Frenectomy at a Dentist Near Me

If you’ve been wondering whether or not your child needs a frenectomy, the second question to come to mind is “Where do I go now?” Lip and tongue tie release can be incredibly beneficial, if your child is struggling with breastfeeding or is otherwise encumbered by that bit of skin keeping them from full range of motion in their lips or tongue. 

If your pediatrician or lactation consultant has recommended a frenectomy, you may be surprised to find out that your family dentist may be able to perform this simple, quick procedure right in their office. But how do you know what to look for in a dentist provided frenectomy? Here are three things we recommend searching for. 

Expertise in Diagnosing

We see the full spectrum of symptoms often, even as the little face of an infant can make a lip or tongue tie hard to see. A pediatric dentist, such as Dr. Timm here at Smiles, who is familiar with these procedures can look at a number of symptoms and side effects to see if frenectomy may help. She will take note of how well the child is eating and growing, as well as any impact on the mother, such as pain while breastfeeding. 

Expert Care

Frenectomies are a quick, relatively painless procedure, but they do involve cutting a bit of skin in the child’s mouth. For best results, you want to seek out a provider who can do this procedure minimally and with the best chance of quicker recovery. We have found that laser frenectomies, as opposed to those who scissors, allow for less bleeding and a faster recovery. You’ll also want to find a family dentist, such as Dr. Timm, who has spent lots of time working in little mouths and is comfortable with that procedure. 

Expert After Care

Because a frenectomy can be simple, just a snipping of the attached skin, one may overlook the after care. However, you and your child deserve a provider who will set you up for success after the procedure. In addition to using laser that allow for faster recovery, your dentist should provide post-treatment exercise recommendations, to keep the skin from reattaching. She should also have referrals or references for lactation consultants or chiropractors to help you gain the confidence you need. Finally, her office staff should have familiarity with the procedure and corresponding insurance to help cover as much of the cost as possible.

Don’t wait to find a frenectomy provider, when you know you need one. Your pediatric dentist may have the expertise and experience you deserve to get it done quickly and easily. If you suspect or have been told that your child needs a frenectomy, call us here at Smiles or contact us with your questions. We are here to help.