Laser Frenectomy
This procedure is done for a patient who has a frenum (the ligament that prevents the tongue or lips from moving freely as they should) and suffers feeding problems, problems with speech or food clearance, or problems with the health of their gums and gum recession due to frenum pull and restrictions.
Using a laser we can eliminate the problem of a tongue tie, or a restrictive frenum without the need for stitches, less bleeding, and far more comfort and quicker recovery after treatment compared to the old school scalpel-based technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for Laser Frenectomy?
If you or your child has a tongue- or lip-tie, and are suffering from negative consequences of reduced tongue or lip mobility, laser frenectomy may be recommended for you. Some instances when laser frenectomy is needed include
- Any instance where more tongue mobility is desired
- Dental Hygiene Issues (i.e. unable to clear food from between teeth and cheeks or lips)
- Speech Problems
- Gingival Recession
- As a part of Sleep Apnea therapy
- Dentures dislodge due to large or high positioned frenum contacting them
What should I expect during my Laser Frenectomy?
A laser frenectomy is a relatively fast procedure, often taking less than a minute to release a tongue- or lip-tie. After consulting with Dr. Zeitlin, the patient will be prepared with preoperative rinses to help prevent infection. A topical anesthetic will be applied to pre numb the area before the local anesthetic is given to numb any pain and the tie will be snipped using a laser.
Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?
Patients have reported low postoperative pain and better function in the first seven days after surgery. You’ll need to keep the area clean and you may need to limit the foods you eat (especially avoiding crunchy and spicy foods) for the first few days. Dr. Zeitlin uses wholistic products such as StellaLife and DentaMedica to ensure a better, faster, less painful recovery for our patients. Dr. Zeitlin may also prescribe special oral rinses along with Tylenol and/or ibuprofen to reduce post-operative discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infections or complications based on the individual patient’s medical history and treatment needs.
