Gentle Laser Frenectomy with Odyssey® Diode Laser

At White and Haines Advance Dentistry, we prioritize a welcoming and comfortable environment for our patients. We understand that the need for procedures like frenectomy can raise concerns, so our professionals provide clear information about the process. Utilizing advanced technology, such as the Odyssey Diode Laser, allows us to deliver effective and gentle care. Our precision in treatments, including lip tie correction and tongue tie treatment, reflects our commitment to compassionate care for patients in Cornelius.

What is a Frenectomy?

Your mouth is composed of small tissues called frenula. These connect movable parts, such as lips and tongue to the fixed organs like gums and the floor of the mouth. The lingual frenulum for instance is found under the tongue while the labial frenulum connects the gums with the upper lips.

The frenula are thin and flexible to allow any kind of movement; sometimes, they can be thick too short and tight, and this is a cause for worry. This is an oral condition that usually interferes with essential functions including speech, eating and breathing.

To correct this condition, our professionals use a procedure called frenectomy. It is a straightforward medical procedure that modifies and releases a restrictive frenulum to prevent associated symptoms and restore proper function. There are two ways to this:

Lingu Frenectomy - This treatment method is intended for the tight frenulum under the tongue. The procedure is also called ankyloglossia, sometimes tongue-tie
Labial Frenectomy - This oral procedure on the other hand is intended for the tight frenulum that connects the gum to the upper lips. Remember the same can also occur to the lower lips, so you will encounter terms like upper lip tie and lower lip tie, referring to one that occurs on the lower lips.

The above procedures is one, to allow the lips and the tongue to move freely, for comfort and best oral function.

When Do You Need a Frenectomy?

A restrictive frenulum is a condition worth addressing, and the sooner you recognize it, the better. The difficulties it presents can vary based on your age and the specific frenulum affected. If you observe certain symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

For young children, a Pediatric Frenectomy may be needed if you notice challenges during feeding or breastfeeding, indicated by the following symptoms.

Clicking sounds when breastfeeding
Pain and discomfort for the mother
Challenges latching onto the breast
Poor weight gain
Falling asleep when eating
Not being able to protrude tongue beyond the lips

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For children, this condition can lead to the following:

Speech difficulty like pronouncing sounds like d, z, s, th, n, I and more
difficulty eating
Not being able to sweep food that is stuck in the teeth with the tongue
Diastema - tight labial frenum often contributes to gaps between the teeth

The Odyssey Diode Laser Advantage: Transforming the Frenectomy Experience

Frenectomy therapies have existed since time immemorial but they were done using surgical scissors and scalpel. The procedure will involve bleeding and discomfort due to the stitching and often involves a longer healing time. At Drs. White and Haines, we believe those are outdated procedures because we use latest technology, Odyssey Diode Laser for frenectomies to achieve better outcomes.

The Odyssey Diode Laser is a state-of-the-art laser dentistry tool that uses a highly concentrated beam of light energy, directing it to the tight frenulum tissue to release the tight lip or tongue.

Benefits of Odyssey Diode Laser over Scissors and Scalpel

Removes tissue with unparalleled accuracy
Cauterizes, or seals blood vessels leading to minimal or no bleeding
Sterilizes the area preventing possible infections
It is gentle and effective

Your Frenectomy Journey with the Odyssey Diode Laser

If you are booked for a laser frenectomy at White and Haines Advanced Dentistry, we guarantee that the journey is clear and stress-free. Expect the following as you plan to visit us:

Consultation

We conduct a conclusive evaluation of your frenulum and advise you or your child if diode laser frenectomy is appropriate. We will let you ask us any question concerning the procedure and we will be glad to take you through what the treatment involves

The Procedure

This procedure takes a short time. We ensure it is painless, and for infants, we use a topical numbing agent. We use local anesthesia for grown children and adults. The therapy itself is gentle so at times you may not even need the anesthesia.

Aftercare

Once we are done, our doctors will provide you with easy-to-follow instructions for aftercare especially for small children. They may need stretching exercises to discourage re-attachment and allow for free tongue movement.

Outcomes After Odyssey Diode Laser Treatment

A successful laser frenectomy is life-changing, especially for children with challenges feeding or speaking. After undergoing this procedure, you can expect the following outcomes.

Infants - Can better latch and breastfeed which means better nutrition and weight gain.
Children - Stress-free earing and clearer speech
Adults - improves gum health, better speech and better denture fit. (frenectomy for adults)

Experience Gentle, Advanced Care in Cornelius

Choosing frenectomy in Cornelius, at Drs. White and Haines mean choosing highly trained and experienced doctors for both pediatric and adult frenectomy treatments. Our team is focused on providing efficient, effective and comfortable treatment to residents of Cornelius and beyond. Providing a hospitable atmosphere where you feel heard, understood and cared for besides specialized treatment is what gives us a competitive edge.

Do you think or suspect that you or your child has a tongue-tie or lip tie? Don't hesitate to seek treatment in Cornelius. We use gentle technology and offer compassionate care.

Contact Drs. White and Haines today and book a consultation. We will advise if a diode laser frenectomy is the appropriate approach. We have a friendly team that will be glad to lend a listening ear and schedule your appointment.