Now that your child has had their frenectomy, they can begin to enjoy all the benefits of greater tongue or lip mobility, including easier nursing and speech. But in the initial days after treatment, it is important to pay attention to their surgical site to ensure that it is healing properly. Here’s a closer look at what to keep an eye out for, and some important indicators that their mouth is on the road to recovery!
Decreased Swelling
Immediately following your child’s procedure, you will likely notice some redness and swelling at the surgical site. This is completely normal, and no cause for alarm. In most cases, this inflammation will last about a week, but if you notice it has not gone down at all by that time, contact your dentist.
Improved Movement
The main goal of a frenectomy is to improve the mobility of the lip or tongue. Following their treatment, your child will begin to have an easier time latching, sucking, and eating. Over the next few weeks, they should gradually get used to this improved mobility and develop a greater sense of confidence when they nurse.
No Reattachment
It is important to keep an eye out for the frenulum reattaching in its original position. To prevent this, your child’s dentist will likely prescribe some stretching exercises. Be sure that they are performing these as directed so the area remains flexible and none of the restrictions that were eliminated during the procedure return. If it does appear that the frenulum is becoming reattached, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Loss of White Patch
Within a few days of treatment, you may notice a white or yellowish, diamond-shaped patch at the surgical site. This is the body’s way of protecting the tissue while it heals and should go away on its own within about two or three weeks.
Easier Feeding
If your baby struggled to nurse before their treatment, one of the easiest ways to tell the procedure was successful is by monitoring their feeding. You should notice a marked improvement within a few days that continues over the coming weeks. Be on the lookout for less fussiness and better latching with both the breast and bottle.
No Pain or Sensitivity
Although your baby likely can’t tell you they feel better, watch for signs of enhanced comfort and decreased sensitivity during feeding, such as less fussiness, decreased stopping and starting, and an overall more satisfied baby following meals.
It is important to note that all children are different and will heal from a frenectomy at their own speed. However, you should notice a marked improvement in their comfort, oral mobility, and feeding efficiency soon after treatment. If it seems like your child’s discomfort is worsening instead of improving, or if there doesn’t appear to be any significant change in their feeding efficiency after a few weeks, reach out to their dentist as soon as possible.
Remember, a frenectomy to treat a lip or tongue tie is a safe, effective way to improve your child’s oral mobility, allowing them to enjoy things like easier feeding and eventually, better speech. To learn more about this procedure and see how it can benefit your child, talk to your dentist today!
About Dr. Garcia-DeMartino
Dr. N. Garcia-DeMartino earned both her undergraduate and dental degrees at Fairleigh Dickinson University. After graduating, she worked as a general dentist until 2003 when she began training at the International World Clinical Laser Institute to hone her expertise in soft and hard tissue dental lasers.
Honored by the Consumers Research Council of America as one of the “Top Dentists in America”, she is a current, active member of the Academy of Children’s Dentistry, the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the Academy of Women Dentists, and the American Dental Association. To schedule a consultation for a frenectomy for a lip or tongue tie, visit our website or call 908-840-8399.