Frenectomy in Fayetteville, AR

There is no one age that is right for every frenectomy patient. At our practice, we evaluate infants, children, and adults based on how the tight tissue affects movement, feeding, comfort, oral health, or other functions. A baby with significant breastfeeding difficulties may have very different needs than an adult experiencing pulling around the gums. We recommend treatment only when our examination shows that releasing the tissue may provide a benefit. If you are unsure if you or your child needs treatment, we can examine the area and explain the options.

We take steps to make the frenectomy procedure as comfortable as possible for each patient. Some patients may experience mild pain, tenderness, or discomfort after the procedure as the tissue begins to heal. The level and length of discomfort can vary based on the location of the tissue, the patient’s age, and the treatment performed. We will explain what’s normal and provide instructions for caring for the treatment area at home. If discomfort becomes unusual or doesn’t improve as expected, we encourage patients or parents to call us.

Healing time varies from person to person, so we don’t give every patient the same timeline. The mouth will start to heal soon after the procedure, but tenderness and changes around the treated tissue can continue for some time. We will provide instructions based on the type of frenectomy performed and the patient’s individual health needs. It’s important to follow those instructions and avoid activities that could irritate the area while it’s healing. We may also recommend a follow-up visit so we can check the tissue, movement, and overall outcome.

A tongue tie can limit tongue movement and may contribute to breastfeeding or feeding difficulties in some infants. At our practice, we evaluate the baby’s oral tissue and function before deciding if a frenectomy should be considered. A frenectomy can release tight tissue and allow more tongue movement, but every feeding problem has to be considered individually because tongue tie is not the only possible cause. Parents may also need support from their baby’s doctor or other healthcare providers when addressing feeding concerns. We will explain what we find and help you understand if dental treatment may be helpful for your baby’s specific needs.

After a frenectomy, some tenderness, minor bleeding, or discomfort around the treated tissue may occur. We will give you instructions on how to keep the mouth clean, protect the area, and what to look for if you need to call our office. Movement may feel different because the tongue or lip is no longer held as tightly by the released tissue. The healing process takes time, and the experience can vary between infants, children, and adults. We encourage patients and families to stay in touch with our team if they have questions about healing, infection concerns, pain, or anything that doesn’t seem normal.