As a parent, there’s a lot to learn. There are plenty of books and blogs out there to pore through, and even still it’s easy to miss some smaller things.
One of the benefits of having a pediatric dentist on your side is that you have someone knowledgeable to ask about your child’s oral health. For example, you have heard about “frenectomies” and “frenotomies” and wondered about the difference. Here’s what you should know about them, as well as how you can tell the difference.
First: Info About Lip and Tongue Ties
The first thing you should know is that both of these treatments are used to deal with lip and tongue ties. There is a small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the lips to the gums; if you curl your tongue inward, you may even be able to feel it. This is called the frenulum. Sometimes children are born with an abnormally thick frenulum, which affects their ability to eat and talk easily. When the issue is especially pronounced, this is what’s known as a lip and tongue tie.
Frenectomy VS Frenotomy
As was mentioned, both of these treatments deal with lip and tongue ties by reducing the size of the frenulum. In the case of a frenotomy, the frenulum is snipped slightly so that the tongue can move freely. A frenectomy, on the other hand, removes it completely.
Which One Works Best for My Child?
Both of these procedures are effective measures against tongue ties. Both are also quick and painless, which means that which one will be best for your child ultimately comes down to the severity of their condition, i.e. the size and condition of their frenulum. Your pediatric dentist will be able to tell you more about the nature of your child’s condition, as well as what kind of treatment will work best for them, when they meet you for a consultation. Yet another reason to be thankful that you have a pediatric dentist on your side!
About the Author
Dr. Bryce Cushing knows that pediatric dentistry can make the parents just as anxious as the patients, which is why he works hard to create a comfortable environment for the whole family. He combines incredible dental care with a gentle chairside manner that will put all of his patients completely at ease. Dr. Cushing received his dental degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
If you have any questions about frenectomies, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (402) 773-7873.