Labial Frenectomy: When Is It Needed?

A labial frenectomy is a surgical procedure that can help improve your child’s oral health and comfort. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a labial frenectomy is, when it might be necessary, and how it can help your child’s dental development. Knowing more about this procedure can help you feel more confident in making the right choices for your child’s dental care and overall health.

What Is a Labial Frenectomy?

A labial frenectomy is a simple procedure that involves removing or adjusting the small band of tissue known as the labial frenum. This tissue connects the inside of your upper lip to the gums right above your two front teeth. Sometimes, this tissue can be a bit too tight or thick, which is often called a “lip tie.” A lip tie can limit how the upper lip moves, which may lead to problems like feeding, speech, or dental development. A labial frenectomy can help correct these problems, allowing for better lip movement, improved comfort, and other long-term oral health benefits.

At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we perform labial frenectomies with gentle care and local anesthesia to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the process. If you’re worried about a possible lip-tie, our team is ready to help assess your child’s needs and figure out if a frenectomy is the best choice.

Signs Your Child May Need a Labial Frenectomy

Here are some common signs that may suggest your child could benefit from a labial frenectomy:

• Breastfeeding Challenges: Sometimes, a tight labial frenum can make it difficult for infants to latch on correctly while breastfeeding. This could lead to feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, or even cause discomfort for the mom. If your baby is having a tough time nursing or staying latched, it might be due to a restricted frenum.
• Bottle Feeding Challenges: Similar to breastfeeding, a tight labial frenum can make it difficult for your little one to create a good seal on a bottle nipple. They might end up swallowing too much air while feeding, which can lead to gassiness, discomfort, and fussiness both during and after feeding. Babies can sometimes have a hard time keeping a steady latch, which can make bottle feeding frustrating and less efficient. If your child frequently experiences these problems, it might be a good idea to consult with your pediatric dentist about whether a tight frenum could be the cause and if a labial frenectomy might make feeding easier for them.
• Tooth Gap (Diastema): A thick or tight labial frenum can create a noticeable gap between the two upper front teeth. This can affect the proper alignment of teeth as they grow, potentially complicating future orthodontic treatment. If this gap doesn’t close on its own as your child’s teeth grow, a labial frenectomy might be recommended to help with tooth alignment and make orthodontic treatment more effective.
• Gum Recession or Oral Hygiene Challenges: If a labial frenum is too tight or sits too low on the gums, it can tug on the gum tissue, which may lead to gum recession as time goes on. This can increase tooth sensitivity and gum irritation and even raise the chances of cavities since it can be tough to clean around the gums. If a tight frenum is affecting oral hygiene and gum health, a labial frenectomy could prevent any dental problems down the line.
• Facial Aesthetics: A restricted lip can mess with your child’s jaw alignment, which can change the overall shape of their face. This can lead to a high, narrow palate and some other structural issues that may alter the facial aesthetics. Poor jaw alignment due to a lip tie can also affect posture, which in turn might impact how symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing the face looks.
• Difficulty Moving the Upper Lip: A tight frenum may limit the movement of your child’s upper lip, making it harder for them to smile fully or perform everyday actions like licking their lips, eating certain foods, closing their lips comfortably over their teeth, or pronouncing certain sounds clearly. If your child is feeling uncomfortable or having a tough time with these movements, a frenectomy might be just what they need to get back to normal function.
• Pain or Discomfort in the Mouth: Some kids may feel a bit uncomfortable because of the tightness in their upper lip caused by a restrictive frenum. This may lead to lip irritation (especially when eating or talking) and mouth breathing. A frenectomy can help reduce discomfort and let your child’s lips move more naturally, which can improve overall oral function.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentists.

Ideal Age for a Labial Frenectomy

The ideal age for a labial frenectomy depends on your child’s specific needs and oral health concerns. While this surgical procedure can be performed at any age, there are certain instances when it might be especially beneficial.

• Infants: For infants, a labial frenectomy is usually recommended when a tight frenum is causing significant feeding difficulties. In these situations, performing the procedure early can help the baby latch on properly, making sure they get the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.
• Teenagers: This procedure is usually done alongside orthodontic treatment for older kids and teens. A labial frenectomy can help with misaligned teeth or even close the gap between the two front teeth. It makes orthodontic work more effective and supports their long-term oral health.

