Watching your child struggle to latch, take a bottle, eat certain foods, speak clearly, and breathe through their mouth while asleep may have you eager for their upcoming frenectomy. You’ve met with their pediatric dentist and discussed the benefits of treatment, but you and your child may still be unsure about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. To put your mind at ease, here are some details you can review in preparation for tongue tie treatment.
Before the Frenectomy
The first step is always to determine whether your child has a tongue tie. This is obvious if they:
- Cannot stick out their tongue past their teeth
- Have difficulty swallowing solid foods
- Have trouble lifting and moving their tongue up and down and side to side
- Cannot make certain sounds, including “s,” “t,” and “z”
- Are unsuccessful when latching or taking a bottle
Once it is determined that your child needs a frenectomy, their pediatric dentist will schedule an appointment to resolve the tongue tie.
During the Frenectomy
When arriving for the procedure, your child’s dentist will apply a topical anesthetic to the underside of the tongue. This will numb the area so that they do not feel any discomfort when it’s time to release the tissue.
Using a scalpel or surgical scissors, they will sever the tissue, immediately allowing the tongue to move more freely. Although minor bleeding is expected, it will soon subside.
The process takes only a few minutes, and your child will be free to leave once their dentist has explained post-procedural instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
After the Frenectomy
Part of the aftercare guidelines you receive from their dentist will likely include stretches that you must help your child perform. This encourages greater movement and prevents the tissue from reattaching.
If it is your baby who received a frenectomy, you can nurse them immediately following the surgery, as this will help calm them down. Otherwise, your child will need to wait until the anesthesia wears off before they attempt to eat anything.
Soft foods are the best option for toddlers, children, and teenagers, as they prevent unnecessary pressure and allow for more thorough healing in the first few days. You will need to make sure your child continues to practice the stretching instructions provided, but you can administer an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort. Fortunately, any soreness will go away after a short time.
Resolving your child’s tongue tie is a simple process that allows for greater ability to eat, speak, breathe, and smile. You can trust that their dentist will be with them from beginning to end, ensuring nothing but successful results.
About the Practice
Our dentists at Texas Dentistry and Braces are here to help patients enjoy greater oral movement when eating, speaking, and breathing. Children with tongue-ties can struggle to move this muscle, which can inhibit their ability to perform normal daily tasks; however, our board-certified pediatric dentists are here to resolve the issue and restore mobility for a better quality of life. If your child has a tongue-tie, visit our website or call (972) 563-9444 to schedule an appointment.