Elevate Your Dental Experience at Modern Smiles - Dentist Pocatello
For an outstanding dental experience, look no further than Modern Smiles - Dentist Pocatello. Our team comprises friendly and highly proficient dentists in Pocatello, ID, dedicated to providing comprehensive services for your smile's optimal health. We are proud to offer frenectomy services for children in Pocatello, ID.
WHAT IS A FRENECTOMY?
A frenectomy, also known as a lip or tongue tie release, is a simple yet transformative procedure with profound implications for individuals. This minimally invasive intervention entails cutting or releasing the frenulum, a small band of tissue situated in the center of the upper lip and tongue. While the frenulum is essential for maintaining proper lip and tongue positioning, its tightness or restriction can lead to challenges in eating, speaking, and oral hygiene.
The primary indication for a frenectomy is tethered oral tissue (TOT), a condition characterized by an overly tight frenulum that limits the movement of the lips and tongue. Symptoms of TOT include:
- Having trouble with attaching to the breast or bottle.
- Struggling with breastfeeding.
- Having trouble drinking from a cup.
- I am experiencing challenges when it comes to verbal communication.
In certain instances, the frenulum can lead to an improper bite and misalignment of the teeth.
Advantages of Frenectomy
Undergoing a frenectomy offers significant advantages by enhancing speech and eating patterns. Excessive tightness of the frenum can restrict tongue movement, leading to speech difficulties and challenges while eating. By eliminating the frenum, the tongue gains increased freedom of movement, resulting in improved speech and eating abilities. Furthermore, a frenectomy can enhance oral hygiene. Excessive tightness of the frenum may create a gap between the teeth and gums, hindering proper cleaning. Removing the frenum eliminates this gap, making brushing and flossing easier and reducing the risk of gum disease. Additionally, a frenectomy provides relief from pain and discomfort associated with a tight frenum. Excessive tightness can cause discomfort during eating, speaking, or oral hygiene practices. Removing the frenum effectively reduces this pain and discomfort.
The Frenectomy Process
Frenectomies for infants and children can be conveniently conducted at our office. The procedure, tailored to the child's condition and severity, is performed under either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Our team of skilled dentists, led by Dr. Joshua Boyd, meticulously makes a small incision in the frenulum and employs specialized instruments to separate it from the surrounding tissue. Subsequently, the frenulum is either cut or released, and the incision is carefully closed.
Recovery After Frenectomy
Recovery after a frenectomy is generally short. Most children only encounter mild discomfort and can resume their usual activities within a few days. It's important to note that the sensation in the lip and tongue may change after the procedure, requiring some time for adaptation. In some cases, speech therapy or orthodontic treatment may be necessary to address any misalignment resulting from the condition.
