Frenectomies in Alexandria
Eat, speak, feed, and breathe with freedom. We release tongue or lip ties with gentle techniques using our advanced CO2 laser.
Tongue and lip tie release
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure performed to release a tongue or lip tie. The pieces of tissue that connect your lip to your gums and your tongue to the base of your mouth are called frenulums, or frenums; when these tissues are too short, thick, or tight, the resulting condition is a tongue or lip tie. A tongue or lip tie can cause an issue with speech, breathing, and for infants, breastfeeding. A frenectomy releases these tissues, and can improve the oral health of you or your child.
The benefits of frenectomies
Frenectomies offer a host of benefits for patients of all ages. A frenectomy can improve your oral health by reducing your risk of gum disease, and can improve your speech and pronunciation by allowing the tongue to move freely. Frenectomies can also improve the fit and stability of dentures and other oral prosthetics, and increase the success of orthodontic treatment. Infant frenectomies can lead to better breastfeeding by allowing the infant to latch and nurse properly for improved nutrition and overall health. With our advanced CO2 laser, frenectomies are simple, quick procedures that are minimally invasive and require little to no recovery time outside of some recommended exercises or stretches.
- Minimally invasive
- Improve your oral health
- Enhanced speech and pronunciation
- Increased comfort and function
- Better breastfeeding
Care for patients of all ages
Types of frenectomies
At Alexandria Oral Surgery, we’re dedicated to delivering high-quality dental care using state-of-the-art technology, including our advanced CO2 laser.
Infant frenectomies
If your infant is having difficulty breastfeeding or showing signs of a tongue or lip tie, a frenectomy may be recommended. Using a CO2 laser, we can perform a quick and minimally invasive procedure that can help improve your baby's ability to breastfeed and prevent future speech problems.
Frenectomies for orthodontic patients
If you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, a frenectomy may be recommended to help improve the alignment of your teeth and enhance the success of your orthodontic treatment.
Adolescent frenectomies
In some cases, adolescents may experience speech impediments or oral discomfort due to a tight or thick frenulum. A quick and comfortable frenectomy procedure can help improve your teenager's speech and overall oral health.
The frenectomy treatment process
Our gentle techniques make for a simple procedure with little-to-no pain, and minimal recovery time. Here’s what you can expect from you or your child’s treatment:
1
Consultation and evaluation
During the initial consultation, your oral surgeon in Alexandria will evaluate you or your child’s oral health and determine whether a frenectomy is necessary. They will also discuss the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have.
2
The procedure
On the day of the procedure, you or your child will be given local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. The oral surgeon will typically use a CO2 laser to carefully release the frenum and its associated attachments, ensuring that the procedure is precise and minimally invasive. This allows for reduced post-operative discomfort, swelling, and bleeding.
3
Aftercare and follow-up
After the frenectomy, you or your child may experience mild discomfort or swelling. Your doctor will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and help prevent complications.