Frenectomy Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Frenectomy Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Most commonly diagnosed in children, a frenectomy is a procedure that corrects issues with a frenum. Frenums are small connective tissue pieces that connect your lips, cheek, and tongue to your gums. The most common frenums that develop issues and require a frenectomy are the lingual frenum (which can cause patients to become tongue tied) and the maxillary labial frenum, which attaches the gums and upper lip to the top two front teeth. A frenectomy can be performed using either a scalpel or laser and is noninvasive, requiring no special aftercare treatment.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the frenectomy procedure, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Frenectomy in Children
One of the most common symptom that presents in children who have enlarged frenums is difficulty speaking, or what is commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied”. Additional symptoms that may develop include:
- Frenulum frequently stuck between teeth
- Difficulty talking
- Issues with breastfeeding or nursing
- Limited ability to stick out tongue
- Gum recession, which can result in periodontal issues
- Baby teeth do not naturally erupt
There are two schools of thought concerning when a frenectomy should be performed. Some doctors and lactation consultants believe an abnormal frenum should be corrected as soon as it is noticed, even as soon as before a newborn is discharged. The other school of thought is to wait to see how the child develops. It is possible that the problem will correct itself, or if it remains unchanged, the impacted frenum will not cause any significant developmental issues and can be addressed at a later date.
Consequences of Not Having a Frenectomy
Patients who have issues related to their frenum run the risk of developing the following issues if they do not correct the issue:
- Crowded teeth
- Inadequate lip seal
- Periodontal disease
- Altered development of dental arches
- Limited jaw growth
- Oro-facial muscle movement becomes limited
- Improper swallowing
- Deep bite
- Mouth breathing
- Constriction of the airway or sinuses
Frenectomy in Adults
There are numerous problems that can develop in adults due to an over-sized frenulum, the most common of which include the following:
- Jaw Pain: Patients who experience chronic pain, soreness, or a clicking sensation when opening and closing their mouth may be incorrectly diagnosed as having TMD. If you are currently being treated for TMD and your symptoms are not improving, talk to your periodontist about whether or not a frenectomy is right for you.
- Difficulty Eating: Patients with a tight frenulum have limited tongue movement, which makes swallowing more difficult, due to the limited mobility of the tongue. A frenectomy can be an effective method for helping patients enjoy eating foods again.
- Dental Health: When a frenum develops issues, it can make it difficult to move food through your mouth efficiently, which can result in food particles remaining on your teeth longer than they would otherwise. One method for addressing this issue is frequently rinsing your mouth, but scheduling a frenectomy will help significantly decrease the likelihood of you developing periodontal disease.
- Difficulty Talking: One of the most common symptoms of frenum issues is that a patient’s tongue becomes limited in movement, which can make it difficult to speak at lower or higher volumes and clearly enunciate.
- Difficulty Kissing: A frenum that is too tight can make kissing difficult or not as natural as it would otherwise be.
- Difficulty Playing Certain Instruments: Patients with frenum issues may find it difficult to play certain instruments that require the use of the tongue tip and lips, such as the trumpet or trombone.
A frenectomy may also be necessary if you are preparing to get dentures and the position of the frenum interferes with the fit of the dentures.
Frenectomy Cost
The cost of a frenectomy will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of you or your child’s case.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for a frenectomy, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!