Did you know that “being tongue-tied” isn’t just an expression? Sometimes the connective tissue in your mouth may restrict the movement of your lips and tongue, making the everyday tasks of eating and speaking more difficult. Fortunately, your dentist can help you with this situation, and with modern technology the surgery is easier than ever. Learn how a frenectomy in Pittsburgh can help free up your mouth – as well as the best way to undergo the procedure.
What is a Frenectomy?
You’re probably familiar with the bit of tissue below your tongue connecting it to the floor of the mouth. That tissue is called a frenulum; you also have one on each lip connecting to the bottom of the teeth. A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a restrictive frenulum tissue from the mouth. In the past, this was done using surgical scissors, but nowadays a laser can be used instead.
When is a Frenectomy Needed?
Usually, a frenulum plays an important role in the movement of your mouth. However, if it’s too short or too tight, it can restrict mobility and affect the functionality of the lips or the tongue; this is called a lip tie or a tongue tie depending on the affected frenulum. Newborn babies with frenulum problems may have difficulty nursing; for older children, a restrictive frenulum may cause poor speech development and an inability to extend the tongue normally.
A frenulum may also be a cause of receding gums. When this happens, the roots of the teeth are more exposed and become more vulnerable to inflammation. In addition, since the roots are softer than the rest of the outside of the tooth, they’re more vulnerable to cavities and bacterial infection. It’s recommended that the issue be corrected as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.
What are the Advantages of a Laser Frenectomy?
Traditional surgical frenectomies usually create a lot of pain and discomfort and require quite a bit of recovery time. In comparison, a laser frenectomy is almost painless, and healing is much faster. This is because a laser is much more precise than surgical scissors; it can specifically target the area that needs to be treated without causing unnecessary damage. The procedure lasts a few minutes per frenulum, and no stitches are required.
If you or your children have problems while eating or talking, make an appointment with your dentist in Kitanning; they’ll perform an examination to figure out whether a frenulum is the culprit and if a frenectomy can help. Treatment at an early age is especially important for avoiding long-term oral health problems. Remember, a frenectomy is a simple procedure, but it can make a lasting positive impact on your mouth.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has been named one of America’s Best Dentists and has received awards from the Academy of General Dentistry; he often gives lectures to students and other dental professionals about modern dentistry topics. He believes in using up-to-date technology at his practice, Voller Dentistry, and performs laser frenectomies for patients suffering from tongue tie or lip tie. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (412) 406-8100.