Frenectomy
LASER FRENECTOMY PROCEDURE
A tongue tie or lip tie can cause serious issues with health and oral development. At Beaverton Periodontics, we offer patients an advanced laser procedure option to correct this issue.
WHAT IS A FRENECTOMY?
Frenums are folds of tissue that help to keep mobile organs in the body connected. One of these attachment bands, the lingual frenum, moors the tongue to the floor of the mouth. There are others inside the upper and lower lips, called labial frenums. When a frenum is too tight or anchored too low, it inhibits oral function. Frenums can cause speech impairment, gum tissue recession, or spaces between teeth.
This is a photo of a labial frenum contributing to tension and gum tissue recession on the lower front teeth.
In infants, ankyloglossia (tongue tie) or lip tie can cause problems with breastfeeding, keeping the child from getting adequate nutrition and/or causing feeding frustration and painful latching. As a child develops, a tight frenum may impact dental development, resulting in a speech impediment, and can cause difficulty eating certain foods. The condition is also linked to TMJ disorders, snoring, gum tissue recession, and gum disease.
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that releases this attachment, allowing the tongue or lip to move freely and properly. It can also remove tissue that may be contributing to a large space between teeth or relieve a tissue pull that causes gum recession (exposed roots).
Historically, a frenectomy was performed by snipping the fibrous band with surgical scissors or cutting it with a scalpel. However, we offer a gentler laser treatment for lip and tongue tie. Both children and adults can benefit greatly from this option.
Advantages of the laser frenectomy procedure include:
Less post-operative pain
Quick-the entire appoint can take as little as 30 minutes
No stitches
Little to no bleeding or swelling
Heals quickly with low risk of complications
Low risk of re-attachment