Frenectomy

What is a Frenectomy?  

A frenulum is a piece of tissue that prevents an organ from moving. A frenulum attaches your upper lip to the gums, while another connects the lower lip to the gums. A too short or thick frenulum will cause problems with speech patterns and tooth misalignment. In infants, a shortened frenulum underneath the tongue will inhibit breastfeeding. A frenectomy can resolve the situation when the frenulum disrupts movement, growth, or development.

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Our frenectomies in Castle Rock are minor surgical procedures. It can be performed with either a scalpel or laser and takes less than 15 minutes. Using a laser causes minimal bleeding and does not require stitches. A laser also results in less postoperative discomfort and a shorter healing time. Young children and infants are put under general anesthesia for the procedure, and adults have the procedure performed using local anesthesia. If your child needs a frenectomy, there is nothing to worry about. The procedure is very successful and causes minimal discomfort.

Who Needs a Frenectomy?  

You might wonder, “Do I or a family member need this procedure?” A frenectomy is often performed for patients of all ages and a variety of reasons. Here are some common situations where we might recommend a frenectomy:

• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) – This occurs when the lingual frenulum is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. It can contribute to challenges with breastfeeding, speech development, and eating in young children or adults.  
• Lip-Tie – When the labial frenulum is overly taught, it can make breastfeeding painful for infants, cause a gap between teeth, or interfere with proper oral hygiene.  
• Speech Difficulties – Restricted tongue movement can sometimes cause speech impediments or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.  
• Orthodontic Concerns – A tight lip frenulum can create spacing issues, such as a gap between the front teeth, which might hinder the success of orthodontic treatments like braces.  
• Dental Health Challenges – Restricted movement due to a tight frenula can affect cleaning routines, leading to plaque buildup and other oral health issues.

If you or your child are experiencing any of these challenges, our caring team at Prairie Hawk Dental can evaluate your needs and discuss whether a frenectomy is the right solution.  

What to Expect During a Frenectomy  

At Prairie Hawk Dental, your comfort is our highest priority, and a frenectomy is generally a quick and straightforward procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation and Assessment

We start with an initial consultation to evaluate your or your child’s oral health and determine the procedure’s necessity. Our team will explain why a frenectomy could help and answer all your questions to ensure you’re fully informed.  

2. Comfort-First Treatment Approach

The procedure is minimally invasive, and we use the latest techniques to ensure it’s as gentle and efficient as possible. Local anesthesia is typically used for adults and older children, while infants generally find the process quick and manageable without much discomfort.  

3. Advanced Laser Technology (If Applicable)

Depending on the specific case, we may utilize advanced dental laser tools. Laser frenectomy procedures are highly precise, minimize bleeding, reduce the risk of infection, and promote faster healing than traditional methods.  

4. Post-Treatment Recovery

Recovery is usually straightforward, with most patients experiencing mild discomfort that resolves quickly. We’ll guide you through proper aftercare to ensure smooth healing, including recommended exercises to improve mobility.  

How a Frenectomy Can Improve Your Quality of Life  

A frenectomy might seem like just a small procedure, but the benefits it provides can be life-changing. By freeing movement and reducing restrictions, the procedure can improve several aspects of daily life, including:

• Improved Speech – Patients with previously restricted movement often see significant progress in pronouncing certain sounds and communicating clearly.
• Better Breastfeeding for Infants – Babies who struggle with nursing due to tongue-tie or lip-tie can latch and feed more comfortably after a frenectomy, which also reduces the likelihood of discomfort for mothers.  
• Enhanced Oral Health – Better movement makes oral hygiene routines easier, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup.  
• Freedom of Movement – For many individuals, the procedure allows for more natural and effortless tongue and lip movement during eating, speaking, and other activities.  
• Orthodontic Benefits—Removing or revising a frenulum can help align teeth and prevent spacing issues that might lead to or hinder orthodontic interventions.  

Even minor oral health procedures can feel intimidating, but we’re here to make your experience as pleasant as possible.  

Why Choose Prairie Hawk Dental for Your Frenectomy?  

With so many options for dental care, we’re proud to stand out as a practice that cares deeply about every individual we serve. Here’s why Prairie Hawk Dental is the right place for your frenectomy procedure:

• Comprehensive Care – From your first consultation through recovery, we ensure that skilled, experienced professionals guide your treatment.  
• Patient-Centered Approach – Your comfort and well-being are our priorities. We take the time to understand your concerns and tailor our services to meet your unique needs.  
• State-of-the-art technology—We use advanced tools, like dental lasers, to provide minimally invasive care with faster recovery times.  
• Family-Focused Treatment – We work with patients of all ages, from infants to adults, ensuring that everyone in your family receives expert attention.  
• In-House Office Plan — We offer a membership club to help patients save on dental costs.

Frenectomy in Castle Rock

If you or someone you love could benefit from a frenectomy in Castle Rock, Prairie Hawk Dental is here to help. Don’t wait to address oral health concerns—whether they relate to speech, breastfeeding, or other challenges, getting the right treatment can make a difference.  

Dr. Aaron Goodman, Dr. Matthew Young, Dr. Aaron English, and their friendly team are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better oral health and improved quality of life! Our quality dental services include everything from restorative to cosmetic dentistry!