Ensure Proper Feeding, Speech & More
Tongue and lip ties happen when the “frenulum” connecting the tongue to the gums or the lips to the mouth is overdeveloped and too thick. This restricts proper range of motion, and can lead to a number of problems as your child grows.
If your child suffers from tongue & lip ties (also called Tethered Oral Tissues or TOTs, for short), they may have trouble breastfeeding or chewing properly as they grow up, and may even develop a speech impediment in the future.
But at Arctic Dental, Dr. Jarod is here to help. With gentle, fast, and non-invasive frenectomies in Muscatine, we can provide your little one with the care they need in a comforting environment. Learn more below, or contact us for a consultation.
Request an Appointment for Your Child Today. Call 563-607-5979
What Is A Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that’s used to release tongue & lip ties, and it’s the best way to resolve tethered oral tissues and restore the proper range of motion for your child’s lips and tongue.
The procedure is relatively straightforward and simple to understand. Dr. Jarod will use an advanced laser tool to cut the frenulum (band of tissue) connecting your child’s tongue to the bottom of the mouth, or to cut the frenulum connecting the lip to the gums.
This eliminates the issue, and allows your child to breastfeed, speak, and eat normally without interference from tongue and lip ties.
The Frenectomy Process
The entire frenectomy process only takes a few minutes at our office, and your child will feel absolutely no pain or discomfort.
Thanks to our BIOLASE Epic™ laser, your child does not even need to be numbed or sedated, though we can offer numbing and sedation for children who may be very anxious or nervous about the procedure.
To begin, Dr. Johnson will clean your child’s mouth. Then, he will examine their tongue and/or lip ties to determine the proper area to cut during the frenectomy process.
After this, he will use the BIOLASE EPIC™ laser to cut through the tissue and release the frenulum. Then, the area will be cleaned and disinfected, and you and your child will be sent home.
BIOLASE Epic™ Laser And How It Helps
The reason we can provide pain-free, minimally-invasive frenectomies at Arctic Dental is thanks to our BIOLASE EPIC™ laser. This tool uses high-powered laser light to cut away tissue during a frenectomy, and is used instead of a scalpel and other traditional surgical tools.
Using this laser provides a number of unique benefits, and helps your child get the care they need with less fear and anxiety. Here are just a few benefits of the BIOLASE Epic™ laser.
- No pain or discomfort – The high heat of the laser seals nerve endings as it cuts through tissue, which means your child won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
- Minimal bleeding – Laser dental tools “cauterize” and seal tissue as they cut through, which also seals up blood vessels and minimizes bleeding during the procedure.
- No need for stitches – Since there won’t be as much bleeding or trauma to the tissue, there is typically no need for stitches with a frenectomy.
For all of these reasons, a laser frenectomy from Arctic Dental is the best choice if you need help with tongue and lip ties in Muscatine. Contact us now to schedule a consultation for your child right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
The optimal timing for a frenectomy can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific needs of the child. However, in many cases, the procedure is performed shortly after birth, especially if the frenum is interfering with breastfeeding. Early intervention can help to prevent breastfeeding difficulties and the associated complications.
It’s important to note that while infant frenectomies are common, they are not always necessary. Some children’s frenum naturally loosen over time, which can eliminate the need for a frenectomy. Your pediatric dentist, such as Dr. Jarod at Arctic Dental, PLC, can provide a thorough examination and make a recommendation based on your child’s unique situation.
One of the many benefits of a frenectomy is the immediate improvement it can bring. In most cases, infants can resume breastfeeding or bottle-feeding immediately after the procedure. It’s not uncommon for babies to latch on and feed more effectively right in the dental office post-procedure.
However, every child is unique, and the exact timeline can vary. Some infants may require a period of healing and adjustment before they can feed comfortably and effectively. Always follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your pediatric dentist to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
The coverage for frenectomies can vary greatly depending on your specific insurance policy. Some insurance plans may cover the procedure fully or partially, especially if it is deemed medically necessary. However, others may not provide coverage for frenectomies.
It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about your coverage for specific procedures. Additionally, the team at Arctic Dental, PLC can assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and exploring payment options to ensure you can access the care your child needs.
Like any surgical procedure, frenectomies do carry some degree of risk. However, the procedure is generally considered safe and complications are rare. Some potential risks could include infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding tissues. There’s also the possibility that the frenum could reattach during the healing process, which may require a repeat procedure.
Dr. Jarod and the team at Arctic Dental, PLC are experienced in performing frenectomies and take every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. They will discuss all potential risks with you in detail before the procedure and provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to minimize any complications.
Remember, it’s always important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your pediatric dentist. They are there to help guide you through the process and ensure the best possible outcome for your child.