Pediatric Frenectomies In Lynchburg, Virginia

Improving Your Child’s Oral And Overall Health

At Gentle Endodontics in Lynchburg, VA, Dr. Samuel Black strives to provide the best possible care for your child. He is pleased to treat tongue-ties and lip-ties, which can cause difficulty breastfeeding, speaking and swallowing. He often performs a procedure known as a frenectomy, which can improve a child’s overall health, wellness and confidence.

What Are Tongue-Ties And Lip-Ties?

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the thin piece of tissue (the frenulum) that attaches the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter, thicker or tighter than usual. This can limit the range of motion of the tongue and affect its ability to perform certain tasks, such as licking, swallowing, and speaking. This condition can be present at birth and is a congenital condition. It can also develop later in life due to trauma or injury to the tongue area.

Similar to a tongue-tie, a lip-tie is a condition in which the frenulum that attaches the upper or lower lip to the gums or upper jaw is abnormally short or thick. This can cause difficulty puckering, smiling and showing teeth. Lip-ties can be treated in the same manner as a tongue-tie—through a pediatric frenectomy procedure.

Symptoms of Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties in Children

If your child has a tongue-tie, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breastfeeding or poor latch in infants

  • Nipple pain or damage for the breastfeeding mother

  • Difficulty lifting the tongue or protruding it past the lips

  • Difficulty with certain sounds or pronunciations

  • Inability to touch the roof of the mouth with the tongue

  • Difficulty swallowing or eating certain foods

  • Mouth breathing

There are many similarities between lip-tie and tongue-tie symptoms. Children with lip-ties may also have difficulty breastfeeding or poor latch, mouth breathing and dental issues such as tooth decay or crooked teeth. Children may also experience:

  • Difficulty puckering the lips

  • Difficulty smiling or showing teeth

  • Gum recession or gaps between teeth

Long-Term Consequences Of Tongue-Ties And Lip-Ties

Left untreated, children with tongue-ties and lip-ties may experience some long-term consequences. These include:

Tongue-ties and lip-ties can make maintaining proper oral hygiene difficult. Over time, this can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and other dental health issues.

An abnormally thick frenulum can make speech and pronunciation difficult in the short term, and lead to delays in speech development in the long term.

In infants and young children, tongue-ties and lip-ties can interfere with breastfeeding, which can lead to inadequate nutrition and growth. As a result, some infants may develop obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to interruptions in breathing and frequent arousals during the night. In older children, tongue-ties and lip-ties can affect the position and function of the tongue and lips, which can contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. Without proper sleep, children can develop behavioral problems, have difficulty concentrating in school and have slowed growth.

Children with this condition may experience social and emotional issues, such as difficulty making friends or low self-esteem due to speech difficulties or other related problems.

How Does A Pediatric Frenectomy Procedure Work?

A pediatric frenectomy is a surgical procedure that is typically performed on infants and young children to treat tongue-tie or lip-tie. While each patient is unique, the procedure typically follows these steps:

Preparation

Your child will first be positioned comfortably, and the area around the frenum is cleaned and prepped with an antiseptic solution.

Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the frenum. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used if the child is unable to remain still.

Dr. Samuel Black uses a laser to release the tight or short frenulum. The procedure is usually quick and relatively painless, and bleeding is minimal.

Post-operative care

Your child is monitored for a short period after the procedure to ensure that there are no complications. The child may be given pain medication and instructed to avoid certain foods or activities for a few days to aid in the healing process.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled a few weeks after the procedure to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any complications.

Recovery Tips

Since the procedure is simple, your child should have a fast recovery. However, they may experience some mild discomfort and gum or tooth sensitivity.

The following tips will help aid your child in their recovery:

  • To help avoid any additional discomfort, make sure your child eats soft and mild foods for the first two days after the procedure.

  • Carefully brush your child’s teeth to keep the area clean.

  • You may give your child Tylenol to help relieve any pain.

  • Have your child move and exercise their tongue.

In order to make your child’s recovery as quick and easy as possible, make sure to follow all post-operative instructions and exercises from Dr. Black. If your child comes down with a fever or has any excessive swelling and pain, or if you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (434) 333-0382.

Benefits of Pediatric Frenectomies

If your child is suffering from the effects of having a tongue-tie or lip-tie, early intervention can make life easier for them. This procedure will increase your child’s overall health by increasing their comfort when it comes to breastfeeding or eating, swallowing and talking. In addition to improving your child’s self-confidence, it will also prevent teeth and gum problems down the road.

If you think your child might be a good candidate for this procedure, please call our office at (434) 333-0382 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping improve your child’s quality of life!