Frenectomy (Tongue/Lip Tie)

You just had a frenectomy procedure done.

Whether you were put to sleep for this procedure or were only given local anesthesia, the post-operative instructions remain the same. If a local anesthetic was used to thoroughly numb the treated area, take caution not to bite or chew on your cheeks, lips and/or tongue for they may be numb for several hours following your appointment. Refrain from chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Place the gauze in the area of your surgery (either under your tongue and bite your teeth together or inside your upper lip) and close your lips tightly to hold the gauze in the area to diminish any bleeding. Change the pad every 10-15 minutes for the first 30 minutes. Do not chew the pad.

BLEEDING

Some bleeding following oral surgery is normal. However, if excessive bleeding occurs, fold a piece of sterile gauze pad as tightly as possible, place this over the space where the surgery was performed, and bite hard for 20-30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If these measures are not helpful, call this office.

SWELLING

Some swelling may occur following surgery. Apply ice to the outside of the upper lip if the surgery was a maxillary frenectomy or place ice chips under the tongue if the surgery was a lingual frenectomy. Apply ice for the first 24 hours and then discontinue using the ice. Leave the ice on the area for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. This will help reduce discomfort, bleeding and swelling.

MEDICATIONS

Take all medications as this office has prescribed them. If a prescription for discomfort is written, do not operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication.

DISCOMFORT

Some discomfort and discoloration may be expected following a frenectomy. Black and blue areas under the tongue are bruising and can be expected. One or two Tylenol or Ibuprofen tablets every three to four hours will usually relieve the discomfort. If greater discomfort is anticipated, a prescription will be given.

DIET

You may eat and drink as normal. Try to avoid the surgical site when eating. Do not use a straw when drinking.

If you had a lingual frenectomy (under your tongue), it is necessary to start using your tongue again the next day. (Examples: sticking your tongue out, licking an ice cream cone or a sucker, etc.)

If you had a maxillary frenectomy (under your upper lip), avoid biting into foods like a sandwich or an apple for a few days. You may resume normal physical activity the next day.

HOME CARE

Do not rinse your mouth with anything for 24 hours; however, continue to brush your teeth carefully. After 24 hours, in addition to your routine tooth brushing, gently rinse your mouth with a lukewarm salt-water solution (made by dissolving ½ teaspoon of table salt in an 8 oz glass of warm water). Rinse three to four times a day for four to five days. Take care not to empty or strain your mouth with undue force.

Although, utmost care and diligence were exercised by your dentist in rendering this treatment, your dentist has no control over these factors.

It is your dentist’s desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have concerns and/or questions about your progress, please call your dentist’s office immediately!

We encourage you to speak up if you do not like or understand some aspects of your oral care. You deserve to be heard and your dentist deserves the opportunity to listen. This is what most dentists do, and they will make considerable efforts to accommodate you.

You will be responsible for all costs incurred if you fail to follow these instructions.