dr. anderson using the solea laser. missouri river dental
features the latest in dental technologies.

The most common way to perform this is by removing the frenulum with a surgical scalpel, but we also use a laser to perform this procedure.

Frenectomy

Your frenum, also called frenulum, is the small piece of tissue that connects your tongue, cheeks, or lips to your gum area. You have several frenum’s in your body. However, the ones that usually need a frenectomy procedure are inside your mouth.

 

A frenectomy is a common dental procedure that is performed to correct issues related to the frenulum. These problems are often diagnosed in children but can also be found in adults. The frenectomy is a simple procedure that requires the frenulum to be removed. The most common way to perform this is by removing the frenulum with a surgical scalpel, but we also use a laser to perform this procedure. The laser makes the procedure even quicker, bloodless, and the healing process is faster.

 

The entire team at Missouri River Dental is committed to providing a patient experience unlike any other. The foundation of that philosophy is our personable and professional staff. We collectively strive to blend technology, art, and healthcare for each patient. Our goal is to provide you with an individualized patient experience unlike any other you have had at a dental office. We strive to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere for our patients while still meeting their dental needs, wishes, and exceeding expectations. Call us today at 701-751-7177 or enter your request online to schedule an appointment for your evaluation regarding the benefits for you with a frenectomy. You can conveniently find Missouri River Dental at 1600 Uptown Lane, Bismarck, ND, 58503.

Are You or Your Child a Candidate for a Frenectomy?

There are a few common indications you may benefit from a frenectomy:

 

  • Your two upper front teeth have a gap between them. Your frenum may have excessive tissue that is preventing the closure between the teeth.
  • The position of your labial frenum is close to the edge of your gum tissue where it will cause tension and gum recession or tissue loss if not have it corrected.
  • You have a high lingual frenum attachment which is restricting your tongue movement affecting your speech, eating, and swallowing abilities.

Frenulum problems are most often corrected as a baby or a child when there are signs of a speech impediment or feeding issues. It is also common for some children with this issue to reach their adulthood years before receiving any corrective surgery, even though their restricted tongue movement has caused them an assortment of issues.

Frenectomy For Your Child

A child with an oversized frenum can experience a range of uncomfortable issues, including difficulty with their speech, a condition often referred to as “tongue tied.” Other issues that can develop include:

 

  • Having difficulty breastfeeding or nursing as an infant.
  • The frenulum getting stuck between their teeth.
  • A challenging time with sticking their tongue out.
  • Receding gums early on, which will result in periodontal disease.

Frenectomy For an Adult

If you have an over-sized frenulum, you may experience a variety of issues, including problems with your speech. Sometimes people who have frenulum issues will learn to compensate, despite the challenges they face being audible and articulating when speaking.

 

A tight frenulum will also make the process of chewing difficult, because the tongue is simply unable to move freely inside your mouth. This also can result in difficulty swallowing. A frenectomy at Missouri River Dental can help address this issue and improve your ability to eat.

 

Other dental issues might develop if you have an improperly sized frenum because the food is unable to move around the mouth as it should, which then limits your ability to clean your molars due to a limited range of motion of your tongue. This will lead to decay since excess food particles will become lodged between teeth.

meet Dr. Timothy Anderson
meet Dr. Timothy Anderson

dr. anderson
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL

“I believe in comprehensive, quality oral health care that is patient-centered. I strive to create a positive and comfortable experience for each patient while still meeting their dental needs, wishes and expectations.”

Kayla Desk Missouri Dental

our team
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL

At Missouri River Dental, our goal is to create an exceptional patient experience. We strive to exceed that experience through being compassionate, clinically thorough and providing excellent communication.

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our team
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Every little detail matters,
relationships matter,
experience matters,
first-class dental care matters.

Post Procedure Aftercare

There are no special instructions after the treatment of a frenectomy, although it will be necessary to schedule a follow up appointment at Missouri River Dental to ensure that the treatment was successful and is healing properly.

 

Continuing to practice good oral hygiene habits is essential. Be sure to continue brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day. Along with these preventative habits, the best thing you can do to compliment your efforts and to continue enjoying your healthy smile is to schedule regular exams twice a year. This allows the staff at Missouri River Dental to conduct routine checkups, to conduct professional cleanings and to monitor the overall state of your oral health.

The Frenectomy Procedure

A frenectomy is quite simple and less invasive procedure than even having a tooth filled. To minimize any discomfort, you could feel during the procedure, Missouri River Dental will begin by administering a local anesthetic. When the tissue is numb, we will either use a surgical scalpel or a specialty laser to reduce or remove the tissue. The laser reduces the chances of an infection as the laser instantly sanitizes the area. This also shortens the healing process.

 

For newborns to nurse or feed properly, they may need to free the lingual frenulum underneath the tongue. Most often newborns can feed immediately after the procedure, as the recovery happens instantly.

 

Older children might be given a mild anesthetic before their frenectomy. In severe cases, a patient may require a few sutures following the procedure.

 

The entire process usually only takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

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Changing the Dental Experience Norm
One Patient at a Time

Missouri River Dental provides you with a clean, comfortable, and modern feel. Our team goal is to provide you with the best possible care utilizing the most current dental technologies and services. The entire team at Missouri River Dental focuses on providing comprehensive, quality oral health care that is always centered on you, our patient. We appreciate the value of your time. That is why we are flexible with our hours of operation; open early, open late, and open Saturdays. Call us now at 701-751-7177 or make your appointment online for your personal evaluation and consultation regarding on whether you might benefit from a frenectomy. Our office is located at 1600 Uptown Lane, Bismarck, ND, 58503.

dr. anderson using the solea laser. missouri river dental <br>features the latest in dental technologies.
dr. anderson using the solea laser. missouri river dental
features the latest in dental technologies.

TECH AT
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL

We were the first to bring the Solea Laser to North Dakota which allowed us to do fillings without anesthetic which was a game changer for the patient experience.

our team is excited to welcome you to your new dental home
our team is excited to welcome you to your new dental home

TEAM AT
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL

All team members have an education focus in being constant learners in all things dental and you will experience that the minute you walk into our doors.

dental implants help to preserve the integrity of your jawbone density and save your jawbone from atrophy
dental implants help to preserve the integrity of your jawbone density and save your jawbone from atrophy

EDUCATION AT
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL

We believe that our guests deserve the best in cutting edge technology and information; and we pride ourselves in being experts to answer questions for our guests.

our entire practice centralizes on <br>patient experience and positive dental outcomes.
our entire practice centralizes on
patient experience and positive dental outcomes.

EXPERIENCE AT
MISSOURI RIVER DENTAL

Our goal of this office was to create a dental atmosphere like no other in our community, almost a modern high end hotel-like experience for guests to arrive and feel at ease all while receiving exceptional dental care.