Frenectomy Procedure in Goodyear, Arizona
Frenectomy Procedure: Improve Feeding and Speech
Our experienced professionals have successfully performed numerous tie-release procedures for the tongue (lingual frenectomy) and lip (labial frenectomy) ties. These procedures have helped many children enhance their feeding and speech abilities.
Before the procedure, we will thoroughly assess your child’s condition and discuss the process and potential complications with you.
Frenectomy: Quick and Comfortable
The frenectomy procedure is a brief and minor intervention conducted in one of our treatment rooms.
To provide maximum comfort for your child, we administer a local anesthetic injection to numb the treated area.
A laser gently releases and cauterizes the tissue beneath the tongue or lip. Throughout the procedure, we continuously monitor for any bleeding and assess the range of motion, including lift and extension.
Results and Aftercare
Following the procedure, we will share the results with you and provide detailed instructions for post-procedure care. We will review exercises and wound care, ensuring you are fully equipped to support your child’s recovery.
Guidance From Our Lactation Consultants
Immediately after the procedure, our lactation consultants will guide you to a lactation room and assist you in latching your infant.
If you are already working with a lactation consultant, you will be referred to your lactation consultant for follow-up after approximately 3 to 5 days.
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Effective Pain Management
Proactive pain management is crucial, particularly during the first 72 hours, typically the most challenging for children.
We recommend using age and weight-appropriate pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, as it can be helpful. Dosage information is provided in the packet you received during your consult.
Supporting Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
If breastfeeding or bottle feeding, we encourage you to complete an entire feeding cycle in our clinic. This allows both the infant and you to be comfortable before returning home.
How Do We Do It?
Observing Healing Progress
In case of a tongue-tie, it is essential to take note of the incision immediately after the procedure. Please capture a photo of the white diamond-shaped wound that appears under the tongue within the first 24 hours. This wound should remain the same size and should not diminish or disappear.
Throughout the healing process, it is crucial to check for reattachment. Examine the size and shape of the under tongue area and ensure it maintains distinct, straight edges. It should be evenly shaped from side to side, without any tissue protruding from the base.
If you notice a reattachment, please get in touch with us for further guidance. While some reattachment is expected, minimizing it is essential for overall improvement.
Post-Procedure Exercises
You will be introduced to the post-procedure exercises. Stretches should commence 6-8 hours after the procedure and be repeated every 4 hours (6 times a day) for the first two weeks. During your follow-up appointment, we will guide the frequency of stretches for the subsequent two weeks.
Although these exercises may seem challenging, they play a vital role in maintaining open and separated healing tissue to prevent reattachment and promote tongue movement.
Remember, the exercises should be gentle but firm, and you do not need to touch the wound directly.
Managing Possible Bleeding
In some cases, the exercise sessions may result in minimal bleeding. If this occurs, it is recommended to apply pressure gently and firmly to the wound using a cotton ball or clean cloth.
Breastfeeding can also help stop the bleeding. However, if bleeding persists, it is crucial to have your child evaluated immediately.
What is Frenectomy? When and Why It Recommended
Every parent’s goal is to care for their children as they grow. One facet of health that is crucial to their growth and development is oral health. It is critical for their ability to speak and communicate effectively and eat.
The most common conditions that affect their oral health is lingual frenulum restriction. Though not life-threatening, it directly impacts their well-being and should be resolved early through a frenectomy procedure.
At Tongue Tie Phoenix, we value you and understand the significance of your child’s smile and how oral health’s impact on their everyday life. Let’s dive in and explain what frenectomy is and why it’s recommended.
What is Frenectomy?
Frenectomy is a procedure performed on children after detecting either the lingual or labial frenulum. The labial frenulum is in the upper and lower lip, while the lingual frenulum is under the tongue.
When either frenulum is abnormally positioned or too tight, it can lead to oral health challenges.
Lingual Frenectomy
A lingual frenectomy is done when the pediatrician detects the lingual frenulum is too tight or short, causing an ankyloglossia or tongue tie. Because of its length, the child cannot freely move their tongue. This problem affects their ability to latch properly during breastfeeding.
In older children, it hampers speech development. Other problems associated with this condition include but are not limited to the following;
- Difficulties licking ice cream
- Challenges playing wind instruments such as flute
- Inability to clean the back of the teeth properly
Labial Frenectomy
Labial frenectomy is performed on children whose labial frenulum is too close to the gum line. This problem results in a gap between the front teeth and increases the risk of gum recession. It impacts both oral health and aesthetics.
When is Frenectomy Procedure Recommended?
A frenectomy procedure is recommended when the labial or lingual frenulum is too tight or abnormally positioned. The procedure effectively improves the child’s oral health, development, and quality of life.
For example, babies with tongue tie have challenges latching onto the mother’s breast, resulting in inadequate feeding and poor weight. Mothers experience discomfort, and improper latching cause nipple soreness.
If not detected and treated early, tongue tie affects speech development. The children cannot pronounce words with certain sounds, thus affecting communication. Tongue tie can also lead to self-esteem issues due to the embarrassment of being unable to speak like their friends.
What are the Benefits of Frenectomy?
Frenectomy is the widely recommended treatment option for the lingual and labial frenulum. The key benefits of this procedure are:
- Improved breastfeeding
- Enhance speech development
- Safeguard and improves oral health
- Minimal discomfort and quick recovery
Partnering with Tongue Tie Phoenix for your Child’s Brighter Future
Choosing Tongue Tie Phoenix for the transformative frenectomy procedure is a step towards a bright future. Our dedication to providing top-notch pediatric care and expertise ensures your child receives the best treatment possible.
Book an appointment today to experience the joy of your child’s enhanced speech development and improved breastfeeding. We look forward to welcoming you to our modern facility.
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