Let’s talk about a topic that can be a bit intimidating for parents – laser frenectomies for newborns and growing children. But fear not, because we are here to shed some light on this modern, gentle procedure that can make a world of difference in your child's life.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that addresses an issue with the frenulum, a small fold of tissue in the mouth that can sometimes cause problems. There are two main types of frenulum that might need attention: the lingual frenulum (under the tongue) and the labial frenulum (between the upper lip and the gums).

Why Might Your Child Need a Frenectomy?

Frenulums can occasionally be too tight or short, causing various issues. For newborns, a tight lingual frenulum can make breastfeeding a challenge for both baby and mom. In growing children, these frenulum issues can lead to speech difficulties or even orthodontic problems down the road.

Medical Problems of Restricted Frenums

In newborns, tongue-ties may cause feeding difficulties, weight loss, frustration and aerophagia (gulping air that leads to upset stomach). Many newborns end up with prescriptions to relieve stomach issues that are due to the tongue-tie.

As childhood advances, tongue-ties may cause speech impediments, snoring, sleep apnea and a generalized lack of mid-face growth with collapsed palates. 

Long term problems of tongue ties include malocclusions (jaw discrepancies and/or malaligned teeth), mouth breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. It is thus recommended to remove the source of the problem, the restricted frenulum, rather than trying to treat much more complicated and serious health issues.

Restricted upper lip-ties often cause feeding difficulties too and should be removed along the tongue-ties. Other problems include the development of cavities in the upper front teeth as a result of inability to brush, spacing of the upper incisors and more. 

The Laser Frenectomy Advantage

Now, here's where laser frenectomies come in. Gone are the days of traditional scalpel or scissor surgeries, which could be more invasive and intimidating. Laser frenectomies offer a more precise, gentle, and effective approach to address these problems.

Our office uses a specialized C02 laser, the Lightscalpel, for soft tissue surgery. The Lightscalpel removes the frenulum in just a few minutes and it cauterizes the mouth. Its precision is renowned. 

Lightscalpel will not penetrate deep into the tissue beyond its intended use. This characteristic leads to short recovery and excellent healing. 

Here's why you should consider a laser frenectomy:

Minimally Invasive: Laser frenectomies are less traumatic than traditional surgery. They result in no or minimal bleeding, discomfort, and a shorter recovery period. 

Precision: The laser allows for precise tissue removal, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a faster healing process.

Quick Procedure: The entire procedure usually takes just a few minutes, making it ideal for even the tiniest of patients.

Anesthesia is Minimal or Optional: In many cases, only local anesthesia is required, and sometimes, not even that. This minimizes the need for sedation or general anesthesia and reduces the associated risks. 

No Postoperative Complications: Thanks to the minimized trauma and precision, most people undergoing frenectomies, newborns, children and adults, experience no or minimal discomfort after the procedure.

Your Child's Comfort is Our Priority

At Convivial Dental, we understand that your child's well-being is your top concern. It's ours too! We strive to make the entire experience as comfortable as possible. 

Our team has extensive training and performs a very large number of frenectomies every year. We are also experienced in handling pediatric patients and ensuring that they feel safe and secure throughout the process.

Insurance Coverage

Our practice is proud to serve insured patients as well as self-paying families. MassHealth does cover frenectomies. But certain private dental and medical insurances will not cover the procedure. Some companies do cover frenectomies only if they are performed later in life. 

Please let our front desk know what coverage you have and we will be happy to investigate the issue.

If you have any concerns about your child's frenulum, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Convivial Dental. We'll be happy to discuss your child's unique needs and explore the best course of action.

Click below or call 617-735-0800 today to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!