Laser Frenectomy – Hamilton, ON

What Is the Difference Between a Frenotomy and a Frenectomy?

If you’ve been doing some research, you may have come across both the terms, “frenotomy” and “frenectomy”. It’s important to understand that, although sometimes used interchangeably, these are actually two separate procedures used to address both the flexibility and function of the lips or tongue.

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that releases a tongue tie by completely removing the band of overgrown tissue that limits its movement, while a frenotomy only alters the frenulum to allow the tongue more movement. So, although these two treatments may often be referred to interchangeably, they are different!

What to Expect from the Frenectomy Procedure

At Hamilton Lip & Tongue-Tie Center, we begin every case with a thorough examination by Dr. Rullo. One of the most important parts of this appointment is having the ability to talk with you, the parent! He’ll ask about the signs that you’ve been noticing and any concerns that you may have. Then, he will conduct a thorough visual inspection of the mouth, and upon diagnosis, speak with you about the treatment options.

Not all cases need to receive surgical treatment. In fact, Dr. Rullo is a big proponent of working with therapists to improve oral movement whenever possible. However, in cases where a frenectomy or frenotomy is necessary, our team will conduct it using a precise dental laser. This device can help improve treatment outcomes and minimize discomfort both during and after the procedure. In fact, general anesthesia is typically not necessary to perform the procedure!

Frenectomy Aftercare

Dr. Rullo takes great care to guide his patients through every step of the aftercare process, including inviting parents in to show them exactly how to conduct aftercare exercises! However, there are a couple of important key points to keep in mind following the procedure: the need to keep the oral wound from contracting as it heals and preventing the tissue from reattaching.

Much like the skin comes together as it’s healing when you cut your knee, the frenum will reattach if you aren’t actively keeping it from doing so during the healing process. For this reason, Dr. Rullo believes that post-operative exercises are a key part of a successful frenectomy or frenotomy. These stretches aren’t designed to cause discomfort, but, if necessary, you can help your child through the process by administering an appropriate amount of Tylenol if your child is six months or older.

After you or your child’s procedure, Dr. Rullo will personally walk you through what these exercises will look like, as well as provide you with an informational handout. If at any point you have questions, we invite you to either call us to plan a time for you to come in for a refresher or so we can guide you through the process to help get the best possible results.

The Advantages of Using Lasers for Frenectomies

At Hamilton Lip & Tongue-Tie Center, we conduct our frenectomies and frenotomies using a diode laser, which emits light across a range of wavelengths. They’re incredibly compact and highly efficient, allowing them to offer precise treatment by minimizing any damage to surrounding tissue. Because of this, patients can enjoy a few key advantages, including improved comfort both during and after the procedure, as well as a speedier recovery. Dental lasers are also able to cauterize the surgical site on-contact. This helps to kill bacteria at the site as well as minimize bleeding that may occur by closing the wound.

What Can You Look Forward to After a Frenectomy?

Although a surgical procedure may seem like drastic intervention, you may be surprised to learn just how positively you and your child’s lives can be impacted:

• Eat Better: Our tongue and lips play a very important role when it comes to allowing us to properly chew and digest food. For this reason, when a child or adult has a more serious lip or tongue tie, food aversions, acid reflux, and digestion issues may be a struggle. With the complete function of these important parts of the body, your baby will be able to breastfeed more easily and may even be able to eat a wider variety of nutritious solid foods!
• Sleep Better: Lip and tongue ties have been associated with breathing disorders like sleep apnea, as the tongue has the ability to obstruct the airway and impeded breathing abilities. Not to mention, sleep is essential for good cognitive and physical health. Removing a tongue tie can help improve you or your child’s quality of rest.
• Speak Better: Similar to the role the lips and tongue play in eating, they also help with speaking. Could you imagine trying to pronounce words with “R” or “S” sounds without moving your tongue or lips? Not only can speech impediments impact your child’s desire to socialize with peers, but they can also have consequences even in older patients, affecting both personal and professional relationships. By gaining full movement of the tongue and lips, speaking can feel more natural and easier.