3 Facts on Laser Surgery for Frenectomy of Newborn Babies

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3 Facts on Laser Surgery for Frenectomy of Newborn Babies

22 January 2020
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


Some babies are born with a condition known as tongue-tie, which makes it difficult for them to breastfeed freely. A frenum is a group of tissues responsible for connecting the tongue to the base of the mouth while linking the upper lip to the gums. Therefore, abnormalities in the frenum in the form of being very long or very thick can inhibit the free movement of the tongue and upper lip in babies. This impaired movement can be problematic when babies need to breastfeed or latch onto food. If your newborn has been diagnosed with the tongue-tie condition, then they might need a corrective surgery known as a frenectomy to repair the condition and help them feed better. Here are some facts on laser surgery to correct frenum abnormalities.

Symptoms of Tongue-Tie 

There are various symptoms to look out for in determining whether your newborn has the tongue-tie condition. Babies who show signs of difficulties in breastfeeding or those who gag, choke or vomit on foods or liquids should be monitored for abnormalities in the frenum. Other symptoms include digestive problems, difficulty in swallowing, a heart-shaped tongue and mouth breathing, among others. When your baby presents these symptoms, you should consult a medical professional for further diagnosis.

How Laser Surgery Works

After your baby has been evaluated and determined to be the right candidate for the procedure, laser frenectomy will be performed at a specialist's office. Although there are different types of laser technologies, they all work on almost the same principle. A laser beam is targeted at the affected area where it cuts and cauterises tissues as it moves through it, thereby correcting the abnormally.

Benefits of Laser Treatment

The advantage of using laser treatment is that the process is fast, which sets your baby towards a path to a quick recovery. The main reason for a speedy recovery is that the surgery does not need stitches and sutures. Another advantage is that the treatment can be scheduled on the same day as the consultation. Also, you don't have to worry about your baby feeling pain or major discomforts because laser surgery is less invasive and may require little to no anaesthesia. Moreover, because the procedure is quick, your baby can resume feeding as soon as possible. However, note that some babies might become fussy after the surgery but will soon adapt accordingly.  

Contact a periodontist in your area to learn more about frenectomy surgery.