How Long Does a Frenectomy Take to Heal [Care & Recovery Time]

Frenectomy is a simple, less-invasive surgical procedure that significantly improves a child’s oral health and development by addressing restrictive labial frenulum or tongue tie.

Parents are concerned about the recovery time frame to heal from this completely. Here is everything you need to know about frenectomy healing and post-recovery.

Read: What is Laser Frectomy? Laser Frectonomy for Babies & Adults

What Does Frenectomy Surgery Entail?

At our facility in Phoenix, frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed to address tongue tie. Our company is dedicated to offering this service to the community with advanced modes such as a laser, ensuring minimal procedure discomfort.

The procedure started when a skilled professional administered local anesthesia drugs to numb the targeted area.

After that, a laser is directed on the tissue to correct the tightness and restore normal tongue movement. We keenly monitor the child for issues like excessive bleeding throughout the frenectomy procedure.

We also assess their tongue range of motion, including extension and lifting, to ensure the condition is resolved entirely.

Frenectomy Healing Process

The duration of the healing phase after a frenectomy procedure varies from child to child. Most of the time, it depends on many factors, such as age, procedure duration, and individual healing capabilities of children.

That said, on average, it takes 2-3 weeks to heal completely. Here, we present some major tips about how to support your child during healing.

Immediate Post-Treatment Care

It’s normal for the child to experience some soreness and discomfort immediately after the frenectomy. Take oral hygiene to prevent infections in and around the incision sites.

The First Few Days

During the first few days, it’s normal for your child to experience tenderness and mild swelling around the surgical site.

Some children become irritable or experience difficulties when feeding. There is no need to worry; these symptoms often diminish within the first week.

The First Week

Within the first week, you will notice a significant improvement in your child’s overall demeanor and oral function.

The incision sites will start to close, and the child will show little or no signs of discomfort.

Complete Healing

Complete healing may take two to three weeks. Follow the care instructions provided by our pediatrician to promote proper healing.

• Take the right pain medication, such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol, according to the need.
• Support them when breastfeeding or bottle feeding to help them quickly adapt to improved tongue movement and latching. Completing an entire feeding cycle at our facility is highly recommended, as it ensures comfort before going home.
• Our lactating consultants will also monitor the child and give you tips on ensuring they are correctly latching and breastfeeding.

We also go the extra mile to recommend and show you how to do post-frenectomy stretching exercises. The exercises should be done 6-8 hours after the procedure and repeated every 4 hours, six times daily for the first 14 days.

These exercises are effective in preventing reattachment and enhancing tongue movement. We will advise you to make a habit of regular exercise during check-up appointments.

Get Support

The above tips and monitoring your child’s recovery will foster healing. Reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Our doors are open 24/7 to accommodate little patients.