Frenectomy Recovery Process

A frenectomy is a simple and quick procedure that can help improve your child’s oral function, whether it’s for breastfeeding or dental development. After the procedure, proper care and attention are important to ensure a smooth recovery. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what to expect during the frenectomy recovery process, provide tips for managing discomfort, and help you understand how to support your child’s healing every step of the way. With the right care, your child will be on the path to a healthier, more comfortable smile in no time.

What to Expect Immediately After a Frenectomy?

Immediately after a frenectomy procedure, your child may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or minor bleeding. These symptoms are completely normal and usually subside within a few hours. If your child is an infant, we encourage you to breastfeed right after the procedure. Breastfeeding provides comfort and helps soothe the baby while also promoting healing by stimulating movement in the surgical area.

At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand the importance of a successful feeding experience. That’s why we provide a private space for moms to ensure that latching is successful and that they feel confident in feeding their baby before leaving the practice. Our team will be there to offer guidance and support, making sure both you and your baby are comfortable before heading home.

For older children, they may return to their regular daily activities almost immediately after the surgical procedure. We will provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and help your child have a smooth recovery.

Managing Discomfort After a Frenectomy

After a frenectomy surgery, it’s normal for your child to feel some mild discomfort or swelling for a day or two. However, there are several ways you can help ease their discomfort and ensure a smoother recovery.

Breastfeeding for Infants: Breastfeeding not only offers comfort but also helps promote movement and healing in the treated area. We also recommend skin-to-skin contact with your baby, as this can help increase oxytocin levels, which naturally reduce pain and promote bonding.
Warm Baths for Soothing: If your baby is finding it hard to latch due to temporary soreness, consider feeding them in a warm bath to help relax both you and your baby. You may also try using frozen breast milk as a natural numbing agent. Small pieces can be placed under the tongue or lip to provide gentle pain relief.
Use Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen can be used to manage any soreness, but be sure to follow the correct dosage guidelines based on your child’s age and weight. If you’re unsure, always consult your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Apply a Cold Compress: For swelling and soreness, applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the affected area is very effective. Apply it for about 10-15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between to prevent skin irritation. This can help reduce swelling and keep your child more comfortable.
Encourage Rest: Rest is important, so encourage your child to take it easy for the first couple of days. Avoiding physical or strenuous activity can speed up healing.

If you notice anything unusual, like prolonged discomfort or issues with healing, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you throughout the recovery process and ensure your child heals comfortably and quickly.

How Long Does Frenectomy Recovery Take?

The recovery time after a frenectomy can vary depending on whether the procedure is done using traditional methods or laser technology, as well as your child’s age and overall health. Here’s a general guide on what to expect:

Infants:

Traditional Frenectomy: Healing typically begins quickly for infants, with significant improvement within 2-3 weeks and full recovery within a month. Mild discomfort may last for 1-2 days, but most babies bounce back quickly.
Laser Frenectomy: Recovery tends to be faster with laser technology, with major healing happening in just 1-2 weeks. The laser’s cauterizing effect reduces bleeding and swelling, leading to less discomfort and faster recovery. Discomfort usually lasts only 1-2 days.

Older Children:

Traditional Frenectomy: For older children, total recovery takes about 2-4 weeks. Most children feel back to normal within a couple of weeks, though they may experience mild discomfort for 1-3 days.
Laser Frenectomy: Recovery is typically quicker, with complete healing usually occurring in 1-3 weeks. Most children can return to their normal activities within a week. Discomfort is generally less intense compared to traditional methods, lasting only a few days.

Infants generally heal more quickly due to their highly elastic tissue and rapid cellular regeneration. Their bodies are still in a growth phase, allowing for quicker recovery with less swelling and discomfort. Infants also have robust immune systems, helping to prevent infections at the surgical site. Additionally, babies are less aware of the procedure’s implications, which reduces stress and can lead to a smoother healing process.

Post-Operative Exercises

After a frenectomy, gentle exercises are recommended to prevent the treated tissue from reattaching and to restore your child’s full range of motion. Start exercises 24 hours after the procedure. Perform them several times a day for 3-6 weeks. Always be gentle to avoid causing discomfort. Ensure your hands are clean, and consider using gloves.

