If you’ve been told your child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, you’ve probably got questions. And the biggest one is usually about safety. It’s natural to feel nervous about any procedure involving your child. At Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park, Dr. Allie Miller hears these concerns from parents all the time. The good news is that laser frenectomy has become a very safe, effective, and kid-friendly option for treating these issues.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases a tight piece of tissue in the mouth. That tissue is called a frenum. When it is too tight or positioned poorly, it can cause problems.
For a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), the frenum under the tongue is too short or thick. This can restrict tongue movement and lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech, eating, or even oral hygiene. For a lip-tie, the frenum attaches too high on the gum above the front teeth. This can create a gap between the teeth, make brushing difficult, or even cause gum recession.
Dr. Miller has specialized laser certification to perform these procedures, making her a trusted choice for families in Winter Park.
So, Is the Laser Safe for My Child?
Yes. Laser frenectomy is actually considered safer than the traditional method in several important ways.
- Less Bleeding: Lasers seal blood vessels as they cut. This means very little bleeding during or after the procedure. For a child, that’s one less scary thing to deal with.
- Minimal Pain and Discomfort: Studies show that laser procedures cause less pain and swelling afterwards. Many children need only a little numbing gel, and some don’t need any injections at all. The laser itself is quiet and looks like a small pen, so it’s not frightening.
- No Stitches: Because the laser cauterizes the tissue as it goes, there are usually no stitches needed. The wound is left to heal on its own.
- Faster Healing: Research suggests that laser frenectomies heal more quickly and with less inflammation than traditional scalpel surgery. That means your child is back to normal faster.
- Less Stress for Your Child: The whole procedure is quick, often under five minutes. With less pain, less bleeding, and no scary needles or stitches, kids feel less anxious.
What About the Risks?
Like any medical procedure, there are some things to watch for. In rare cases, the frenum can reattach after surgery if recommended exercises aren’t done properly. That’s why Dr. Miller gives you clear, simple after-care instructions to follow at home.
Overall, laser frenectomies have been shown to be safe and effective with very few complications.
What Happens During the Procedure?
At Dr. Miller’s office, we keep things calm and friendly. We use a special diode laser that is precise and gentle. The process is quick, and most children are comfortable throughout.
Afterwards, we’ll show you a few easy exercises to help the area heal correctly. It’s all about making sure your child gets the best possible result.
Is This the Right Choice for Your Child?
If your child struggles with breastfeeding, speech, or has a space between their teeth that won’t close, a frenectomy might help. Dr. Miller will take a close look and talk you through every step, answering all your questions along the way.
Wondering if your child could benefit from a laser frenectomy? Call Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park today. We will help you make the best choice for your little one’s smile.