Frenectomy Gaithersburg MD
 Welcome to MVPsmiles where we are dental specialists on performing procedures that release tethered oral tissues for our patients.
A frenectomy is a common oral procedure that can benefit children who experience issues related to restricted frenula.
In this guide, we'll explore what a frenectomy is, why it may be necessary, and how it can improve the oral health and overall well-being of your child.
What is Tethered Oral Tissue aka TOTs?
Tethered oral tissues, commonly referred to as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie, are conditions in which the frenulum—the small fold of tissue in the mouth that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper or lower lip to the gums—is abnormally restrictive.
These conditions can limit the range of motion of the tongue or lips, potentially causing difficulties with breastfeeding, speech development, and overall oral function in pediatric patients.
A simple surgical procedure known as a frenectomy can often resolve these issues, improving the child's ability to feed, speak, and maintain proper oral health.
What is a Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenulum, a small fold of tissue found in the mouth.
There are two main types of frenula in the oral cavity:
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Lingual Frenulum - “Tongue-Tie”: This is the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A short or tight lingual frenulum can result in a condition known as tongue-tie or ankyloglossia, which may restrict tongue movement.
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Labial Frenulum - “Lip Tie”: This is the tissue connecting the upper or lower lips to the gums. An overly restrictive labial frenulum can cause issues like a lip-tie, which may affect a child's ability to breastfeed effectively or form proper speech sounds.
Why is a Frenectomy Necessary for Pediatric Patients? |
Frenectomies are often recommended for pediatric patients to address a variety of  concerns, including:
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Breastfeeding Challenges: A tight lingual frenulum (tongue-tie) can hinder a baby's ability to latch onto the breast properly, causing discomfort and potential feeding issues for both the infant and mother.
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Speech Development: In some cases, a restricted lingual or labial frenulum can affect speech development. By performing a frenectomy early, children can improve their ability to form speech sounds more naturally.
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Dental Health: Frenectomies can help prevent orthodontic and dental issues that may arise due to improper tongue or lip movement. This includes issues like open bites, gaps between teeth, and speech-related dental concerns. |
Please check out the quick infographic about Frenums and TOTs
We work as a Team in a Collaborative effort:
Comprehensively identifying, addressing, and treating TOTs, by involving multiple specialists in the patient’s care, provides excellent benefits.
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Lactation Specialist – You want to be working with a lactation therapist when helping patients with breast feeding issues.
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Speech Therapist – Partner with a speech therapist when seeing patients with speech issues due to Tethered Oral Tissues.
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Myofunctional Therapist – These clinicians are very helpful with proper tongue position, function, and nasal breathing.
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Chiropractor – Your lifeline to fussy infants, hard deliveries, digestive issues, and ear infection issues. They are also your go-to for head and neck tension, headaches, and shoulder/upper back pain
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Ear, Nose, Throat – Help with any esophageal and breathing considerations.
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Primary Care Physician – Consult established medical clinician to understand holistic care requirements and other health context. |
 The Frenectomy Procedure:
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Assessment: A thorough examination is conducted by a pediatric dentist to determine if a frenectomy is necessary. This involves assessing the extent of the frenulum restriction and its impact on your child's oral health.
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Procedure: The frenectomy itself is a relatively simple and quick outpatient procedure. It can be done using a scalpel, laser, or scissors; however at MVPsmiles we only perform the procedure with a laser. Local anesthesia may be used to ensure your child's comfort during the procedure.
Why do we only use a Laser at MVPsmiles:
Simply because it is the safest, least painful, most precise, and simplest option. Children will have less scar tissue and an easier recovery period. Also, moms will have much less post-op nursing complications that the other procedures can present. So, why would you want to have it performed any other way?
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Recovery: After the procedure, there may be some discomfort and minor swelling. Your child can resume normal activities shortly after, with appropriate post-operative care instructions provided by the dentist. |
Benefits of Frenectomy for Pediatric Patients:
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Improved Feeding: Infants can breastfeed more effectively, reducing feeding-related issues for both the baby and mother.
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Enhanced Speech Development: Children may experience improved speech articulation and language development.
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Prevent Dental and Orthodontic Problems: Frenectomies can help prevent dental issues that may arise due to restricted frenula.
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Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is typically well-tolerated by pediatric patients, and recovery is swift. |
A Frenectomy is a valuable procedure for pediatric dental patients, addressing issues related to restricted frenula.
If you suspect that your child may benefit from a frenectomy, consult with a pediatric dentist who can assess their specific needs and provide guidance on the best course of action.
By addressing these concerns early, you can promote your child's overall oral health and well-being.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our experienced pediatric dental team for more information and support.
In addition, please feel free to take our home assessment to see if your child is having issues with tethered oral tissues.
If your child checks some of these boxes it would benefit you to have a further consultation.
TOT Assessment
Pediatric Frenectomy Gaithersburg MD
If you would like to learn more about your child’s oral health, our team is happy to help! Call (240) 981-4020 to schedule a consultation or contact us today!
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