A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that aims to remove a small tissue piece called the frenulum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or tethers the lips. At our Kirkland dentistry, our board-certified pediatric dentists frequently perform this procedure to treat tongue-tie or lip-tie conditions where the frenulum is too tight and restricts the movement of the tongue or lips.
Though frenectomies can be performed at any age, it is advisable to do it before two years of age. Suppose your pediatrician has recommended lip or tongue-tie treatment for your child. In that case, we strongly advise you to speak with our talented specialists at Kirkland Kids Dentistry and consider these key factors before deciding on a frenectomy for an infant or toddler.
Straightforward, Gentle Removal with CO2 Laser Technology
In children under the age of 2, the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is usually thin and less developed. Due to the frenulum’s flimsy nature, procedures like frenectomies are less invasive, cause minimal discomfort, and lean towards an overall faster healing process. At our caring Kirkland dentistry, we use CO2 laser technology to handle frenectomies with care during the early years to ensure swift healing and successful results.
Smoother Recovery
At this stage of life, infant and toddler bodies are small yet mighty. Generally, children aged 6 months to 2 years have a strong immune system, quick tissue regeneration, and flexible tissues. This yields a natural healing ability, which results in smoother surgeries and faster recovery times. Furthermore, since they are less exposed to environmental factors, the risk of infection is lower, which leads to safer outcomes and a lower risk of complications.
Simpler Scar Management
While a baby or toddler likely won’t remember their frenectomy later in life, a common worry amongst parents is the risk of excessive scar tissue to remind them of their procedure. As a surgical wound heals, scar tissue naturally develops at any age.
However, babies and toddlers have a lower chance of developing excessive scar tissue after undergoing frenectomy because of their skin’s elasticity and quick regeneration rate. Scar tissue formation is less common in young children due to their less complex wound-healing response. Overall, the youthful tissues of infants and toddlers have a remarkable capacity for regeneration, which significantly minimizes the occurrence of dense, fibrous scar tissue.
Contact Our Kirkland Dentistry for Safe, Laser Frenectomies
When it comes to frenectomy, it’s best practice to have it done before two years of age. However, it’s important to note that this procedure can be done at any age. Older children and adults may still benefit from a frenectomy if their lip or tongue tie interferes with their speech, eating, and other daily activities—but recovery in older kids and adults may take longer and feel more uncomfortable due to the frenulum being thicker and more developed. Above all, it’s best to team up with your child’s pediatrician and pediatric dentists to determine the best treatment plan.At any age, Kirkland Kids Dentistry can give you a second opinion and help you decide if you should address your kid’s lip or tongue tie. Contact us to learn more about gentle lip and tongue-tie treatment at our Kirkland dentistry.