After the Frenectomy and Tongue Tie procedure, your baby can expect a smooth recovery process. Here are some post-operative care guidelines and Post-Procedural Exercises for your baby:
- Managing Pain and Discomfort: You may experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort after the procedure. Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used according to the recommended dosage. - Controlling Swelling: Swelling is common and can be managed by applying an ice pack to the surgical area for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Use it for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Avoid stretching your lip or tongue which has undergone the procedure.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection. Start brushing your teeth gently the day after the procedure, avoiding the surgical site. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day, especially after meals, to help keep the surgical area clean.
- Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days after the procedure to minimize irritation to the surgical site. Opt for foods like yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and soup.
Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that may irritate the surgical area. - Avoid Irritants: Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products, as they can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes and acidic or carbonated beverages. - Medications: Take any prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider, including antibiotics if prescribed to prevent infection.
- Activity Level: Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure to promote healing.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever, pus, or increasing redness and swelling), or any other concerning symptoms, please contact us promptly.
POST-PROCEDURAL EXERCISES
As oral wounds heal, they tend to contract, causing the sides of the wound to stick together. To prevent this reattachment, performing specific lip/tongue exercises is crucial. It’s recommended to do these stretches four times a day for the first three weeks and then gradually reduce the frequency during the fourth week.
Tip: Stretches should be quick and precise, not forceful. It's normal to see a little bleeding, especially in the first few days. Don’t let this discourage you from doing the exercises—just be gentle.
Exercises for Upper Lip
Begin with the upper lip, if treated. Place your index finger under the upper lip and lift up towards the nostrils until you feel resistance. Then, gently sweep from side to side for 5 seconds.
Exercises for Tongue
1) Stretching
Tongue lift: Insert both index fingers into your baby’s mouth. It’s easier to start with one finger to stretch the cheek, then insert the second finger. Place both fingers under the tongue and lift it upwards as high as it can go. Hold this position for 1-2 seconds to stretch the tissues. Repeat this action twice.
Massage under tongue: Use one finger to hold the tongue up and the other to massage the area where the tongue meets the bottom of the mouth. Use a circular motion and massage for several seconds.
Sweeping up and down: Place both your fingers on the treated area and run it along its entire length. Start from under the front of the tongue and move backward toward where the tongue meets the floor of the mouth, then move forward along the floor of the mouth. Repeat this motion twice in the treated area, and then perform the same motion on either side of the treated area. This ensures that all muscles are properly loosened up.
2) Sucking
Stimulate Tongue Movement: Start by rubbing your baby’s lower gumline from side to side. This will encourage your baby’s tongue to develop stronger side-to-side movements.
Suction Exercise: Allow your baby to suck your finger into their mouth. Slowly pull your finger out against the force of suction, then let them pull it back in. Repeat this several times. This exercise helps strengthen the sucking reflex and improves muscle tone.
Pressure and Massage: Let your baby suck on your finger while you apply gentle pressure to the roof of their mouth. Then, rotate your finger and gently press down on the tongue while massaging it.
Consistently performing these exercises can promote proper healing and improve the functionality of the treated areas. It’s important to be gentle and maintain a regular routine for the best results.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensuring the success of the Frenectomy and Tongue Tie procedure with WaterLase also depends on your active participation. Please:
1. Comply with any post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist.
2. Attend follow-up appointments as recommended for proper healing and monitoring.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided in this consent form regarding the Frenectomy and Tongue Tie procedure with WaterLase, its potential risks, and aftercare responsibilities.