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Jerger Pediatric Dentistry
Where Beautiful Smiles Begin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Laser Frenectomies

How can we help you?

Dr. Bret and our team have many years of experience in offering professional and friendly pediatric dental care to children of all ages. We know that parents often have many questions regarding their child’s dental care, and our goal is to make sure that your family feels comfortable and informed about any decision that you need to make. We want you to know that we are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have about your child’s teeth and mouth.

Please let us know if you have any concerns. There are no silly questions, and we want you to feel comfortable coming to us with even the smallest of worries. We know that welcoming our pediatric dental practice into your family is a big decision, and we want you to feel secure in knowing that you have chosen the right pediatric dentist for your child. 

Laser Frenectomies

A frenectomy is a procedure that pediatric dentists perform to release a tight frenulum that inhibits the proper mobility of a child’s lips and tongue.

The frenulum is a soft piece of tissue located in your child’s mouth. There are several frenula; a lingual frenulum secures the tongue to the bottom of the mouth; labial frenula attach the lips to the upper and lower gums.

Why Your Child Needs a Frenectomy

If the lingual frenulum is too thick or tight, it can prevent your child from using their mouth properly. Because they can’t lift their tongue, our dentist in Decatur, IL refers to this condition as “tongue-tie.”

A tight lingual frenulum needs to be corrected because it can cause difficulty in your child latching on during nursing or drinking from a bottle.

A labial frenulum that is too big can affect how their lips and tongue develop, impact their speech development, and create spacing issues in the teeth.

We Offer Comfortable Laser Frenectomies

At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, our dentist performs frenectomies with a special laser. Our dental team has extensive training with this procedure and have streamlined it to minimize the length of the procedure and healing time for your child.

If your child needs a frenectomy, we should perform the procedure sooner rather than later to minimize the amount of treatment required.

Schedule a Visit at Our Decatur, IL Office to Learn More

If your concerned that your child might need a laser frenectomy, call our Decatur, IL dental office to schedule an appointment.

It can become very frustrating when your baby isn't able to nurse or finish their meals from their bottle, and you need a solution fast!

A lingual frenulum (the piece of skin found under the tongue) that is too tight or thick can keep your baby from being able to nurse or drink from a bottle properly. We refer to this condition as "tongue-tied," and it can be detrimental to their health and development.  

How Does a Laser Frenectomy Work?

Decatur pediatric dentist, Dr. Bret Jerger, uses a dental laser to help reduce the frenulum so your child can move their tongue freely and can more easily get the nourishment they need for healthy development. Using the dental laser makes the procedure more comfortable and streamlined for children as it is quicker, causes less discomfort, and offers an easier healing process than surgery.

If your child is having difficulty latching on when they nurse, they might benefit from a laser frenectomy Mt. Zion, IL. Dr. Jerger would be happy to perform an examination and discuss your concerns with you to determine if this procedure might help your son or daughter. 

Contact Jerger Pediatric Dentistry

Contact Jerger Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment or to speak with your Decatur, IL dentist.

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