Exercises for Infants:

Tongue Stretches: If your child had a lingual frenectomy (under the tongue), tongue stretches are important. Place a clean finger under your baby’s tongue and gently lift it toward the roof of the mouth. Hold the stretch for five seconds and repeat it five times.
Upper Lip Stretches: For labial frenectomy (upper lip), gently lift the upper lip and stretch it upward and outward to stretch the tissue. Hold for five seconds and repeat five times. This helps ensure the connective tissue heals properly without reattaching.
Side-to-Side Tongue Movement: Gently rub the sides of the tongue to encourage lateral movement. Hold for five seconds on each side to promote mobility.
Sucking Exercises: Allow your baby to suck on a clean finger or pacifier and gently pull it out to create a small popping sound. This promotes natural tongue movement and oral function. Perform this exercise ten times, 2 to 3 times a day.

Exercises for Older Children:

Tongue Around the World: Ask your child to move their tongue in a circular motion around their teeth while keeping their lips closed. Start with five circles in each direction, gradually increasing to ten, performed 2-3 times a day.
Lip Around the World: Gently grab your child’s upper lip and move it in circles, both clockwise and counterclockwise. To promote flexibility, perform ten circles in each direction, 2-3 times a day.
Puffing Exercise: With lips closed, have your child puff their cheeks with air and direct it in different directions (up, down, left, right). Repeat 2-3 times in each direction, twice a day.
Clicks and Jaw Stretching: Encourage your child to touch the roof of their mouth with their tongue, making clicking sounds ten times, three times a day. You can also encourage them to touch their tongue to their back molars (ten times, twice a day) to improve oral mobility.

These exercises are essential for supporting your child’s recovery and preventing the soft tissue from reattaching. If you have any concerns or are unsure how to perform the exercises, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

Post-Operative Oral Hygiene Routines

Maintaining good oral health is key to ensuring a smooth recovery after a frenectomy. Start with gentle care 24 hours after the procedure to give the surgical site time to settle. Here’s how you can care for your child’s oral hygiene during recovery:

Use a Soft Cloth for Infants: For infants who cannot yet brush their teeth, use a clean, damp cloth or gauze to wipe their gums gently. This helps keep the mouth clean without causing irritation to the surgical site.
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush for Older Children: If your child has teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the surgical area without directly brushing the site for the first few days. Brushing twice a day, especially after meals, helps reduce plaque buildup and maintain cleanliness. Remind your child to be extra gentle around the treated area and to take their time to avoid irritation.
Warm Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water) can help keep the mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection. Encourage your child to rinse gently several times a day, particularly after eating.
Avoid Alcohol-Based Rinses: Steer clear of alcohol-based mouthwashes during the healing process, as these can irritate the surgical site. Use only non-alcoholic rinses recommended by your pediatric dentist.
Avoid Straws: Avoid using straws or any other suction motions for at least a week after surgery, as the suction can interfere with the healing process. Encourage your child to drink from a regular cup instead.

By following these post-operative oral hygiene routines, you can help ensure your child’s recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Dietary Guidelines

A proper diet after a frenectomy is essential to ensure your child’s comfort and promote smooth healing. During the initial recovery phase, it’s important to offer foods that are gentle on the surgical area and won’t cause irritation. Here are some helpful dietary guidelines to follow:

