What Is A Frenulum And How Does It Affect My Child?
A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that helps secure and/or restrict the movement of the surrounding tissues. There are two main frenulums in the mouth: the lingual frenulum and the labial frenulum. The lingual frenulum is located beneath the tongue and attaches it to the floor of the mouth. It aids in controlling tongue movements necessary for speech, eating, and swallowing. The labial frenulum connects the inside of the upper and lower lips to the gums. These frenula are essential for maintaining proper placement and function of the lips and tongue, contributing to effective oral activities such as speaking, chewing, nursing and swallowing. Abnormalities or restrictions in these tissues are commonly referred to as a tongue-tie.
Oral Health Problems Associated With Tongue-Ties
A lip or tongue-tie can limit tongue mobility, affecting speech, eating and oral hygiene. Similarly, a thick labial frenulum can impact the proper alignment of teeth or cause gaps between the front teeth. These variations can be congenital, meaning present from birth, and might be inherited from parents. In some cases, they may require medical or surgical intervention to improve functionality and alleviate any associated difficulties. At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of tongue and lip ties. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications in speech development, feeding, and overall oral health.
What Is A Laser Frenectomy?
A laser frenectomy is a modern dental procedure used in pediatric dentistry to correct abnormalities in the frenulum, such as a lip or tongue-tie. In this minimally invasive procedure, a dental laser is used to precisely cut and reshape the frenulum, thereby releasing the tension and allowing for greater freedom of movement. The laser’s precision helps to reduce bleeding, minimize pain, and promote faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods. This procedure is often recommended for infants and young children who experience difficulties with breastfeeding, speech development, or oral hygiene due to restricted frenulum movement. By addressing these issues early, a laser frenectomy can significantly improve a child’s ability to eat, speak and maintain proper oral health to ensure better overall development and well-being.
The Benefits Of A Laser Frenectomy Procedure
As pediatric dental specialists, we aim to diagnose and treat children with moderate to severe tongue or lip ties to improve nursing function and aid in speech development as your child grows and develops. There are many benefits to addressing tongue and lip ties early on rather than later in life, such as:
Is My Child A Candidate For Laser Frenectomy?
At Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we will examine your child’s mouth to determine if he/she has a tongue or lip tie. This visit is quick and painless and only involves a quick peek under the tongue and under the upper and lower lips. If your child is a candidate for a laser frenectomy procedure, we will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have about the procedure itself. While we understand that each child is unique and has his or her strengths and challenges, we find that the following characteristics may indicate that your child could benefit from a laser frenectomy procedure:
Growing Small Smiles In Bridgeport, Shelton and Westport, CT
One of our top goals at Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is for each child to have the best opportunity for a healthy, functional smile that they will carry with them through life. If your child is struggling to nurse efficiently or is having issues with chewing or speech development, a laser frenectomy procedure may be necessary. Call us today at (203) 371-8282 or fill out our online form to request your child’s dental visit.
Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park
Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care
We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for all ages. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!
Healthy Smiles Start at Commerce Park
Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care For The Whole Family
We are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for the whole family. Our inclusive approach and experienced team provide low-stress visits and a friendly environment. Get started at one of our three convenient locations!
