Up to 15% of infants have tongue or lip ties at birth. Unlike other congenital issues, it’s often easy to miss this defect until the impact manifests in the child’s life. At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry, we offer laser frenectomy to newborns and young children in New Orleans, LA.
What Is A Laser Frenectomy?
A laser frenectomy releases the frenum or frenulum holding down a child’s tongue or lips using light energy. The procedure improves the range of motion of your child’s lips and tongue.
Laser frenectomies have become more popular in recent years because the procedure is fast and almost pain-free when compared to previous methods of a surgical scalpel (knife) or scissors. There’s minimal pain, little to no bleeding, no need for stitches, and a very low risk of infection.
What Is A Tongue Tie/Lip Tie?
The human mouth features some frenulum, which are several folds of connective tissue. The tissue controls the mobility of organs in the mouth, including the lip and tongue.
In a tongue tie (also known as ankyloglossia), the frenulum holds the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth too tightly. In severe cases, the underside of the tongue can’t extend beyond the lower teeth.
In a lip tie, the frenulum in the upper part of the mouth holds the inside of the upper lip to the upper gum.
Negative Impacts Of A Tongue Tie/Lip Tie
With tongue tie and lip tie located on the inside of the mouth, the condition may remain hidden for a while in babies. However, there are noticeable signs of frenulum abnormality in children.
Newborns with this condition often have breastfeeding difficulties, including the following:
Inability to open the mouth while breastfeeding
Difficulty latching on during breastfeeding
Chewing or biting while breastfeeding
Difficulty swallowing milk without choking
Excessive drooling during or after breastfeeding
Inability for your baby to keep formula or breastmilk down without constantly spitting up
Your baby falls asleep midfeed because they become exhausted from their mouth not being able to function properly
The babies may exhibit unexplained fussiness while breastfeeding and may also make clicking jaw sounds during the process. As they grow older, they may show signs of gas or reflux and unusual tooth decay.
The impact of tongue/lip tie continues into the teenage and adult years if ignored. Such children may experience difficulty eating certain foods in their adult years. They may also suffer lower jaw protrusion and other jaw-related issues.
Other common impacts include impaired speech and gap formation between the two front teeth. Frenulum abnormalities also cause dental problems such as gum disease. The constant pressure on the gum in cases of lip ties can pull gums away from the front teeth causing recession. Once recession occurs, the only way to fix this (avoidable) problem is a gum graft, which is extremely painful! If left untreated, the result could mean the loss of permanent teeth after a period of gum disease.
With these negative impacts in mind, it’s easy to see why we recommend correcting frenulum abnormality as quickly as possible. We do recommend a team approach in order to obtain the best possible results for your child. Dr. Kris works with a team of SLPs (Speech-language Pathologists) and Lactation Consultants to make sure we do the appropriate treatment/therapy before and after your child’s frenectomy.
Progression Of Laser Frenectomy Treatment
At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry, we carry out laser frenectomy in our comfortable New Orleans office. The entire procedure lasts a few minutes for newborns without teeth.
The procedure lasts longer in children with temporary or permanent teeth because we check for any onset or late-stage dental health problems.
Dr. Kris uses the laser to remove the problem frenulum during the process, restoring the full range of motion to the child’s lip and tongue.
Laser frenectomies heal quickly, causing little postoperative pain. You can feed the child less than half an hour after the procedure. We may recommend a mild pain reliever to deal with any mild pain. Natural solutions like vitamin E and coconut oil also speed up the healing process.
Snipping Vs. Laser Frenectomy: Which Is Better?
Laser frenectomy is a faster and less demanding solution to frenulum abnormalities. Snipping also works, but the vascular nature of the oral cavity means excessive bleeding requiring stitches. The snipping tool crushes tissues around the frenulum, causing inflammation. Snipping also requires general anesthesia, and there’s a risk of reattachment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does frenectomy surgery hurt?
Laser frenectomy surgery for tongue tie and lip tie typically causes minimal pain, little to no bleeding, and has a very low risk of infection. The procedure is performed with a laser, resulting in quick healing and little postoperative discomfort compared to traditional snipping methods.
