21
Nov
Tongue-Tie Release: What to Expect During and After a Frenectomy
Pediatric dentistry isn’t all about gum disease, tooth decay, and orthodontics. We also evaluate soft tissues such as the lingual frenum that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this lingual attachment is too short or restricted, it limits the tongue’s mobility, interfering with speech, eating, and other oral activities.
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Simply Kids Dental offers tongue-tie release (frenectomy) to improve your child’s quality of life. If your child can benefit from a frenectomy or just needs an evaluation or second opinion, schedule an appointment today at our Colorado Springs, Colorado, office.
How does a tied tongue affect your child’s quality of life?
A tongue or lip tie causes an ineffective latch during breastfeeding, resulting in inadequate milk intake and nipple pain for the nursing mother. When feeding is compromised, your baby’s health may deteriorate because of insufficient nutrients. Over time, the baby may become frustrated and refuse to breastfeed, further worsening their health.Â
In the long term, untreated tongue or lip ties can cause delayed speech, increased risk of tooth decay, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea. If your infant has latching problems, becomes fussy when breastfeeding, has low weight gain, and the mother experiences breast discomfort, a tongue or lip tie could be the problem.Â
How are lip or tongue-ties treated?
A procedure called a frenectomy is recommended to cut or severe the restricted frenulum attachment. A pediatric dentist will choose to perform the frenectomy with either sterile scissors, a scalpel, or a soft-tissue laser to clip the restrictive tissue, “releasing” the tongue or lip.Â
The frenectomy procedure isn’t only quick, but the process results in less bleeding and no trauma to the surrounding tissues. The procedure only lasts a few minutes, and no stitches are required. Typically, after a consultation is performed, the frenectomy can be completed as a same-day procedure.
Early intervention is key because as the child becomes older, they may require the necessary treatment under general anesthesia or sedation as the complexity of the procedure increases as a child ages. Early evaluation and prompt attention can avoid a future need for general anesthesia.Â
Can a tongue or lip-tie grow back?
A severed lingual or labial frenum doesn’t “grow back” after treatment but can sometimes reoccur or reform. After treatment, the tissue may reattach as it heals if you don’t follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions. Post-procedure care, including stretching exercises, prevents scar tissue from forming too tightly, which can mimic the initial tongue-tie symptoms.
How long does it take to heal from frenectomy?
Healing from a tongue-tie release procedure is seamless. It takes 1-2 weeks for the child to recover after a traditional frenectomy, and the benefits with nursing are immediately felt. We’ll provide post-care instructions encompassing pain management, feeding, and instructional videos for a quick recovery.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (719) 249-2030 | Existing Patients: (719) 598-5437
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Schedule an appointment with Simply Kids Dental!
Does your child need a frenectomy in Colorado Springs, Colorado? If so, contact Simply Kids Dental at (719) 249-2030 for a consultation. We offer conservative yet effective frenectomies in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
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Dr. Sean Vostatek
Dr. Sean Vostatek is a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in treating infants, children, and those with special needs. He graduated from Texas A&M University and earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Vostatek is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Colorado Springs Dental Society. He is also a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sean holds hospital privileges at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital, Audubon Surgery Center, and Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida, Colorado.