Frenectomies in Knoxville, TN!

Tongue-ties are fairly common, in fact, it’s estimated that up to 10% of the population experiences some form of tongue-tie. In some cases, tongue-ties go unnoticed by both the parents and the child. In other cases, frenectomies are simple procedures that can make everyday tasks easier and improve many patients’ overall quality of life. If you think your child could benefit from a frenectomy, let our team know during your child’s appointment and we will be happy to assess them!

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What is a frenectomy?

A tongue-tie frenectomy is the removal of the lingual frenulum, a band of tissue that connects the base of the tongue with the floor of the mouth. The conventional frenectomy method involves removing the frenulum with a scalpel, but it can also be done using laser therapy. Complications caused by frenectomies are quite rare, with the most common symptoms after treatment being minor bleeding and soreness.

When can I take my child to treat their tongue-tie?

Frenectomies are safe procedures that can be performed on infants, children, and adults. If your baby has been experiencing problems with breastfeeding or poor weight gain, it could be due to a frenum that is too tight. For older children, speech impairments or the inability to stick out their tongue past their upper gums or lips could be indicators that they have a tongue-tie. Your dentist will be able to determine if a frenectomy would be a good solution for your child.

Does a tongue-tie cause gapped teeth?

Lip-ties are often associated with gapped teeth, as a tight labial frenulum can widen the gap between the two top front teeth. Severe cases of tongue-tie can also cause gaps in the lower front teeth. It’s important to remember that children naturally have gaps between their baby teeth, and wide gaps may be filled when their adult teeth grow in or with future orthodontic treatment.

Have you been searching for a dentist who treats tongue-ties? Our team can help! Schedule your child’s appointment today.

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