A labial frenectomy helps correct these issues, allowing easier movement of the upper lip and promoting better dental health.
This quick procedure is performed using laser technology that enables precise and gentle treatment. Laser surgery eliminates the need for local anesthesia or numbing injections in infants, making the experience more comfortable for your child. Many parents choose this frenectomy procedure to help their children avoid potential dental or orthodontic problems as they grow.
In infants, a tight labial frenum can make it difficult to achieve a proper latch during breastfeeding. This can result in feeding challenges, poor weight gain, frequent slipping off the breast, or discomfort for the mother. If your baby struggles to suck or has difficulty staying firmly latched, the cause may be a restricted frenum.
Just like with breastfeeding, a tight labial frenum can interfere with your child’s ability to form a proper seal around a bottle nipple. This can cause them to swallow excess air while feeding, which may lead to gas, discomfort, and fussiness during and after feeding. Babies may also have difficulty maintaining a consistent latch, which can make bottle-feeding frustrating and less effective. If your child often experiences these issues, it may be worth discussing the possibility of a tight frenum with your pediatric dentist to determine whether a labial frenectomy could help improve their feeding experience.
A thick or narrow labial frenum can cause a noticeable gap between the two upper front teeth, known as a diastema. This can also affect the proper alignment of the teeth as they grow, potentially complicating future orthodontic treatment. If this gap does not close naturally as your child’s teeth develop, a labial frenectomy may be recommended to improve dental alignment and make orthodontic treatment more successful.
When the labial frenum is too tight, it can make brushing and flossing more difficult for your child. The restricted movement of the lip can prevent effective cleaning of the teeth and gums, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. A frenectomy can improve access to these areas, promoting better oral hygiene and long-term dental health.
A thick or long labial frenum can affect the appearance of your child’s smile, potentially causing feelings of self-consciousness as they grow. Correcting this with a labial frenectomy can improve the appearance of their smile and boost their confidence.
A tight frenum can limit your child’s upper lip movement, making it difficult to fully smile or perform everyday actions such as licking their lips or eating certain foods. If your child experiences discomfort or struggles with these movements, a frenectomy may help restore normal function.
During the procedure, we carefully release or modify the connective tissue. The laser cauterizes the blood vessels as it cuts, significantly reducing bleeding during and after the procedure. The entire procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
After the frenectomy is completed, your child can return to normal activities almost immediately. Laser technology promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of swelling or discomfort. We will give you clear postoperative care instructions to ensure proper healing, and our team is always available if you have any questions. For breastfeeding infants, we provide a private space where mothers can work on latching and feeding before leaving the office. Many parents notice an immediate improvement in their baby’s feeding ability, which can bring relief and reassurance.
Rest with your head elevated when you arrive home after the procedure. Please limit your physical activity and movement to a minimum for the first 24 hours.
For the first 4-5 hours after surgery, we recommend placing an ice pack on your face at 20-minute intervals. This will help reduce facial swelling. If necessary, you can use an ice pack for 24 hours.
Please take anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) to prevent inflammation, swelling, and pain. If you need NSAIDs, we recommend taking 400mg–800mg of ibuprofen every six hours to reduce swelling and pain and to promote healing. Do NOT exceed 2400mg in a 24-hour period. If you experience excessive pain or discomfort, take the prescribed narcotic. Please take it as directed, together with the NSAID. If you were prescribed an antibiotic, please take it as directed. Be sure to finish the full course. If any of the medications cause severe nausea, itching, or a rash, discontinue use and contact our office immediately.
In the next few days after surgery, slight oozing may occur, which is not a cause for concern. Gently rinse your mouth with cold water or cold chamomile or sage tea (these teas contain tannic acid, which can help stop bleeding). Please avoid smoking and alcohol, as these activities negatively affect blood clotting and the healing of the surgical site. If bleeding continues, apply pressure to the surgical area by biting down on moistened gauze for 20 minutes. If the bleeding is moderate to heavy and lasts for several hours without stopping, please contact our office immediately.
When you return home after surgery, you may have something very soft to eat or something cold to drink. On the evening of the surgery, we recommend that you eat a soft, bland meal, as this is usually the best way to feel better. During the first week, please do not eat anything hard or crunchy.
When possible, we will place a dressing over the surgical area to help keep you comfortable. Please DO NOT brush the areas covered with the dressing. If the dressing becomes loose or falls off and you still feel comfortable, continue avoiding brushing the surgical areas. If the surgical area feels uncomfortable without the dressing, please contact our office so we can place a new one. Please continue your regular oral hygiene routine on all other areas of your mouth. Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once in the morning and once at night before bed until your next appointment at our office. You may also clean the dressed area by gently wiping it with cotton soaked in antiseptic mouthwash every morning, every night before bed, and after eating and drinking.
