Why Your Child Might Need a Frenectomy

A child’s oral development plays a crucialrole in their ability to eat, speak,and maintain proper dental hygiene. Sometimes, acondition called tongue-tie or lip-tie can limit movement and causedifficulties in these areas. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that can resolve these issues and improve your child’s quality of life.

At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric dental care, including frenectomies for children who may be experiencing feeding or speech challenges. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral development, here’s what you need to know about this procedure.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or releases the smallband of tissue (frenulum) connecting the tongue to the floorof the mouth or the lip to the gums.This treatment is often recommended for children with restricted oral movement due to tongue-tie orlip-tie.

There are two types of frenectomies:

• ‍Lingual Frenectomy  – Used to correct tongue-tie, which can impact speech, feeding, and oral hygiene.‍
• Labial Frenectomy  – Used to correctlip-tie, which may cause breastfeeding difficulties in infants and spacing issues in older children.

A consultation with a pediatricdentist in Southborough MA can help determine whetheryour child would benefit from this procedure.

Signs Your Child Might Need a Frenectomy

While some childrenwith a mild tongue-tie or lip-tie adapt without issues,others may experience noticeable difficulties. Commonsigns that a frenectomy may be needed include:

• ‍Breastfeeding Challenges – Infants may struggleto latch, leadingto frustration for boththe baby and mother.‍
• Speech Difficulties – Children may have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, such as"L," "R," or "S."‍
• Gum Recession or Gaps BetweenTeeth – A tightfrenulum may pull on the gums,leading to spacing concerns.‍
• Difficulty with Oral Hygiene – Limited tongue movement can make it hard for childrento clean their teeth properly, increasing the risk of cavities.

If your child is showing any of these signs, visiting a top pediatric dentist near Southborough can help determine whether a frenectomy is the best solution.

What to Expect During a Frenectomy

At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to makethe frenectomy procedure quick and comfortable. The process typically includes:

1.   A gentle evaluation to determine if a frenectomy is needed.

2.   Applicationof a numbing agent to ensurea pain-free experience.

3.   A quick releaseof the frenulum using laser technology or a smallsurgical tool.

4.   Minimal recovery time, with most childrenresuming normal activities the same day.

Forchildren who may be nervous about the procedure, our team provides a calm andreassuring environment. If necessary, an emergency pediatricdentist in Southborough MA can offer sedationoptions for added comfort.

Benefits of a Frenectomy

A frenectomy can greatly improveyour child’s oral function by:

• ‍Enhancing speechd evelopment
• Improving feeding ability in infants
• Reducing future orthodontic concerns
• Helping with better oral hygiene

Many parents notice immediate improvements in their child’sability to eat, speak, and movetheir tongue freely after the procedure.

When to See a Pediatric Dentistfor a Frenectomy

If you suspect your child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, scheduling an evaluation with a pediatric dentist in Southborough MA is the best way to determine the right course of action. Early intervention can prevent long-termissues and make daily activities like speaking and eating much easier for your child.

At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry, we provide expert,compassionate care for children of allages. Whether your child needs a frenectomy, routine dental checkups,or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s oral health is onthe right track!

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