Common Frenum-Related Issues
Children who have issues with their frenum may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Discomfort while swallowing
- Gap develops between upper two front teeth
- Difficulty nursing
- Abnormalities that develop in the mouth
- Frenum more likely to tear
- Abnormal jaw development, which can cause mouth breathing and/or snoring
- Difficulty speaking (tongue-tied)
- Difficulty extending the tongue
- Gum recession, eventually resulting in exposed tooth root
- Impacted baby teeth
Frenectomy For Adults
Adults who have issues with their frenum may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty speaking, especially speaking loudly or softly.
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Increased risk of periodontal disease
- Reduced sensation when kissing
- Difficulty playing certain instruments
How Much Does a Frenectomy Cost?
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to making sure you understand what the cost of treatment will be and will do everything we can to help you maximize your dental health benefits and explore third-party financing plans if necessary. One of our business coordinators will be happy to conduct a complimentary benefits analysis for you when you are in the office.
If you do not have insurance and are concerned about the cost of periodontal care, you are not alone. We understand that cost of periodontal treatment is one of the biggest concerns our patients have and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve, and that cost of treatment does not prevent this from happening. To learn more about all the financial options we offer, contact our office today.
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, and financing.
What to Expect During the Frenectomy Procedure
Performing a frenectomy is a fast and relatively painless process. For adolescents and adults, we will provide a local anesthetic and/or dental sedation to reduce pain, discomfort, and/or anxiety during the procedure. Next, we will use a scalpel, laser, or combination of both to remove a small portion of the frenum. Once the frenum is removed, the wound is closed and the healing process can begin.
Once the procedure is complete, the recovery process following a frenectomy is very minimal, and will not require any modifications, though the area where the frenectomy was performed may be a bit tender at first. Discomfort or pain can typically be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It will also be important to limit tongue movement and keep the area where the frenectomy was performed clean following the procedure. Though uncommon, some patients may experience some side effects following the frenectomy, such as bleeding, temporary soreness, tongue numbness, infection, hematoma, and in very rare cases, development of scar tissue.
Following a frenectomy for your child, it is important to follow post-operative instructions to ensure a speedy recovery and minimize post procedural risk. If the frenectomy is performed on a newborn, most discomfort and pain can be alleviated by nursing your child. If this does not seem to help and they continue to express discomfort, you may give them the recommended dosage of children’s Tylenol. To facilitate the healing process and reduce risk of scarring, it is important to perform stretching exercises under the tongue and the upper lift, making sure that your fingernails do not need to be trimmed and washing and rinsing your hands before doing so. In addition to closely following post-procedural instructions, it will be necessary to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the area has healed properly and the frenectomy was successful. Though uncommon, a second frenectomy is occasionally necessary.
Personalized Care and High Quality Services
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, you can be confident that you will have an unparalleled dental experience. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals are committed to providing the highest level of periodontal support and taking time to get to know our patients. We believe that developing this level of trust and open communication is an essential component to understanding your unique needs and providing you with optimal care.
If you have additional questions about the frenectomy procedure or would like to schedule an appointment, new patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400 and current patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400.
We look forward to providing you with the extra attention you deserve!