FRENECTOMY

Treating Tongue-Ties In Adults Fairfax, Virginia

A frenectomy is an oral surgery procedure that cuts the frenum, or the connective tissue that joins two areas in the mouth. Though more commonly performed on babies and infants, more and more adults with untreated tongue-ties are now receiving frenectomies. This procedure can improve speech, eating habits, and overall oral function.

In adults, untreated tongue-ties can cause ongoing discomfort, difficulty with oral hygiene, and even contribute to gum recession or speech issues. By removing this tissue, a frenectomy can enhance mobility of the tongue or lips, leading to better quality of life and improved dental health outcomes.

young woman with beautiful smile and curly hair

Symptoms of Tongue-Ties In Adults

Adults may have gone their whole life without knowing they have a tongue-tie. Some may never even experience symptoms and may not realize that a frenectomy is something they need. Thankfully, there is a simple, elective procedure that can help reverse the tongue-tie. In adults, patients with a tongue-tie may experience:

  • Mouth breathing

  • Poor sleep

  • Sleep apnea

  • Neck and shoulder pain

  • Digestive issues

Complications of Tongue-Ties In Adults

Adults may experience more discomfort and irritability when the condition prolongs and is left untreated. Untreated tongue ties can lead to complications, including:

  • Overcrowding of the teeth

  • Narrowing of the teeth

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Difficulty chewing

  • Increased risk of sleep apnea and TMJ

Benefits of Frenectomies

Most people don’t even realize how much a tongue tie impacts their life until they see the results post-surgery. The benefits that patients may notice include:

Decreased neck and shoulder tension

Shoulder pain, neck pain and headaches can all be traced back to the muscles under your tongue. This part of the mouth has many connections to other nearby muscle groups. When there’s tightness in the tongue, we almost always find tension in the neck and shoulder muscles as well

Resolving a tongue-tie in adults can lead to improved sleep all around

Untreated tongue-ties interfere with your tongue’s ability to keep your teeth clean. The tongue helps encourage saliva production, which helps neutralize the acids in our mouth before they start damaging the enamel on our teeth. A limited range of motion due to a tongue tie might mean more decay and cavities, especially in the molars

Adults who choose an elective frenectomy are often amazed at how it improves their ability to swallow! The procedure allows you to rest your tongue comfortably on the roof of your mouth while you’re taking a drink, rather than having to lower it completely with each gulp

CO2 laser for frenectomy Fairfax, VA

What To Expect

At Fair Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to improving your experience as a patient through continuing education and advanced dental training. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care for our patients and we are excited to use the CO2 Laser. This state-of-the-art dental technology will allow us to serve our patients in a way that not only maximizes patient comfort and shortens chair time, but improves the quality of our work with laser precision.

The Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment

Currently, we are offering CO2 laser treatment for frenectomy procedures. There are many benefits to this advanced technology including:

  • Minimal bleeding which shortens treatment time

  • Minimizes swelling and discomfort

  • Reduces the risk of infection

  • Faster recovery

  • Pinpoint precision

Post-Op Frenectomy Exercises

After a lingual frenectomy, you will receive instructions for post-op exercises that show gentle massaging and stretching exercises. Practicing these exercises several times a day promotes proper healing in the area, prevents any scar tissue from developing and helps train your new tongue and smile.