Dubai, UAE - As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure your child has a healthy smile. If your pediatric dentist tells you that your child needs a frenectomy, it's important to understand what that procedure entails and what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery so that you can make the best decision for your family.

What is frenectomy and when is it necessary for your child?
A frenectomy, also known as the tongue tie surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to remove the frenulum. The frenulum is the small piece of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If you’re finding it excessively painful to breastfeed your infant and find your infant having trouble swallowing, this may be because their tongue is unable to move as it should. In some cases, newborns receive frenectomy before leaving the hospital. Otherwise, if you notice your child is facing difficulty swallowing, it’s worth making an appointment with your pediatric dentist. In some cases, a frenectomy may be recommended to improve speech patterns. Additionally, a frenectomy may be recommended if the frenum is causing gum recession or receding gums in bottom front teeth. Frenectomies are typically performed under local anesthesia. The procedure takes only minutes to complete and is relatively painless. The overall goal of the procedure is to provide greater comfort, improved function, and an enhanced appearance. The results of the frenectomy can be seen immediately and the benefits can last a lifetime.

Things you can expect before your child's frenectomy
Before a frenectomy, it is important to understand the potential benefits that the procedure can provide for your child. A frenectomy can improve feeding and speaking as it removes the restriction of the frenum. This can help with the development of speech and even reduce the pain caused by a tight frenum while eating. Additionally, a frenectomy can also improve the appearance of the upper lip and help prevent gum recession in case that it's the lower lip. Your child will be examined by the pediatric dentist to determine whether a frenectomy is necessary. If yes, your child's dentist will likely give you a pre-operative packet with information about the surgery and what you need to do before the procedure. There may be specific instructions about eating and drinking leading up to surgery. Be sure to follow all of the dentist's orders carefully. “Make sure you have everything ready for your child's return home from the clinic. Stock up on soft foods that are easy for your child to eat, such as pureed fruits and vegetables or yogurt smoothies. You will also want ice packs and cold drinks on hand since your child will likely experience some discomfort after surgery” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, best pediatric dentist in Dubai.

Preparation and Procedure for Your Child’s Frenectomy
The actual procedure should only take a few minutes. Additionally, your dentist may place a topical anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure, , and nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas). Your dentist will discuss the options with you and help determine what's right for your child. During the procedure, your dentist at myPediaClinic will use radio frequency to gently remove the frenum. Once the frenum is removed, Your child may experience mild discomfort after surgery which can be relieved with pain medication. Afterwards, your child will likely be given pain medication as needed.
If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or during recovery, don't hesitate to talk to your pediatric dentist or other health care provider.

Aftercare for the Frenectomy site to ensure proper healing
After surgery, your child may experience some mild discomfort - this should resolve within a few days. Most children recover quickly and can go back to school or resume their normal activities within a few days. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions carefully during the recovery period and keep up with regular follow-up appointments to ensure that the healing process is going smoothly.
Aftercare best practices
Apply a thin layer of a prescribed topical anesthetic or cold food like ice cream to reduce swelling.
“Preparing yourself ahead of time, understanding the procedure, and being aware of the potential after-effects, you can rest assured that you are doing everything you can to ensure your child's comfort and safety. With the right preparation, your child's frenectomy can be a successful and safe procedure” says Dr. Yasmin.

About Dr. Yasmin Kottait: Having dedicated 16 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name and face in the field of pediatric dentistry in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism friendly dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.