Every child’s situation is different, so when to perform a frenectomy really depends on what a pediatric dentist or orthodontist thinks after looking at each case.

How a Labial Frenectomy Is Performed

Labial frenectomy procedures are simple, quick, and safe for your child. Here’s what the process typically involves:

Step 1: Numbing the Area

Before the procedure begins, we apply local anesthesia to the treatment area. Your child won’t feel any pain during the frenectomy, so no worries there! If your child is feeling a bit anxious, we’ll take a moment to explain what’s going on in a calm and reassuring manner.

Step 2: Releasing the Tight Frenum

Once the area is numb, we make a small, precise incision in the tight frenum to release the restriction. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes only a few minutes to complete.

Step 3: Checking Mobility and Comfort

After releasing the connective tissue, we gently check to make sure the lip can move freely without restriction.

Step 4: Recovery and Aftercare Instructions

A labial frenectomy is a pretty simple procedure, so recovery tends to be quick, and most kids feel little to no discomfort afterward. Once the procedure is done, we provide clear aftercare instructions to help with the healing process.

Most kids bounce back pretty fast after a labial frenectomy. If your child struggled with feeding, speech, or oral discomfort before the procedure, you may see improvements pretty quickly or within a few weeks as they recover.

How to Care for Your Child After a Labial Frenectomy

While the healing process is generally smooth, proper aftercare can help ensure your child experiences minimal discomfort and achieves the best results. Here’s what you can do to support your child’s recovery process:

• Immediate Care: After the procedure, breastfeeding or bottle feeding your baby right away is highly recommended. Not only does this offer comfort, but it also helps with the healing process by encouraging movement in the surgical area, which can help with recovery.
• Manage Discomfort: Most children experience only mild soreness or tenderness for a day or two after the procedure. If your child is feeling uncomfortable, you can help manage the discomfort by giving them over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen. Just make sure to check the dosage guidelines based on their age and weight.  If you want to reduce swelling, try putting an ice pack on the outside of the lip for short periods during the first day. This can help your child feel more comfortable during the recovery process. You can also give them cold foods like yogurt, applesauce, or smoothies to soothe the area.
• Returning to Normal Activities: Most children can return to school and regular activities the same day or the next day. For older kids, it’s really important to steer clear of any strenuous activities that could disrupt healing. In the first 48 hours, it’s a good idea to keep your child from using straws or sucking on a pacifier since the suction could interfere with their healing.
• Encourage Gentle Mouth Movements: We will suggest simple stretches or exercises to help prevent the soft tissue from reattaching as it heals. These exercises involve gently moving the upper lip up, down, and side to side several times a day. This will help your child maintain a full range of motion. These exercises are quick and easy, and they play a key role in your child’s successful recovery.
• Stick to Soft Foods: In the first day or two after the procedure, it’s a good idea to stick with soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. These will keep the treated area from getting irritated and let your child eat comfortably. Try to steer clear of hard, crunchy, spicy, acidic, or hot foods that could irritate the surgical site. Make sure to remind your child to drink lots of water. It helps keep them hydrated and supports their healing! Sticking to these guidelines can help your child heal comfortably and steer clear of any extra discomfort.
• Keeping the Area Clean: It’s really important to keep your child’s mouth clean after the procedure. This helps prevent infection and supports healing. You can continue with regular tooth brushing, but make sure to be extra gentle around the treated area to prevent any irritation. If recommended, rinse with warm salt water twice a day to promote healing and reduce bacteria in the mouth. Keeping up with good oral hygiene will help your child heal faster and feel more comfortable.
• Keep an Eye on Healing: Most kids bounce back pretty fast after a labial frenectomy, but it’s important to keep an eye on the treated area as they recover. Watch for signs of proper healing, such as reduced redness and swelling. If you notice anything that seems unusual, like excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or discomfort that doesn’t improve, please contact us immediately. Staying vigilant will help ensure your child’s recovery goes smoothly and without any hiccups.
• Follow-Up Visit: We may schedule a follow-up appointment to check in on how your child is healing and make sure everything’s going smoothly. This visit is an important step to confirm that the frenectomy was successful and to make sure your child is healing well.

