The Ultimate Guide to Post Labial Frenectomy Care

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that helps to treat lip-tie or tongue-tie. It can increase the tongue’s range of motion and close the gap between teeth. A simple oral surgery treatment can help address lingual and labial frena. Doctors often perform the procedure on babies with feeding issues, but it can also help adults by freeing connective tissue.

Types of Frenectomies

There are two main types of frenectomies: lingual and labial frenectomies. Lingual frenectomy addresses the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth floor. The procedure helps to correct the tongue tie.

A lateral frenectomy removes the tissue connecting the upper gums to the teeth. It helps to correct lip ties. It can also help to treat the lower lip, but this is less common. When performed on babies, the procedure is simple, quick, and takes a few minutes. Your healthcare provider can determine the best time for a frenectomy.

 

Reasons to Get a Frenectomy

The procedure can help to correct various oral conditions. A frenectomy can treat:

·      A tongue tie, which limits the tongue.

·      A lip tie, which affects lip movement.

·      gum recession, which can cause cavities and gingivitis.

·      Diastema, which is an aesthetically displeasing gap between the teeth.

·      Swelling, pain, and tenderness when brushing the teeth.

Your dentist can determine if the procedure suits the patient’s condition.

Frenectomy Procedure

During a frenectomy procedure, the oral surgeon modifies or cuts the frenum—a band of tissue connecting two areas. Frena in the mouth joins the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lips to the gums.

While, in most cases, they do not cause issues, if they are too tight or too short, they can cause oral issues. The condition can impact speech. In babies, it can make it difficult to breastfeed and swallow.

Recovery After a Frenectomy

Babies recover quickly after the procedure and are often able to feed immediately. It can take three to five days for older children and adults. Freeing the connective tissue reduces the risk of gum recession, gaps, and other oral issues. The actions you take after a frenectomy can ensure a quick recovery.

 

Post-Labial Frenectomy Care

·      Take medications as directed. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating soft foods before taking medication can help prevent nausea and boost the medication’s effects.

·      Avoid strenuous physical activity and get plenty of rest for the first 48 hours. An increased heart rate can increase bleeding.

·      It is common to experience some swelling after the procedure. Applying ice to the treated area can help reduce the swelling.

·      A little blood is not uncommon on the first day after surgery. Patients should avoid using a straw or spitting, as the suction can affect the clotting process.

·      Avoid physical activity as it can stimulate bleeding. Reclining at a 45° angle for 15 minutes and applying moist gauze over the area can help stop bleeding.

·      Patients can use warm, salty water to rinse their mouth for the first 24 to 48 hours.

·      Eat soft foods and plenty of fluids the first 48 hours after surgery. Adequate nutrition will help boost the healing process.

Proper post-procedure care will help to enhance the healing process. For more on the ultimate guide to post-labial frenectomy care, visit Hapy Bear Surgery Center at our office in Tulare, California. Call (559) 732-4279 to book an appointment today.