Houston Children’s Dentist: The Best Age for a Frenectomy

If your child has been diagnosed with a tongue tie, an excellent solution is a simple surgery called a frenectomy. However, when is the best time for your child to have this tongue-tie treatment? At Gloss Dentistry at Greenway, we won’t leave you wondering. Below, Dr. Tasneem Mahmood, our Houston children’s dentist, discusses the best age for a frenectomy as a tongue-tie treatment.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes the frenulum. That’s the small piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. As the Mayo Clinic explains, for children with a tongue tie, this tissue is too short, thick, or tight, making it harder to move their tongue. Frenectomies quickly and easily free up the tongue.

Getting this procedure done at Gloss Dentistry at Greenway is even easier, thanks to our use of laser dentistry. The laser eliminates the excess tissue in just a couple of minutes. On top of being fast, this technology causes less discomfort, reduces bleeding, and even helps your child heal faster.

The Best Age for a Frenectomy

The best age for a frenectomy is typically between 6 months to 2 years old. At this age, the frenulum is still thin and easy to remove. The healing process is also faster, so your child can bounce back quickly. Infants and toddlers are less likely to experience anxiety or fear during the procedure, and they won’t remember it once they get older.

Benefits of Early Treatment at Our Houston Office

Seeking treatment for a frenectomy at a young age can have numerous benefits:

Improved Speech: An unrestrained tongue allows your child to learn how to form sounds properly. Getting care before they start talking makes learning language easier.
Better Eating: Children can eat and swallow without difficulty after a tongue-tie treatment, leading to better nutrition and overall health.
Improved Oral Hygiene: A tight frenulum can make it difficult to clean the mouth, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. A frenectomy prevents these issues.
Reduced Risk of Complications: A tongue tie can cause difficulty breathing, sleep apnea, and dental problems. Nip those in the bud with our laser treatment.

What If Your Child Is Over 2 Years Old?

That’s okay! A frenectomy can be performed at any age. Some parents don’t even know about their child’s condition until the child is old enough to vocalize discomfort or difficulty. Others find out about the need for a frenectomy from a speech-language therapist. Tongue ties also run in families, so you may have had a younger child diagnosed and then realized your older child also has the problem. Whatever the case, at our office, it’s never too late to seek treatment. We’re equipped to accommodate any patients who need help with a tongue tie.

Book a Laser Frenectomy with Our Houston Children’s Dentist

While the best age for a frenectomy is between 6 months and 2 years old, you can reach out to Gloss Dentistry at Greenway for tongue-tie treatment at any time. Dr. Mahmood has the necessary expertise and experience to perform this procedure for patients of all ages. Contact us today to make an appointment for your family’s health.

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