Dental conditions Laser Frenectomy: When is it recommended and what are the benefits?

What is the frenulum?

The frenulum is a piece of connective tissue (fold) located in various areas of the oral cavity. There are two main types: the labial frenulum and the lingual frenulum.

The labial frenulum connects the upper and lower lips to the maxilla and mandible, respectively, while the lingual frenulum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

There are situations where the tongue cannot perform its crucial functions in food chewing, speech, or infant breastfeeding. This issue is often caused by a short (restrictive) frenulum.

What happens when a child has a restrictive frenulum?

A restrictive frenulum can be diagnosed by a neonatologist or, later, by a pediatric dentist. However, parents can also be alert to signs that indicate a short frenulum.

For infants, mothers might notice the following signs of a restrictive frenulum:

• Unconsolable crying during and after breastfeeding
• The baby feels hungry even after breastfeeding
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Excessive bloating or colic
• Slow weight gain

If a mother notices any of these signs, it’s important to seek the support of a pediatrician and a pediatric dentist who can identify a restrictive frenulum.

Additionally, parents should also be alert to other signs that may indicate the need for a laser frenectomy:

• The child cannot open their mouth completely
• The child has unclear speech or cannot correctly pronounce certain sounds
• The child cannot touch the roof of the mouth with their tongue
• The child’s tongue appears flat and square instead of pointed when extended
• The tip of the tongue might show a heart-shaped deformity
• The child complains of jaw and temporomandibular joint pain
• Prominent lower jaw (inferior prognathism)
• The child experiences gum inflammation

,,Laser frenectomy is a safe and quick surgical procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for both infants and children.”

Laser frenectomy: when is it recommended?

As mentioned, laser frenectomy involves removing the frenulum in a procedure that lasts only a few minutes. When the restrictive frenulum is removed promptly, the child’s quality of life improves noticeably. Additionally, parents will be able to enjoy a much more pleasant experience in their child’s first year of life.

If parents do not seek the help of a pediatric dentist, numerous dental problems may arise, such as:

• Poor oral hygiene and gum diseases
• Increased risk of dental cavities
• Repeated dental trauma related to the labial frenulum
• Orthodontic issues: malocclusion, diastema (gaps between teeth)

Laser frenectomy also helps prevent problems like:

• Difficulties in breastfeeding (the child cannot properly position the tongue and lips around the breast to stimulate lactation)
• Slow weight gain
• Speech issues (incorrect pronunciation of sounds like “s,” “t,” “d,” “l,” “n,” or “z”)
• Harmful habits, such as thumb-sucking or infantile swallowing
• Infantile swallowing can lead to orthodontic conditions like an “open bite”

Considering these factors, it is important for parents to consult a pediatric dentist for an evaluation. Based on the severity of the case, the dentist may recommend a laser frenectomy.

Laser frenectomy vs. Traditional frenectomy

At DENT ESTET 4 KIDS clinics, frenectomy is performed using dental lasers. The benefits of laser frenectomy over traditional surgery with a scalpel are significant.

Advantages of laser frenectomy vs. traditional frenectomy:

• Faster healing
• The laser procedure is minimally invasive and requires no stitches
• No post-procedure bleeding
• The laser minimizes the risk of infection
• No need for anesthesia via injection or sedation
• Short procedure duration – sometimes less than 2 minutes
• Localized and precise action, protecting surrounding tissues
• The laser provides biostimulation to neighboring tissues

Benefits of laser frenectomy for children

Pediatric dentists at DENT ESTET 4 KIDS recommend laser frenectomy due to its major benefits for infants and children.

When the frenulum is removed at an early age, the infant can feed properly, ensuring prolonged breastfeeding. Inadequate breastfeeding can lead to various gastrointestinal issues.

Another significant benefit is the improvement in the child’s diction. If a child cannot articulate certain words correctly, it can lead to delays in language development, which can affect self-esteem and have psychological impacts.

Laser frenectomy also plays a crucial role in promoting proper breathing. Children with a restrictive frenulum are more likely to breathe through their mouths, which contributes to the development of allergies or tonsillitis. By removing the frenulum, the child stops mouth breathing, a harmful habit with negative effects on both oral and general health.

In most cases, children with a short frenulum are at a higher risk of developing dental cavities because the lips are constantly in contact with the teeth, allowing plaque to accumulate more easily. By removing the frenulum, the tongue gains increased mobility, which is essential for the self-cleaning process.

Since the presence of a short frenulum can also influence facial development, including the growth of facial bones, a pediatric dentist may recommend frenectomy in cases of such abnormalities.

For older children, a restrictive frenulum can cause discomfort or even pain while chewing, especially when eating more solid foods. Laser frenectomy completely eliminates this discomfort.

Conclusion

The benefits of laser frenectomy are numerous and crucial for your child’s healthy growth and development. It is important to consult with a pediatric dentist when certain issues are noticed.