A laser frenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This procedure may be necessary for infants or toddlers if the frenulum is too tight or too short, which can cause problems with breastfeeding, speaking, or swallowing.
In infants, a tight frenulum can cause problems with breastfeeding because it can restrict the movement of the tongue and make it difficult for the baby to latch onto the breast properly. This can lead to poor milk transfer, which can cause the baby to become undernourished or dehydrated. A laser frenectomy can help to resolve this problem by freeing up the tongue and allowing the baby to latch on more effectively.
In toddlers and older children, a tight frenulum can cause problems with speaking and swallowing. It can cause the tongue to become anchored in place, making it difficult for the child to move their tongue freely and produce certain sounds correctly. A laser frenectomy can help to resolve this issue by freeing up the tongue and allowing the child to speak and swallow more easily.
Overall, a laser frenectomy can be a helpful procedure for infants, toddlers, and older children who are experiencing problems with breastfeeding, speaking, or swallowing due to a tight or short frenulum.