Stick to Soft Foods: In the first few days, focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, oatmeal, and soft fruits like bananas. These options are gentle on the healing tissue and provide the nutrition your child needs without causing discomfort.
Avoid Hard, Crunchy, or Sticky Foods: Foods like chips, popcorn, nuts, and chewy candies can irritate the surgical site or get stuck in the wound, potentially slowing down the healing process. It’s best to steer clear of these types of foods until your child’s mouth is fully healed.
Cool Foods for Comfort: Cold foods like smoothies, ice cream, and chilled applesauce can help soothe the treated area, especially in the first 24-48 hours when your child may experience mild swelling or discomfort. The cool temperature provides relief and makes eating more enjoyable.
Avoid Hot and Spicy Foods: Hot or spicy foods can irritate the healing tissues and cause discomfort. To prevent irritation, ensure that meals are served lukewarm or at room temperature. Spicy seasonings should also be avoided until the area is fully healed.
Skip Foods with Seeds: Certain fruits and foods with small seeds, such as berries or seeded bread, should be avoided. Seeds can become lodged in the surgical area, potentially causing irritation or delaying healing.
Hydration Is Key: Keeping your child hydrated is crucial for the healing process. Encourage them to drink plenty of water but avoid sugary or acidic drinks that could irritate the surgical area. Be sure to remind them to avoid using straws, as the suction can disrupt the healing tissue. For infants, breastmilk or formula provides essential hydration, which is crucial for quick recovery.
Gradually Reintroduce Solid Foods: As your child begins to feel more comfortable, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods into their diet. However, continue to avoid hard or chewy foods until your pediatric dentist confirms that it’s safe for your child to return to their normal diet.

Following these dietary guidelines will help make your child’s recovery more comfortable and ensure proper healing.

What to Expect During the Healing Process?

Knowing what to expect can help ease any concerns and ensure your child’s recovery goes smoothly. Here are some key things to keep in mind during this time:

Mild Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling and mild discomfort are common in the first few days following the procedure. This typically subsides within 48 hours.
Minor Bleeding: It’s normal for there to be slight bleeding immediately after the procedure, but it should stop quickly.
Fussiness or Irritability: Infants and young children may be fussier than usual after the procedure. This is often due to the unfamiliar sensations in their mouth as they adjust to the changes. Offering extra comfort through breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, or simply holding your child can help soothe them during this time.
White or Yellow Tissue: During the healing process, it’s common to see a white or yellowish film covering the surgical site. This is a normal part of tissue regeneration and does not indicate an infection. The appearance will improve as the tissue heals over the next few days.
Scabbing or Light Crusting: In some cases, you may notice light scabbing at the site of the frenectomy. This is a normal part of healing as the tissue repairs itself.
Improved Oral Function: As your child heals, you’ll start to notice improvements in oral function. Infants may latch more effectively during breastfeeding, while older children may find it easier to eat or clean their mouths.

Understanding these aspects of the healing process will help you feel more prepared and confident about supporting your child’s recovery.

When to Contact Your Pediatric Dentist?

While most children recover smoothly after a frenectomy, it’s important to know when to reach out to your pediatric dentist if any issues arise during the healing process. Here are some situations where you should contact us for further guidance:

Prolonged or Excessive Bleeding: If the surgical site continues to bleed more than a few hours after the procedure or starts bleeding again after the initial healing period, it’s important to contact us for an evaluation.
Signs of Infection: Although infections are uncommon, signs like persistent redness, swelling, bad breath, pus at the site, fever, or your child feeling generally unwell could indicate an infection. If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately.
Excessive Swelling or Pain: Mild swelling and discomfort are expected after a frenectomy, but if the pain worsens or swelling doesn’t improve after a couple of days, a follow-up visit may be necessary to ensure proper healing.
Difficulty with Feeding or Oral Function: If you experience breastfeeding difficulties again, or your child has trouble eating after the expected healing period, it’s best to schedule a follow-up to assess their recovery and progress.
Reattachment of the Frenum: If the tissue seems to be reattaching or your child’s tongue or lip mobility doesn’t improve, reach out to us immediately. Catching reattachment early can prevent further complications.
Concerns About the Healing Process: If you have questions or concerns about how the surgical site looks, how to perform post-operative exercises, or anything else related to recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us.

By staying in touch with your pediatric dentist and monitoring your child’s recovery closely, you can ensure that any issues are addressed quickly and that your child heals properly. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns.

With four convenient offices in Minnesota and one in Omaha, Nebraska, we make it easy for your family to access exceptional dental care right in your own neighborhood. Schedule an appointment today, and let us help your child achieve a healthy, happy smile!