Tongue-Tied/Lip-Tied (Frenectomy) in Christiansburg, VA
Comprehensive Frenectomy Care for Children in Christiansburg, VA
New River Valley Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to providing exceptional dental treatment tailored to each child's unique needs. We offer a frenectomy procedure that corrects tongue-tie or ankyloglossia. Our compassionate team, led by Dr. John Davis, is committed to providing the best possible care for your child in a supportive and comfortable environment.
What is Frenectomy?
A frenectomy involves removing or modifying the frenulum in order to improve the mobility of the tongue or lips. This procedure can improve a child's ability to speak, eat, and breastfeed.
Understanding Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
The frenulum, the small tissue fold that connects the lip or tongue to the gums in the mouth, can restrict movement. These conditions can lead to a variety of problems, from difficulty breastfeeding infants to speech or dental issues in older children.
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia):
- Definition: Tongue tie occurs when the frenulum beneath the tongue is either too tight or too short, limiting the range of movement.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include difficulties breastfeeding, difficulty sticking out the tongue, and speech problems.
- Impact: Untreated tongue tying can cause difficulty with eating, talking, and oral hygiene.
Lip-Tie:
- Definition: A lip-tie is caused by a frenulum that connects the upper lip and the gum being too tight. This restricts lip movement.
- The Symptoms: The symptoms include difficulties breastfeeding, a gap in the front teeth, and possible speech problems.
- Impact: A lip-tie may interfere with breastfeeding, proper oral hygiene, and developing teeth and gums.
Why Choose a Frenectomy
The benefits of a frenectomy can be numerous.
- Improved Breastfeeding: By performing a frenectomy, mothers and babies can both benefit from improved breastfeeding.
- Improved Speech Development: By correcting lip-tie and tongue-tie, you can help prevent speech impairments and promote proper language development.
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Greater mobility makes it easier to brush and floss, which reduces the risk of dental problems.
- Overall Comfort: By reducing the restriction caused by lip-tie and tongue-tie, children experience increased comfort and a better quality of life.
Our Frenectomy Services
New River Valley Pediatric Dentistry offers comprehensive frenectomy procedures to ensure the best outcome for our young patients.
Laser Frenectomy: Benefits
Laser frenectomy has several advantages over the traditional method.
- Precision: Laser technology allows precise removal or modification to the frenulum. This ensures optimal results.
- Minimal Pain: This procedure is minimally invasive and results in less pain.
- Reduced Bleeding: The laser frenectomy procedure reduces the amount of blood loss during the surgery, improving safety and comfort.
- Faster Healing: Laser frenectomy allows children to heal faster and return to their normal activities more quickly.
FAQs
Q. How can I tell if my child requires a frenectomy?
A. Some signs that your child might need a fenectomy are difficulty in breastfeeding, speech problems, difficulty sticking out the tongue, and visible restrictions to lip or tongue movements. Our team will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a frenectomy may be necessary.
Q. Is the frenectomy painful for my child?
A. A frenectomy can be a quick, minimally invasive surgery. To minimize discomfort, we use laser technology and local anesthetic. Most children only experience mild discomfort that can be managed by over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q. What can I expect to happen after the frenectomy?
A. You will receive post-operative instructions. In most cases, children are able to resume their normal activities in a few days. By scheduling follow-up appointments, we can monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome.
Q. Are there any risks with a frenectomy procedure?
A. No, a frenectomy has minimal risks. Our team of experienced professionals takes all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. Minor bleeding or infection is very rare and can be effectively managed.
Q. Will my child require speech therapy following a frenectomy?
A. Yes, some children may need speech therapy to develop their speech after a frenectomy. Our speech therapists work with us to create individualized therapy plans.
Book Your Child's Appointment Now
New River Valley Pediatric Dentistry can help you support your child's dental health and development. To schedule an appointment, or learn more about our services for tongue-tied/lip tied (frenectomy), contact us today. We are here to help you and your family maintain good dental health.