Frenectomy Expectation Form

After a thorough oral examination and provision of literature, I have requested Dr Hany Aziz to perform the procedure(s) of reduction of a fraenum(s) attachment in my child’s mouth which may help to restore anatomy, function and/or possibly prevent commonly associated future problems.

Recommended Treatment: In order to treat this condition, Dr Hany Aziz has recommended that a frenectomy be performed at the selected site(s):
Upper Labial Fraenum (lip),
Lingual Fraenum (tongue),
Buccal Fraenum,

or

No Treatment.

A sequence of surgical scissors and soft tissue laser will be utilized, which is FDA approved for soft tissue surgery. Soft tissue lasers tend to lessen discomfort and bleeding during treatment and recovery.

Patient Safety: I understand that a swaddle blanket may be used to ensure my child’s safety during the frenectomy procedure. A family member, for example the father, might be asked to be present during the procedure, and an assistant will hold my child’s head for stability. All people present in the treatment room must wear protective eyewear, with the father’s (or family member’s) hand covering the child’s eyes. I understand the steps outlined above are for my child’s safety.

Anaesthetic: In all cases the procedure doesn’t require any form of anaesthetic. Using anaesthesia may cause the child to be confused due to its numbing effect on the tongue and throat. For children above 18 months of age having the procedure performed in the chair, topical and local anaesthetic will be applied.

Bleeding: Bleeding is always expected, and a few drops of blood will be present. Laser may be used to help with cauterization on the surgical site and bleeding usually stops very quickly.

Infection: Infection is highly unlikely to occur especially with using the laser. If you think the surgical site is becoming infected after the procedure, contact DentalCareXtra or your GP.

Swelling: Slight swelling may be noted but it will subside in a few days following the operation. If this persists, please contact the team at KIDS Mackay or DentalCareXtra.

Pain and Discomfort: Post-operative discomfort is usually limited to a few hours after the numbing has disappeared. Mother’s milk and skin contact soothe the child. In most cases, Paracetamol or a similar discomfort relieving medication is all that is required. The laser is a much kinder method of treatment, causing little damage to adjacent tissue, therefore healing is quicker and post-operative discomfort is reduced. It is rare that the child may need medication.

Improvement of Feeding: An improvement in the feeding pattern and the way the baby feeds should be noticed with the assistance of a Lactation Consultant. These improvements may occur over a period of six to eight weeks.

Feed Prior to Procedure: The last feed prior to the operation should be 60–90 minutes before the procedure, and the child should be wrapped in a cloth to limit the movement of their arms and legs.

Principle Complications: I understand that although a smooth recovery is expected, there are always associated risks that cannot be eliminated. These include post-surgical bleeding, infection, swelling, pain, and damage to adjacent structures such as salivary glands, nerves, muscles, and skin. There is no guarantee of full improvement or complete disappearance of symptoms.

Further Treatment: Some tongue-ties or lip-ties are more severe than others and may require more than one procedure. A common complication is re-attachment of the fraenum due to the normal healing process.

Post-Operative Care and Follow-Up: For infants and children, crying and feeding are considered the best exercises. Additional exercises must be followed six to eight times daily, including overnight, for ten to fourteen days, followed by a further six weeks of stretchers. A six-week review is advised. Consultation with a lactation consultant and body worker before and after treatment has been recommended.

Photos: Pre-operative and post-operative photos may be taken for documentation and insurance purposes, but not of the face without prior permission.

No Warranty or Guarantee: I acknowledge that no guarantee, warranty, or assurance has been given that the proposed treatment will be one hundred percent successful. However, I expect that Dr Hany Aziz will perform the procedure to the best of his ability.