My DD needs a Frenectomy

[okeydokey]

My dd was referred by her pediatric dentist to a periodontist because her gums are beginning to receed due to a too tight frenum. That is the tissue that joins the base of the tongue to her gums on the bottom. The one on the top is too tight too and the pulling is starting to start effect her gums. So they will use a laser to trim the tissue on the top and the bottom at a cost of $1000. Sticker shock I know but if it will prevent the need of future gum grafts and disease, then we'll go ahead with it. However, she has some dentist anxiety and gets so worked up about this stuff. Has snyone here had one done or know someone that has? How was the recovery? the pain? I'm trying to reassure her that it'll be simple

It's always something isn't it?.

 

[Tinijocaro]

DS9 had it done to his lower one a few months back, but not laser, just with a scalpel and a couple shots to numb it. We have dental coverage so I don't know the cost but I'd be shocked if it was anywhere near $1000.00. It took 10 minutes. Ached for a day or two, no big deal.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My dd will need one at the top, between the front top teeth, she is 12.

The only thing I can say about it was that she has to get braces first and then they do it because there will be scar tissue.

That is my limited input.

My dd has anxiety issues as well and I am not looking forward to the braces more than the frenectomy.

Good luck to your dd.

 

[cajunmommy]

I've had one within the last five years for the same reason, but it was only @ the spot where the inside of my lower lip attached to the gum line below the front of my bottom teeth.

It wasn't a laser procedure, but it was a fairly quick process. IIRC, I only needed a few days of keeping the packing in place, and had to return for a post-op checkup (and possible stiches removal?) My wisdom tooth extraction recoveries were much more painful.

My periodontist gave me a sedative to take the morning of the procedure, then I had a combination of shots + anesthesia via a mask. The sedative had me really relaxed, but I do remember being awake for some of the procedure. The periodontist was charming enough to send me out with a freshly cut long-stem rose from his garden behind the office

Recovery was typical of any dental work I've had before - liquids initially (I can't remember if there were temperature restrictions) then soft foods. I really don't remember needing any pain medication post-op.

Good luck to your little one!

 

[Rose&Mike]

My DS had one done on top before he had his braces put on. They used a scalpel and removed a piece of gum from the back of his mouth to cover the area where they removed tissue in the front of his mouth. They had to remove extra gum tissue twice from the back of his mouth because the first piece didn't match. (I cannot remember why they had to do this because it's been several years). He said the procedure was uncomfortable but the recovery only took a day or so, nothing like when he had his wisdom teeth removed. Can't remember what it cost, but the orthodontist told us if he didn't have it done his teeth wouldn't stay in place even after braces.

Good luck.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My DS had one done on top before he had his braces put on. They used a scalpel and removed a piece of gum from the back of his mouth to cover the area where they removed tissue in the front of his mouth. They had to remove extra gum tissue twice from the back of his mouth because the first piece didn't match. (I cannot remember why they had to do this because it's been several years). He said the procedure was uncomfortable but the recovery only took a day or so, nothing like when he had his wisdom teeth removed. Can't remember what it cost, but the orthodontist told us if he didn't have it done his teeth wouldn't stay in place even after braces.

Good luck.

The lastest thing as I was told is that they are now doing it after/during braces as the scarring may push the front teeth apart again.
Now this is with the laser so I don't know if that matters.

 

[momof1princess]

My DD had it done when she was 2, but hers was reversed-the tissue was attached too far down the underside of her tongue (toward the tip) and would have caused a speech impediment. she had it snipped at a surgery center the day before thanksgiving (under sedation) and was eating thanksgiving dinner the next day as if nothing had happened. good luck to your DD!

 

[DizBelle]

Been there, done that, no big deal.

I didn't have any sedatives or gas. Just a shot or two of local anesthesia. It was mildly uncomfortable for a day or two but, all in all, no big deal.

She may want to steer clear of salty foods for a few days but, other than that, no special considerations.

 

[jel0511]

I was at the other end of the spectrum. I should have had it done as a child, but didn't and then needed it to be done as an adult and needed a gum graft. Like the PP, it was the one that attached my bottom lip to my bottom gum. I had to be sedated due to the gum graft. It wasn't pretty, pain similiar to my wisdom teeth. If you can do anything to prevent this from happening, do it!!!

 

[PaulaSue]

The price is NUTS! I should know. My Father, Myself and all 3 of my girls were born tongue-tied.

Mh dad and my had "surgery" when we were 4-5 years old. I still remember it and have bad memeories from it so when my girls were born so when The LC told me thay can ddo it right away I was so Happy!

All 3 of my girls had it done by Dr. May, now in Philly, PA and basically he took medical scissors and snipped the area. I was in for all 3 of them and nursed right after. Tiny little drops of blood and almost no crying.

So I have to believe that their is an easier and cheaper way to get it done by someone when they are older.

 

[MAKmom]

My Dd had the top done for around $400.00 but not with a lazer the recovery was a few days

 

[elgerber]

I had that done when I was in JR high, so, um, many many years ago. I remember it being quick and simple with no issues and really no pain either.

 

[belle&beast]

I had it done on both top and bottom gums 25 years ago when I was 10 years old, prior to having braces. I had other things done at the same time, so I was under anesthesia and lasers were not in existence . I ate a regular dinner that night and have never had any problems. I don't know much about the price, but you could always get a second opinion.

As for being "tongue tied"- I am also a speech pathologist and refer kids to their dentists or pediatricians regularly. This is a totally different situation than the OP has with her child.

 

[Shmily1]

My DD had it done when she was 2, but hers was reversed-the tissue was attached too far down the underside of her tongue (toward the tip) and would have caused a speech impediment. she had it snipped at a surgery center the day before thanksgiving (under sedation) and was eating thanksgiving dinner the next day as if nothing had happened. good luck to your DD!

Three of my DGchildren had this done too. They don't seem to mind after they come back to.

DD, DS, and my DB all had the part where the top lip meets between the front teeth that was too long. The doctor said not to worry about it and that when they fell down it will bust on it's own... sure enough, when they learned to walk, they fell down, it busted, bled for a little while, and that was over.