Frenulectomy For Children
Children with over-sized frenums can experience a range of issues, including the following:
- Can cause gum recession
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Frenulum gets stuck between teeth
- Difficulty sticking tongue out
- Increased risk of developing periodontal disease, due to receding gums
Frenulectomy For Adults
Adults with frenulums that are over-sized can experience a range of issues, including the following:
- Can cause gum recession
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased risk of developing dental issues
- Issues communicating
- Difficulty playing particular types of instruments
- Difficulty kissing
Dr. Patel
Periodontist
The training that Dr. Patel has received has given him a wide range of experience in treating advanced periodontal disease, complicated extractions of teeth, placement of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures, as well as in periodontal plastic surgery/cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Pooria Fallah
Periodontist
Dr. Fallah received his DDS degree in 2009 and subsequently completed his residency program in Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry in 2015. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics in 2016 and has been practicing periodontics in private practice in Dallas since 2015.
Dr. Husain
Periodontist
Dr. Husain is proficient in dental surgical procedures involving bone and soft tissue grafting, dental implant placement, minimally invasive LANAP and other laser procedures, and treating chronic periodontal diseases.
Dr. Li
Periodontist
Dr. Li is a Board-Certified periodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of all phases of periodontal disease and treatment and in the placement of dental implants.
Dr. Sheppard
Periodontist
Dr. Sheppard has been in private practice since 2004. She takes pride in providing her patients with the highest quality care using the latest technology and using a patient centered approach. In 2005, she co-founded The Northwest Society of Women Dentists, an organization for women who were often also business owners.
The Frenectomy Process
In order to determine if a frenectomy is right for you or your child, you will need to schedule an initial consultation, during which we will examine the overall health of your teeth, review your medical history, and determine what treatment options are best suited to your unique needs.
If a frenectomy is determined to be the optimal treatment option for you or your child, the procedure will begin with administration of a local anesthetic for older children or adults. Next, your periodontist will use a laser or scalpel to separate the frenulum. The procedure is relatively painless and can typically be completed with 15-30 minutes.
Potential Consequences of Not Having a Frenectomy
A range of issues can develop for patients who do not pursue treatment, including:
- Airway constriction/nasal sinus congestion
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Crowded teeth
- Improper swallowing and/or messy eating
- Inadequate lip seal
- Limited jaw growth
- Limited or altered dental arch development
- Limited movement of oro-facial muscle
- Periodontal disease
Aftercare for Frenectomy
Following the procedure, it is critical to stretch the tongue and lip area within four hours. First, wash and dry your hands and then begin to playfully rub the gums, palate, and inner cheeks. Doing so will encourage tongue movement and relax your baby. Next, place your finger beneath the tongue and lift up, holding it in place for three seconds before releasing. Do this one or two times. Next, lift your child’s upper lift until it covers the nostrils. Hold this position for approximately three seconds and repeat this process one or two times. Finally, massage the area of the lip directly beneath the nose. Ideally these exercises will be repeated before feedings for the first two weeks, but it is most important to perform them during the first 48 following the procedure.
Performing these stretching exercises will have the following benefits:
- Optimal healing and tongue functionality and mobility
- Prevents oral aversion
- Prevents scar formation and re-attachment
- Improves your child’s feeding skills
In addition to providing this aftercare for your child, you will need to schedule a follow up appointment to ensure you are healing properly and that the treatment has been successful.
Adults recovering from a frenectomy procedure can expect some mild pain or discomfort, which can typically be addressed through administration of ice packs and pain relieving medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. It is also important to follow a soft food diet following surgery, sticking to foods like mashed potatoes pasta, soups, scrambled eggs, etc. Finally, you should maintain your normal oral hygiene care, though it is important to avoid rinsing vigorously. You should also brush lightly in the areas where the dressing is placed.
Babies who have a frenectomy will typically demonstrate or experience mild fussiness or discomfort following the procedure, but this can usually be relieved through breast feeding. If your baby continues to be uncomfortable, Tylenol can help relieve discomfort. Be certain to carefully follow the recommended dosage based on your baby’s weight.
Frenectomy Cost
There are a range of factors that can impact the final cost of having a frenectomy, such as the severity of your case, any associated procedures that will need to be performed prior to or along with treatment, as well as your insurance plan.
Our team is committed to helping you complete necessary paperwork, schedule appointments, and answer any questions you have concerning billing. For patients who have insurance plans, we do request you submit medical/dental insurance information with your New Patient Paperwork to expedite this process.
Please note: to reduce costs to our patients while still ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care, we have the following financial polices:
- We accept Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
- Full payment is due after services rendered
- Payment plan options are available via www.CareCredit.com
PERIODONTAL SERVICES
To determine if you have gum disease, your periodontist will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Patients who have pockets that are deeper than the average depth of three millimeters or less will be considered candidates for treating gum disease. Depending upon how severe your case is, your periodontist will suggest a follow up appointment, during which several different treatment options may be recommended.
Schedule Your Visit Today
At ROOT™ Periodontal and Implant Center, we take your health, confidence, and teeth seriously. Scheduling regular visits to maintain your teeth and gums will actively improve your overall health, and maintaining a bright and strong healthy smile will do wonders for your self-confidence. In addition to recognizing the importance of your oral health, we also understand the importance of your time, which is why we are committed to making every visit to our clinic as efficient as possible.
If you would like to learn more about the frenectomy procedure and/or see if a frenectomy is right for you or your child, schedule an appointment or consultation today with our friendly, helpful staff, who can be reached at the following locations: Carrollton: (972) 242-7603; Flower Mound: (972) 434-8050; Denton: (940) 566-7021, or Frisco: (469) 489-ROOT.
We look forward to serving you and your smile and having you on your way as soon as possible!