Any Experiences with a Frenectomy?

Updated on June 21, 2011
C.H. asks from Columbus, OH
6 answers

I'm curious if anyone has a child who had to have a frenectomy & what you can tell me about it, good or bad. What was the recovery time? Was your child in a lot of pain and if so, how do they treat it?

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/17075606367412289537

See the above post for more info. My 6 year old had a lingual laser frenulectomy in 12/10. I was very happy with the laser procedure rather than the surgical clipping. Not all docs do the laser procedure. Our pediatric dentist and pediatric speech therapist recommended the laser procedure over the clipping. I was so glad that I went that route. I had found a blog online of a man who had surgical clipping and he reported all sorts of pain and complications etc. I didn't want to put my child through that.

Following the laser procedure, she had pain for 24-48 hours but it was manageable with pain meds, liquid/soft foods, sleep and lots of TLC. After 48 hours, she was back to her old self.

I hope this helps. I'd be happy to answer any more questions.

BTW, how old is your child?

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R.A.

answers from Providence on

I had it done when I was 18 years old. They numbed me up real well, and it was slightly sore afterwards, but that's about it. They gave me motrin, and told me to not eat any hot foods for a couple of days. I also drank out of a straw..

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K.N.

answers from Cleveland on

I had it done when I was about 14, after already having braces. They dug out my wisdom teeth at the same time but I remember being up and at the table eating dinner that same night. The pain wasn't bad, i remember because I had a sleepover for a friends birthday a couple of days later and didn't take my pain meds with me only tylenol, and had to give that and my antibiotics to my friends mom (which was a big stink and annoyed my teenage self). 16 years later and I've never had any issues or complaints about it being done, and my teeth look pretty good.

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M.N.

answers from Bloomington on

Sorry, I don't have an answer for you. However, I will be watching your responses since my daughter will also have to have one.

I have been told by a dentist and an orthodontist though to wait until all of the front permanent teeth have come in. #1 so that you can see how far the other teeth will push the front teeth together and #2 I guess it lowers the chance of scar tissue....not sure on this one. But, both did tell me to wait until about age 12 and not rush it. If scar tissue develops there is really nothing that can be done...

Hopefully you will get some answers from people that actually have been through this. I would like to see the information also. :o)

I looked at the website that was suggested by Mrs. M. but this is for a lingual Frenectomy. Is that the one that you are talking about or are you talking about the Frenectomy where they clip the tissue attaching the top lip to the gum between the middle front teeth? Just curious.

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L.

answers from Cleveland on

I have worked in orthodontics for 40 years. If the frenectomy is being done to close the space between the front teeth, make sure the space is closed immediately after the procedure. In most cases, the orthodontist will need to bond a little wire behind the front teeth to keep the space closed, even with the frenectomy.
This space between the front teeth runs in my family, I had the procedure done along with my wisdom teeth being removed...it only hurt when I laughed! Getting the stiches out was very painful though.
You did not say how old your child was, nor who recommended this procedure, but I would consult an orthodontist first, if you have not.

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D.L.

answers from Columbus on

I think it depends on how old the child is. My daughter had hers clipped at about 2 months. I don't even recall her crying when they brought her back to me. It took about 5-10 minutes and she was able to breastfeed immediately. Thinking back, she seemed a little cranky the rest of the day and wanted to nurse a lot - I think because it was so much easier for her and for comfort- and maybe a little cranky into the next day, but that was about it.
Good Luck!

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