Is a Laser Frenectomy Painful for Children?

Lip and tongue ties are among the most common birth defects. If your child has either (or both) of these conditions, they may need to undergo a frenectomy. Understandably, the idea of your child undergoing surgery could make you a bit nervous! The last thing you want is for your precious baby to be in pain. But are laser frenectomies really painful for children? This blog post explains why you have nothing to worry about.

What Happens During a Frenectomy?

A lip tie is present if the tissue that connects the lip and gums, called a frenum, restricts proper movement of the oral structures. A tongue tie is similar, but it affects the frenum between the tongue and floor of the mouth instead.

During a frenectomy, a trained dentist cuts the frenum in order to allow proper movement of the oral structures. This can improve swallowing, chewing, and breathing in patients. It can also reduce the risk of orthodontic problems in the future. Although frenectomies are usually performed on infants, the procedure can also be helpful for some older children and even adults.

In the past, frenectomies were performed using a traditional scalpel. As you might imagine, this could make the procedure very uncomfortable for patients. Fortunately, many dentists now offer laser frenectomies instead of traditional surgery.

How Is a Laser Frenectomy Different?

A laser is a highly concentrated beam of light. Several different types of lasers can be used in dentistry, including ones that can replace traditional scalpels during frenectomies.

Lasers offer some distinct advantages over old-fashioned instruments:

• Laser treatment is comfortable! In fact, in many cases, no local anesthesia is required. Some infants do not even cry during their procedure. They should be able to breastfeed immediately afterward.
• Laser treatment is precise. This allows for reduced damage to nearby tissues, which contributes to easier and faster recovery.
• There is minimal bleeding. Lasers cauterize the tissues they cut, which contributes to a more comfortable treatment process.

What Is the Recovery Like?

It would be unfair to claim that a laser frenectomy is 100% pain-free. Even though it is more comfortable than most procedures, you may still find that your baby is extra fussy for a few days after their appointment. Cool temperatures, cuddles, and appropriate doses of pain medication may be helpful.

Most patients are fully recovered within just a few weeks. In the meantime, you may need to periodically run your finger under your baby’s tongue or behind their lip to prevent their frenum from reattaching and undoing the results of their surgery.

Laser frenectomies are easier and more comfortable than most people expect! Talk to a local tongue tie treatment expert to learn more about the procedure.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino is a lip and tongue tie specialist who is proud to serve the Phillipsburg, NJ, area. She is proud to use a precise laser to perform frenectomies for infants, children, and adults. To learn more about this procedure and what you can expect from it, contact our practice at 908-859-5260.