Indications for Frenectomy in Children

As a periodontist, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer concerns himself with the health of his patients' oral soft tissues. Dr. Jeffrey Felzer offers a procedure called a frenectomy as part of his private practice in Wilmington, Delaware.

In the human body, two tissues often connect by way of a muscular attachment known as a frenum. The mouth contains a total of three frena, two of which often interfere with normal function and development. When this occurs, the patient may require a frenectomy to remove or cut the tissue in question.

A lingual frenectomy addresses the frenum that connects the tongue to the inside lower surface of the mouth. Many children are born with a lingual frenum that is too tight or too short, and either one of these conditions can inhibit jaw growth and ultimately lead to orthodontic or bite issues. A small incision can release this tissue and let the tongue move normally, so that the child can grow with proper mouth function.

The mouth's other frena attach each lip to the corresponding gums. The upper lip attaches to the upper teeth by way of the maxillary labial frenum, which, if too short or tight, can prevent the mouth from closing properly and lead to mouth breathing. The same malfunction of the frenum may also cause the tissue to extend too low and cause a gap between the two front teeth.

In general, experts recommend correction of abnormal frena if the tissue is causing pain or interfering with function. A qualified periodontist can consult with the child’s parents to decide if and when the child should undergo the procedure.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety there are options to ease the anxiety. Oral conscious sedation is as easy as taking an aspirin and you will feel relaxed and at ease. Oral conscious sedation does not "knock you out" like some other forms of anesthesia. You will remain awake during your procedure, but you will be in a heightened state of relaxation. It is also possible that you will not remember part, or all, of your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation is extremely safe and easy. It is much less expensive than other forms of sedation, and you will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure. It also makes long or complex procedures seem shorter, allowing you to have all of your work done in a single visit. As an added precaution a local anesthetic will be given to the area that is being worked on to ensure that there is no pain. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the office if you use oral conscious sedation for your safety.

Don't wait any longer to have necessary dental work performed because you are nervous. Ask your dentist about oral conscious sedation to see if it is right for you.

About Jeffrey Felzer

Jeffrey Felzer, DMD, is a respected Wilmington, Delaware, periodontist who offers a full range of procedures, including tooth extractions and gum disease treatment. Performing sedation dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Felzer also undertakes bone grafting to repair damage to the alveolar ridge. He recommends dental implants as a permanent way of addressing missing and extracted teeth. The implant process is easier on the surrounding teeth, because the procedure does not require tooth reshaping.

He also has extensive experience in treating issues of the temporomandibular joint, which result in the complex jaw condition known as TMJ. He undertakes detailed diagnosis using 3-D images generated by cone beam CAT scan and provides treatments that include a night guard to prevent teeth grinding. Dr. Jeffrey Felzer maintains certification with the American Board of Periodontology and has a fully digitized office.

Dr. Felzer has been recognized as Delaware Today Top Dentist in 2009, 2010, and 2013. Aside from his work at his practice, he supports the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, which seeks to improve public health and periodontal care through research and education.