Sometimes, children are born with oversized frenums—the thin tissue under the tongue or lower lip. If not corrected, large frenums can result in breastfeeding difficulties, dental decay, and numerous other problems. Fortunately, laser frenectomies are an effective solution for children with this condition. Your pediatric dentist will let you know if this option is right for your child.

Laser frenectomies are recommended for children because the laser doesn’t actually cut away any tissue—instead, it vaporizes it. This means there is very little discomfort or blood involved in the procedure. In fact, some children have slept through laser frenectomies. A pediatric dentist will take steps to ensure your child’s experience is as comfortable as possible. 

This treatment method is also incredibly safe. Lasers are naturally sterile, unlike other surgical tools, so there’s little risk of infection. On top of that, lasers stimulate tissue growth, resulting in a faster healing time. Because lasers are highly precise, you don’t need to worry about damage to neighboring tissues.

If your child has trouble “latching on” while breastfeeding, they may benefit from this treatment. However, they may not be able to breastfeed immediately after the procedure. While breastfeeding after the treatment is both safe and healthy, dentists usually apply a small amount of anesthetic when performing laser frenectomies. This can prevent your child from latching on until the numbness wears off.

Again, only a dental professional can determine whether or not this treatment is necessary. To ensure your child receives the right treatment for their needs, choose a kids dentist you feel comfortable with.

Based in Eagle River, AK, the specialists at Discovery Dental will assess your child’s frenum and let you know if a laser frenectomy is an appropriate treatment option. Contact them online to learn about scheduling an appointment, or call (907) 622-5437.