Does frenectomy grow back?
After a frenectomy, the frenulum typically does not grow back due to the laser's precision in removing the tissue. This results in a low risk of reattachment compared to traditional snipping methods. The healing process is quick, with minimal postoperative pain.
Frenectomy what to expect?
During a frenectomy at NOLA Pediatric Dentistry, expect minimal pain, no bleeding, no stitches, and low infection risk. Laser treatment restores full mouth mobility, while snipping may cause bleeding, inflammation, and reattachment risk. The procedure is quick and heals fast, ensuring a comfortable experience for your child.
How much is laser tongue tie surgery?
Laser frenectomy for tongue tie surgery typically ranges from $500 to $1500, depending on the provider and location. It's essential to consult with a pediatric dentist for an accurate cost estimate tailored to your child's specific needs.
Dentist that do frenectomy near me?
NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA, offers laser frenectomy for newborns and young children. The procedure is minimally invasive, with quick healing and low risk. Dr. Kris performs laser frenectomies in a kid-friendly environment, ensuring a comfortable experience for your child.
Where to get a frenectomy near me?
NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA, offers laser frenectomy for newborns and young children. The procedure is minimally invasive, with quick healing and low risk. Contact us for expert care in correcting tongue and lip ties.
Why frenectomy is done?
Frenectomy is done to correct tongue tie and lip tie issues in newborns and young children. This procedure helps restore proper mobility of the tongue and lip, addressing breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems, and potential dental issues caused by restricted frenulum.
Is lip tie surgery painful?
Lip tie surgery, specifically laser frenectomy, is minimally painful. The procedure causes little postoperative discomfort due to the precision of the laser, minimal bleeding, and no need for stitches. This modern approach ensures a more comfortable experience for children undergoing treatment.
Is lip tie surgery dangerous?
Lip tie surgery, specifically laser frenectomy, is safe with minimal risks. The procedure is performed in-office, causing little to no pain, bleeding, or need for stitches. Laser frenectomy is a low-risk, effective treatment for correcting lip tie issues in children.
Who performs lip tie procedure?
At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Kris performs the laser frenectomy procedure for lip ties in newborns and young children in New Orleans, LA. The procedure is done in a comfortable office setting using a laser to remove the problem frenulum, ensuring minimal pain and quick healing.
Frenectomy who performs?
At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA, Dr. Kris performs laser frenectomy for newborns and young children. The procedure is done in a comfortable office setting, ensuring minimal pain and quick healing. Additionally, the team collaborates with a speech therapist and lactation counselor for comprehensive care.
Where to get a frenectomy?
NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA offers laser frenectomy for newborns and young children. The procedure is minimally invasive, with quick healing and low risk. Dr. Kris performs laser frenectomies in a kid-friendly environment, ensuring a comfortable experience for patients.
Does laser tongue tie release hurt?
Laser tongue tie release typically causes minimal pain, little to no bleeding, and has a very low risk of infection. The procedure is performed quickly and efficiently, making it a comfortable experience for newborns and young children undergoing frenectomy at NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA.
Why frenectomy is performed?
Frenectomy is performed to correct tongue tie and lip tie issues in newborns and young children. This procedure helps restore proper mobility of the tongue and lip, addressing breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems, and potential dental issues caused by restricted frenulum.
Does frenectomy change smile?
Frenectomy can impact the smile by improving lip and tongue mobility, potentially enhancing speech, oral hygiene, and overall facial aesthetics. However, the primary goal is to address functional issues rather than solely focusing on cosmetic changes.
Is frenectomy necessary?
Frenectomy is necessary for correcting tongue tie and lip tie issues in children to prevent breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems, dental issues, and potential long-term complications. Early intervention through laser frenectomy can restore proper mouth function with minimal pain and risks.
Does frenectomy help breastfeeding?
Frenectomy can help improve breastfeeding by correcting tongue and lip ties that hinder proper latch, sucking, and swallowing in infants. This procedure allows for better mobility of the tongue and lip, enhancing the baby's ability to breastfeed effectively.
Who can perform a frenectomy?
