Lip and tongue ties are among the most common birth defects in North America. If your child has one or both of these issues, their pediatric dentist is likely to recommend prompt treatment. Otherwise, your baby might face a range of complications, such as feeding difficulties, colic, and more. How are lip and tongue tie treated? There are two surgeries that might be used: a frenectomy or a frenotomy. What is the difference between these procedures? This blog post explains.
The Difference Between Frenectomies and Frenotomies
A lip tie is a condition wherein the frenulum (also called a frenum) between the upper lip and the gums is too short or thick, restricting the lip’s movements. A tongue tie is similar, but it occurs when the frenulum between the tongue and floor of the mouth restricts the tongue’s movements.
Often, when people talk about treatment for lip and tongue ties, they only use the word frenectomy. In reality, though, they could be referring to either a frenectomy or a frenotomy.
During a frenectomy, the offending frenulum is completely removed in order to provide full range of motion for the oral structures. During a frenotomy, the frenulum is not removed; rather, it is simply modified in order to reverse the effects of a lip or tongue tie. Both procedures can be performed with a soft tissue laser, meaning they can be quite comfortable for babies and come with a quick recovery time.
Which Procedure Is Right for Your Child?
If you believe your child needs treatment for a lip or tongue tie, bring them to a qualified pediatric dentist. During their appointment, the dentist will take a close look at the frenulums in your baby’s mouth in order to determine the best course of action.
Generally speaking, the more severe a lip or tongue tie is, the more invasive the treatment will be. Therefore, many cases of mild to moderate tongue tie can be successfully addressed with a frenotomy. If the issue is more severe, a frenectomy may be the best course of action. If you have any questions about the dentist’s recommendation, be sure to ask. They can explain the reason for their proposed treatment plan and help you understand the road ahead.
Both frenectomies and frenotomies are important treatments that can help kids enjoy healthy smiles! Talk to a qualified care provider to learn more about them.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Michael Rullo is an experienced pediatric dentist who uses a soft tissue laser to perform both frenectomies and frenotomies. He and our team are always happy to speak with parents and help them understand how their children can enjoy optimum oral health. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve your family, contact Hamilton Lip & Tongue Tie Center at 905-525-8272.