Laser Frenectomies in Houston, TX
While many people automatically think of the teeth and gums as the only areas of the mouth that dentists can help improve, there are many facets of the mouth that will sometimes need attention. A laser frenectomy is a procedure that can help many of our young patients, but many parents don’t know it is an option!
There are several ligaments in the mouth that can have a negative effect on your overall oral health if they are too tight. The labial frenum, the ligament that attaches the gums to the upper lip, should connect to the gum around 4 mm higher than the gum’s crest. If it attaches too low, there are several issues that can occur.
- Recession – when the ligament is frequently pulled due to movement of the lip, there are small areas or pockets that can form. With more movement, the pockets can grow and pose a risk for larger gum pockets that change into recessions.
- Diastema – when the ligament is too low, it can cause a space to form between the front teeth.
- Open Mouth Posture – the ligament being too tight can prevent the mouth from staying closed. It can cause negative changes in the jaw as well as dry mouth from constant mouth breathing.
Laser Frenectomies for Children
The lingual frenum is the ligament attaching the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. When too tight, it can cause the literal appearance of being tongue-tied. It can have very dramatic negative effects on speech development. Luckily, lasers are able to fix these issues quickly, and minimizes recovery time!
Answers to Common Questions About Pediatric Laser Frenectomy
A laser frenectomy is a gentle procedure that releases tight tongue or lip ties. It improves movement, feeding, speech, and oral development. Schedule a consultation to see if your child may benefit.
Signs may include difficulty breastfeeding, speech delays, mouth breathing, or gaps between teeth. An evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis. Book an appointment for a professional assessment today.
Laser treatment is precise, quick, and minimizes bleeding and discomfort. Healing is often faster compared to traditional surgical methods. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of laser treatment.
Yes, laser frenectomies are safe and commonly used for infants and children. We tailor the approach to your child’s age and needs. Call our office to discuss safety and care details.
The procedure is typically quick and minimally uncomfortable. Many children experience little to no pain afterward. Schedule a visit to discuss what your child can expect.
Healing usually occurs within a few days to a week. We provide exercises and after-care instructions to support proper healing. Reach out to us for post-procedure guidance.
Yes, releasing restricted tissue can improve tongue mobility, which supports clearer speech development in some children. Book a consultation to evaluate functional benefits.
In many cases, laser frenectomies can be done quickly without sedation. We assess each child individually. Contact us to determine the best approach for your child.
At Urbach Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced laser technology and child-focused care to ensure a comfortable experience. Schedule your child’s laser evaluation today.
Yes, Urbach Pediatric Dentistry offers gentle laser frenectomy services as part of comprehensive Houston Dentistry for Kids. Call today to book an appointment.