A frenectomy can be performed by pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, or ENT specialists. At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Kris conducts laser frenectomies in a comfortable setting for newborns and young children in New Orleans, LA.
Is lip tie surgery necessary?
Lip tie surgery may be necessary if the condition is causing breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, or dental problems. It's essential to consult with a pediatric dentist or specialist to determine the best course of action for your child's specific situation.
Does laser lip tie hurt?
Laser lip tie treatment typically causes minimal pain, with little to no bleeding, and no need for stitches. The procedure is known for its quick healing process and low risk of infection, making it a comfortable option for children at NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA.
How long does lip tie surgery take to heal?
Healing from lip tie surgery typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Laser frenectomy, the preferred method, results in minimal postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to traditional snipping methods. Follow-up care and exercises are crucial for optimal healing and function.
How much does a frenectomy cost?
The cost of a frenectomy can vary depending on the provider, location, and specific circumstances of the procedure. It's recommended to contact NOLA Pediatric Dentistry directly for accurate pricing information tailored to your needs. Factors such as insurance coverage and the extent of the treatment can influence the overall cost.
Who does frenectomy?
Frenectomy is typically performed by pediatric dentists or oral surgeons to correct tongue tie or lip tie in newborns and young children. This procedure is commonly recommended for infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties or other related issues due to abnormal frenulum attachment.
Frenectomy who does it?
At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA, Dr. Kris performs laser frenectomy for newborns and young children. The procedure is minimally invasive, with little to no pain, bleeding, or need for stitches. This treatment corrects tongue tie and lip tie issues efficiently.
Is frenectomy medically necessary?
Frenectomy is medically necessary for infants and children with tongue tie or lip tie to prevent breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, and dental problems. Early intervention through laser frenectomy can alleviate these issues and promote proper oral function and development.
Does lip tie laser hurt?
Laser frenectomy for lip tie typically causes minimal pain, little to no bleeding, and has a very low risk of infection. The procedure is generally well-tolerated by children, with quick healing and little postoperative discomfort.
Who performs lip tie surgery?
At NOLA Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Kris performs laser frenectomy for lip tie surgery in newborns and young children in New Orleans, LA. The procedure is minimally invasive, with little to no bleeding, minimal pain, and a low risk of infection.
Will laser lipo tighten skin?
Laser lipo can help tighten skin to some extent by stimulating collagen production, leading to improved skin elasticity. However, the degree of skin tightening varies based on individual factors like skin quality and elasticity. Additional treatments may be needed for significant skin tightening results.
Does frenectomy hurt?
Laser frenectomy for tongue tie and lip tie typically causes minimal pain, little to no bleeding, and has a very low risk of infection. The procedure is performed with a laser, resulting in quick healing and little postoperative discomfort compared to traditional snipping methods.
Can frenectomy improve dental health?
Frenectomy can improve dental health by correcting tongue and lip ties that can lead to breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, and oral hygiene problems. Laser frenectomy at NOLA Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, LA, offers a minimally invasive solution with quick healing and minimal postoperative pain, preventing potential long-term dental issues.
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Benefits of Laser Frenectomy
Laser frenectomy offers a range of benefits compared to traditional snipping methods. With minimal pain, little to no bleeding, and no stitches required, the procedure is less invasive and more comfortable for young patients. The use of laser technology also reduces the risk of infection, leading to quicker healing and recovery times.
Additionally, laser frenectomy allows for more precision and control during the procedure, resulting in better outcomes for patients. The ability to target specific areas without causing damage to surrounding tissues makes laser frenectomy a preferred choice for treating tongue ties and lip ties in children.
Choosing the Right Treatment Option
When deciding between snipping and laser frenectomy for correcting tongue ties and lip ties, it's important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each method. While snipping may be a suitable option for some cases, laser frenectomy offers a more advanced and effective approach with fewer complications and better results.
By opting for laser frenectomy, parents can ensure a smoother and less painful experience for their child, leading to faster recovery and improved oral function. Consulting with a pediatric dentist who specializes in laser frenectomy can help families make an informed decision about the most suitable treatment option for their child's needs.
