Laser Frenectomy Southampton
A Modern Solution for Lip and Tongue-Ties
With a frenectomy, lip and tongue-ties can be corrected within minutes, leading to a significant improvement in the patient’s life from that point forward. Many people are nervous about having a frenectomy performed – whether it’s for themselves or their children – but at Philadelphia Tongue and Lip Tie Center, the process is more comfortable than you think because we use a state-of-the-art laser. Reach out to us today to learn more about the benefits of a laser frenectomy in Southampton.
Why Choose Philadelphia Tongue and Lip Tie Center for Laser Frenectomies?
- Trustworthy LightScalpel® CO2 Laser
- Highly Experienced Dentist
- Patients of All Ages Welcome
What Exactly Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple type of oral surgery. Its purpose is to remove the tissue that is preventing the lips and/or tongue from moving as they should. Since every patient is different, the exact amount of tissue that needs to be removed can vary. Regardless of the amount, though, the treatment can make a bigger difference than you might realize, often significantly improving the patient’s ability to speak clearly, eat properly, and breathe without issue.
Why We Only Do Laser Frenectomies
While frenectomies can be performed with a scalpel, our practice prefers to use a LightScalpel® CO2 laser. This approach has several benefits for our patients, not the least of which is the fact that laser treatments tend to be significantly more comfortable. Also, the lasers we use are quite precise, which helps ensure that we do not remove more tissue than we need to. Compared to traditional frenectomies, laser frenectomies tend to result in less swelling and bleeding.
How Does a Laser Frenectomy Work?
A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the overly restrictive frenulum that is causing the lip or tongue-tie. Using this beam, we will remove a small amount of tissue to allow the lips or tongue to move more freely. Since the laser helps cauterize the treatment area, there will be little to no bleeding to worry about once the treatment is complete. As a result, recovery times for frenectomies performed with a laser tend to be shorter.
Laser Frenectomy FAQs
What are some of the benefits of using a LightScalpel for a laser frenectomy?
The LightScalpel CO2 laser offers greater flexibility and predictability so that our team can quickly release banded tissues with ease. Greater precision and efficiency with this device allow us to quickly treat the restricted area so that there is minimal damage to healthy tissues located in and around the frenums (banded tissues).
It’s unlikely that you’ll experience bleeding, swelling, or an infection after treatment is complete, and it is often the preferred digital device for dentists to use.
What diet should I eat after a frenectomy?
After a laser frenectomy in Southampton, it’s best if your child sticks to soft foods if they are older. Infants can begin to breastfeed or bottle feed immediately following their appointment. Older children and teens, though, should eat a soft food diet and avoid anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or highly acidic. It’s recommended that they also do not chew on the side that received treatment after the procedure.
What happens if a lip- or tongue-tie is left untreated?
While some individuals choose to avoid treatment for their lip- or tongue-tie, others may not realize it needs to be treated, especially if you are a parent and unaware of the symptoms that warrant a thorough examination from your child’s dentist.
Without timely treatment, a child may struggle with poor weight gain or the inability to eat solid foods because the tongue cannot push the food back for proper digestion. Also, for an older child, speech impediments and facial developmental issues can appear. Their face may look longer than usual, and they may have teeth that do not erupt or align properly. A lisp or stutter may form, and they may struggle to get adequate sleep.
How long does a frenectomy take with the LightScalpel?
Using a dental laser like the LightScalpel allows dentists to complete the process much faster than if traditional scalpels and sutures were used. Typically, the release of a lip- or tongue-tie should only take 10 seconds or less, creating a faster and more enjoyable experience for the patient and our dental team.