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Infant Frenectomies

Infant Frenectomies

In GranD Rapids and Caledonia

In Grand Rapids and Caledonia

Nurturing Healthy Beginnings

A Frenectomy is a simple procedure that addresses lip or tongue ties – conditions where the thin piece of skin connecting the baby's tongue to the floor of their mouth (lingual frenulum) or upper lip to the gum (labial frenulum) is too short or tight. We accept referrals from your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or other health care provider.

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Utilizing the LightScalpel CO2 soft tissue laser, we ensure precise, gentle treatment so your baby can grow into a healthy, happy smile.

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Does my child need a frenectomy?

Mother & Infant Symptoms

Recognizing symptoms for you and your infant is crucial in identifying the need for a Frenectomy. Early intervention can significantly improve breastfeeding experiences and aid in your child's oral development. In collaboration with your health care provider, our aim is to determine if and when treatment should be completed, which is safely done in our office.

Infant Symptoms

We recommend seeking professional help and consultation from a lactation consultant or other qualified allied healthcare provider. This professional will assess the entire feeding continuum and help determine if further assessment and treatment of a tongue tie or lip tie with us are necessary. Some symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Difficulty or pain upon latching
  • Clicking noises while feeding
  • Gas, reflux, colic
  • Messy feeding, frustrated baby

Mother Symptoms

Mothers may also experience uncomfortable, painful symptoms. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Painful breastfeeding
  • Sore or cracked nipples
  • Poor or incomplete breast drainage
  • Decreased milk supply
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The Frenectomy Process

Referral

First up is a referral from your lactation consultant, pediatrician, or another healthcare provider. This referral underscores the trust and collaboration we share with healthcare professionals in ensuring the best outcomes for your child's oral health and feeding capabilities.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

An assessment encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of all feeding symptoms and challenges, alongside an anatomical and functional examination. This thorough approach ensures an accurate and collaborative determination of whether treatment is necessary. We consider symptoms, feeding difficulties, and physical signs to accurately diagnose lip or tongue tie conditions.

Same-Day Treatment

Using the LightScalpel CO2 laser, we offer same-day treatment for Frenectomies. This advanced technology allows for precise, minimally invasive procedures with less discomfort and quicker recovery. Same day treatment is not always needed, or if you prefer to complete treatment at a different time, we will schedule this for you.

Aftercare

Aftercare is essential for a successful frenectomy. We provide detailed guidance on post-procedure care, including exercises to promote healing and improve mobility, ensuring the best outcomes for your infant’s oral health.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery and aftercare like for frenectomies?
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Recovery from a frenectomy with the LightScalpel CO2 laser is typically swift, with minimal discomfort. We advise specific exercises to improve movement and ensure proper healing, along with guidelines for maintaining oral hygiene post-procedure.

How do you evaluate whether or not my child has a tongue or lip tie?
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Evaluation involves a thorough examination of your infant's mouth, observing the frenulum's appearance and the range of motion of the tongue or lip. We also consider symptoms and feeding difficulties in our assessment.

What is a lip or tongue tie?
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As per the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), it is a congenital alteration in the development of the tongue or lip characterized by the presence of a short or thick lingual frenulum, which leads to a limitation in its movements.

Bright Smiles Start Here

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