At The Perico Group, we specialize in frenectomy procedures to address tongue-tie or lip-tie conditions for patients of all ages. It is a simple, minimally invasive treatment that can improve oral health for you or your child.
A frenectomy removes or adjusts the frenum. This is a small band of soft tissue that connects parts of your mouth, such as:
- Lingual frenum: Under the tongue, connecting it to the floor of the mouth
- Labial frenum: Between the upper lip and gums above the front teeth
When the frenum is too tight, short, or thick, it can restrict movement and lead to problems. In babies, it can cause difficulty in breastfeeding. In older children, it can potentially lead to speech delays or dental issues. A frenectomy restores comfortable movement and function.
What Is a Tongue-Tie and a Lip-Tie?
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)
This condition occurs when the tissue under the tongue is too tight, making it hard to move the tongue around freely.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding (poor latch)
- Delayed or unclear speech
- Trouble eating or swallowing
Lip-Tie
A lip-tie is when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too thick, limiting mobility.
Symptoms include:
- Breastfeeding challenges (potential milk leakage)
- Gaps between the front teeth
- Gum irritation or difficulty brushing
Who Can Benefit from a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is beneficial for:
- Infants: Struggling with breastfeeding due to poor latch
- Children: Facing speech delays, eating challenges, or poor oral hygiene habits
- Adults: Experiencing restricted tongue movement, gum issues, or preparing for orthodontics
The procedure may not be suitable for individuals with significant gum recession or certain medical conditions, but we’ll guide you in determining the best treatment plan.
What Happens During a Frenectomy?
The procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive, often completed in under 30 minutes.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Preparation: Local anesthesia or sedation will help you relax during treatment
- Treatment: The frenum is carefully adjusted using advanced laser technology
- Quick results: Most patients experience minimal discomfort and immediate improvement in function
Using laser technology ensures patient safety, as well as reducing swelling and recovery time compared to traditional methods.
Benefits of a Frenectomy
A frenectomy delivers immediate and long-term benefits:
- For infants: Improved breastfeeding efficiency and less fussiness
- For children: Enhanced speech clarity, better eating habits, and easier oral hygiene
- For adults: Greater comfort with eating, speaking, and maintaining dental health
Additional benefits include preventing future dental issues like gum recession or gaps between teeth.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is typically quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day or two.
Aftercare tips:
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days to avoid irritation
- Maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the treated area
You might notice mild swelling or tenderness initially, but these symptoms usually subside quickly. We’ll go over your specific recovery plan during your consultation.
Why Choose Perico?
At The Perico Group, we combine expertise and compassion to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages.
Why patients trust us:
- Expertise in advanced laser technology for precision and optimal results
- Decades of experience using a patient-first approach
- Personalized care tailored to your unique needs
Transform your oral health and quality of life with expert frenectomy services. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
