Frenectomy Procedure in Valley Village, CA

Free your tongue with a professional frenectomy from Rite Dentist in Valley Village, CA.  

Some people say they are tongue-tied if they stumble over words. For others, being tongue-tied is an actual medical condition. A tongue-tie happens when a fold of tissue called the frenum is too restrictive. The dental procedure known as a frenectomy releases the lips or tongue from the frenum.

What Is a Frenum?

“Frenum” is Latin for “bridle.” Like a bridle, the frenum that keeps our lips and tongue securely attached to our mouths. The frenum that connects to the lips is called the labial frenum, while the frenum that attaches to the tongue is called the lingual frenum.

The Labial Frenum

The labial frenum connects the mouth and the lips. If the frenum is too restrictive, it can cause jaw and neck pain. A tight labial frenum can also make it difficult to brush your front teeth.

The Lingual Frenum

The second type of frenum, the lingual frenum, is most likely to cause problems.  

If the frenum, the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too tight,  it makes talking and eating difficult. 

For a frenectomy in Valley Village, CA, the number one option is Rite Dentist.

Symptoms of Tongue-Tie

People who have tongue-tie have an unusually short or constrictive frenum that prevents the tongue from achieving a full range of motion. This can cause problems such as:

–      in infants, difficulty latching or drinking from a bottle

–     in adults, difficulty speaking clearly

–      difficulty swallowing

–      mouthguard or dentures not fitting properly

–      increased risk of cavities and periodontal disease

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting out the frenum. Then, in a lip-tie release, the dentist cuts the connection between the gum and lips, while in the tongue-tie release, the dentist releases the tongue from the floor of the mouth.

A tongue-tie release allows a greater range of motion. This should make talking and chewing more accessible and improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. 

The Frenectomy Procedure

Before the frenectomy in Valley Village, CA, your dentist at Rite Dentist will talk with you about your medical history to find out if you have a bleeding disorder, are allergic to any medications, or have any other medical conditions that might affect the frenectomy.

During the frenectomy, the dentist will use either a scalpel or a laser to cut the frenum so that the lips or tongue can move more freely. Usually, a local numbing agent is enough to manage pain, although some patients may opt for light sedation or, for young children, a parent may choose general anesthesia. In addition, the dentist might use gauze to minimize bleeding and recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Recovering from a Frenectomy

After a frenectomy, it is essential to allow the area between the tongue and the floor of the mouth to heal. Use the following tips to keep your mouth healthy and reduce complications:

•     Do not use straws because this could put stress on the area.
•     Do not take anticoagulants such as aspirin without talking to your dentist or doctor.
•     Use your tongue when you can to promote flexibility and healing.
•     Use ice chips to cool the area and reduce swelling.
•     Avoid getting food in the area of the incision until it has healed.

It should not take more than a few days or a week to recover from your frenectomy. It is normal for the procedure to cause some bruising or bleeding, but let your dentist and doctor know if you experience severe pain or signs of infection.

Holistic Dental Services from Rite Dentist

At Rite Dentist, providers of frenectomy in Valley Village, CA, we understand that conditions of the mouth, including tongue-tie, affect many other aspects of your body, including your psychological well-being. So we won’t just focus on fixing the frenum. We’ll ask how the condition affects you in everyday life and ensure that your treatment makes your whole life better.

The Rite Dentist team values oral health and quality of life in the local community. We are proud to provide a full range of cosmetic, restorative, and pediatric dentistry at our holistic dental office. 

If you are a new or existing patient in need of a frenectomy in Valley Village, CA, call 818-766-7776 to schedule an appointment for a consultation today. Check out our RitePlan dental savings plan if you don’t have insurance.