.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have questions about frenectomy or want to schedule a consultation with our pediatric dentists, please reach out to our team today. We are committed to delivering the best possible care to enhance your child’s oral health and overall quality of life.