By following these simple steps, you can help your child recover smoothly after a labial frenectomy. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and happy.

Benefits of a Labial Frenectomy

A labial frenectomy can help improve your child’s oral health and make them feel more comfortable. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Improved Feeding for Infants: A labial frenectomy can improve lip movement, making it easier for babies to latch properly and feed well, cutting down on frustration for both the little one and the parent.
• Improved Bite Function: A labial frenectomy can help correct bite issues caused by a tight frenulum, allowing for better alignment of the teeth and improved overall bite function.
• Prevents or Helps Correct Diastema: This procedure can help get rid of diastema that might be caused by tension from a tight frenulum. This helps create a more aesthetically pleasing smile
• Supports Better Speech Development: A frenectomy can help with clearer speech by allowing for better lip movement, which can reduce speech issues linked to lip ties. This can lead to better communication skills and increased confidence in social interactions.
• Reduces the Risk of Gum Recession: A low-attaching or tight labial frenum can pull on the gums over time, leading to gum recession. By removing the tight frenum, a labial frenectomy can help protect the gums and prevent long-term dental issues.
• Easier Oral Hygiene: When there’s less restriction from the frenulum, kids can keep up with their oral hygiene better, which makes brushing and flossing a lot easier. This helps lower the chances of getting cavities and gum disease.
• Improved Oral Function: A tight labial frenum can make it difficult for your child to eat or smile comfortably. By releasing this tight tissue, a labial frenectomy can enhance lip mobility, allowing your child to perform these everyday activities with greater comfort.

If you think your child may benefit from a labial frenectomy, contact us today to schedule a consultation! Our team is here to help you make the best decision for your child’s oral health.

Is a Labial Frenectomy Safe for My Child?

Yes! A labial frenectomy is a safe and routine procedure that’s commonly performed on infants, children, and even adults when necessary. It’s a minimally invasive treatment with a low risk of complications and a high success rate. When performed by an experienced pediatric dentist or oral surgeon, the procedure is quick, effective, and allows for a smooth recovery.

Most children experience only mild swelling or slight discomfort after the procedure, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain meds. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, the risk of infection or other complications is very low. To ensure a comfortable experience, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, making the procedure virtually painless. In some cases, sedation may be recommended for younger children to help them stay relaxed and still during the treatment.

Consulting with a Pediatric Dentist

If you suspect that your child might have a tight frenum or other oral health concerns, consulting with a pediatric dentist is an important first step. We are trained to evaluate and treat a wide range of oral health concerns in kids and can help figure out if a procedure like a frenectomy is needed.

• What to Expect During the Consultation: During the consultation, we’ll take a close look at your child’s mouth. We will assess the frenum and evaluate how it may be affecting your child’s oral function. We may also consider other factors like your child’s age, dental development, and any related symptoms.
• Discussing Treatment Options: After the examination, we will discuss our findings with you and explain the available treatment options. We’ll share all the details about the recommended treatment, covering what it includes, the benefits, and what you can expect during recovery. If you have any questions, now’s the perfect time to ask! It’ll help you feel more confident about the decisions you’re making.
• Tailoring the Treatment to Your Child: Every child is unique, and so is their treatment plan. We’ll customize the procedure to fit your child’s unique needs, making sure we pick the most effective and least invasive option for them. We’ll also team up with other healthcare providers, like lactation consultants or speech therapists, if necessary, to make sure we take a well-rounded approach to your child’s care.
• Getting Ready for the Procedure: We’ll walk you through the next steps, including how to help your child get ready for their dental treatment and what to anticipate on the day of the procedure. We will also provide clear instructions on post-procedure care to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
• Ongoing Support and Follow-Up: We believe in providing ongoing support to both parents and children. After the procedure, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your child’s healing and address any concerns. We are committed to making sure your child’s experience is as comfortable and positive as possible, from the initial consultation to the final follow-up.

Consulting with a pediatric dentist is a crucial step in making sure your child’s oral health is on the right track.