332 North York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126
FRENECTOMY In Elmhurst, IL
If you're in search of an exceptional dental experience, Cosmos Modern Dental Elmhurst is the perfect choice. Our team of friendly and highly skilled dentists is committed to delivering all the essential services to maintain your smile's optimal health. We proudly offer frenectomy for children in Elmhurst, IL.
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy, also referred to as a lip or tongue tie release, is a straightforward procedure that can have a significant impact on a person's life. This minimally invasive treatment involves cutting or releasing the frenulum, a small strip of tissue found in the center of the upper lip and tongue. The frenulum plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper positioning of the lips and tongue, but when it becomes tight or restrictive, it can lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and oral hygiene.
The most common indication for a frenectomy is a condition called tethered oral tissue (TOT). TOT is a condition in which the frenulum is overly tight and restricts the movement of the lips and tongue. Symptoms of TOT include:
Having trouble with attaching to the breast or bottle.
Struggling with breastfeeding.
Having trouble drinking from a cup.
I am experiencing challenges when it comes to verbal communication.
In certain instances, the frenulum can lead to an improper bite and misalignment of the teeth.
The Benefits of a Frenectomy
A frenectomy offers a significant advantage by enhancing speech and eating patterns. When the frenum is excessively tight, it restricts the movement of the tongue, resulting in speech difficulties and challenges while eating. By eliminating the frenum, the tongue gains more freedom to move, leading to improved speech and eating abilities.
One advantage of undergoing a frenectomy is the potential enhancement of oral hygiene. If the frenum is excessively tight, it can result in the formation of a gap between the teeth and gums, which can impede proper cleaning. By eliminating the frenum, this gap is eliminated, facilitating easier brushing and flossing and ultimately decreasing the likelihood of developing gum disease.
A frenectomy is a solution to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a tight frenum. When the frenum is too tight, it can cause discomfort while eating, speaking, or brushing your teeth. By removing it, we can effectively reduce this pain and discomfort.
The Frenectomy Procedure
We are able to perform frenectomies on infants and children at our office. The procedure is convenient and can be done with either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the child's condition and severity. Our team of experienced doctors, including Dr. Michael Cosmos and Dr. William Bacon, will carefully make a small incision in the frenulum and use specialized instruments to separate it from the surrounding tissue. After that, the frenulum is either cut or released, and the incision is closed.
Frenectomy Recovery
The recovery time following a frenectomy is typically brief. Most children only experience mild discomfort and can return to their regular activities within a few days. It is worth mentioning that the lip and tongue may feel different after the procedure, and it might take some time for your child to adapt. In certain instances, speech therapy or orthodontic treatment may be required to correct any misalignment caused by the condition.
