If your child has a tongue tie, lip tie, or a related problem, Dr. M. Danielle Funny may recommend a frenectomy in Charlotte, North Carolina. This treatment removes the tie so that your child can speak and eat normally and enjoy a healthy quality of life. Contact our tongue tie dentist for lip tie treatment today!
What is a frenum?
A frenum (or frenulum as it is widely known) is a small fold of tissue that connects one part of the mouth to another. Both the labial and lingual frenum attachments can develop in ways that affect proper oral function. In some cases, Dr. Funny may recommend a release or modification of a frenum to improve a baby’s ability to latch when nursing and swallowing. In older children, treating a short or thick attachment may have a positive effect on their speech and other types of functions such as chewing and the ability to self-cleanse using their tongue. In some cases, a short, thick frenum can cause recession of the gums.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment of frenum attachments is called a frenectomy. The two most common types of frenectomies are lingual frenectomy and labial frenectomy. A lingual frenum (Tongue Tie) connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A labial frenectomy (Lip Tie) is used to remove the frenum that attaches the top lip to your gums above your front teeth.
What is the process of correcting a frenum attachment?
The laser frenectomy process is simple and relatively quick. Treatment can typically be completed in just one visit to our office. Know that Dr. Funny takes measures to ensure your child’s comfort during the visit. Our team will also provide you with care instructions and support resources to help your family attain the best possible outcome during healing.
Scheduling a Frenectomy Consultation
Before we can schedule a frenectomy consultation with Dr. Funny, we require a functional assessment referral. This referral should include after-visit summary notes from a qualified provider outlining their findings and recommendation for Dr. Funny to evaluate your child for possible treatment. Accepted referrals must come from a lactation consultant, occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist.
This step is important because it ensures that your family is already working with a provider who will play a key role in post-operative care. These professionals are essential in supporting your child’s feeding, speech and oral motor function after the procedure. Establishing this relationship ahead of time helps set your child up for the most successful outcome possible.