Frenectomy Surgery: Enhancing Oral Function and Overall Well-Being
At Family Holistic Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing advanced, patient-centered care that goes beyond traditional dentistry. We are excited to announce that Dr. Carmen Burke now offers frenectomy surgery, a procedure that can significantly improve oral function, airway health, and overall well-being.
Dr. Burke has trained under Dr. Soroush Zaghi, a renowned expert in airway-focused dentistry and myofunctional disorders. Dr. Zaghi's work integrates modern surgical techniques with an approach to tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and lip-tie releases, ensuring optimal healing and functional outcomes.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes or modifies the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that can restrict movement of the tongue or lips. There are two main types of frenectomies:
Lingual Frenectomy: Releases a tight or short frenulum under the tongue (tongue-tie) that may cause speech difficulties, breastfeeding challenges in infants, or airway restriction.
Labial Frenectomy: Removes a restrictive frenulum between the upper lip and gums (lip-tie), which can contribute to dental spacing, gum recession, or oral discomfort.
Signs That You or Your Child May Need a Frenectomy
Frenectomy surgery is beneficial for both children and adults who experience functional challenges due to tongue or lip restrictions. Some signs that may indicate a need for treatment include:
Difficulty with breastfeeding (for infants)
Speech challenges or difficulty articulating certain sounds
Frequent mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep-disordered breathing
Jaw tension, clenching, or TMJ discomfort
Orthodontic issues, such as excessive spacing or gum recession
Challenges with eating, swallowing, or maintaining proper tongue posture
A high tongue posture supports proper maxillary and facial growth, promoting airway function and balanced development. Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) restricts movement, leading to low tongue posture and dysfunctional maxillary growth. This can impact jaw alignment, facial structure, and oral function. Frenectomy and myofunctional therapy help restore mobility and support healthy development.
Technology and the Co2 Laser
At Family Holistic Dentistry, we use a CO2 surgical laser, a technique that Dr. Zaghi and The Breathe Institute have pioneered for minimally invasive, precise, and comfortable frenectomies. Laser technology offers several advantages, including:
✅ Faster Healing – Reduced inflammation and quicker recovery time
✅ Minimal Bleeding – Enhanced precision with less trauma to surrounding tissue
✅ Greater Comfort – Less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional methods
✅ Improved Function – Supports long-term benefits for breathing, speech, and oral posture
Myofunctional Therapy and ALF: Supporting Long-Term Success
To ensure lasting results, frenectomy surgery is often combined with myofunctional therapy, a series of exercises designed to strengthen oral muscles and promote proper tongue placement. Our in-house myofunctional therapist, Cori Littlejohn, works closely with patients before and after surgery to ensure proper healing, tongue function, and overall oral posture.
For patients who may need additional support for jaw development and airway function, we also offer ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) therapy, a gentle, non-invasive orthodontic approach. Dr. Anna Jumtina specializes in ALF technology, which helps improve tongue posture, stimulate proper facial growth, and enhance breathing. When combined with frenectomy and myofunctional therapy, ALF can provide long-term structural benefits, especially for patients with narrow palates, airway concerns, or persistent oral dysfunction.
Why Choose Family Holistic Dentistry for Your Frenectomy?
At Family Holistic Dentistry, we treat the root cause of oral health concerns, not just the symptoms. By integrating airway-focused dentistry, myofunctional therapy, ALF technology, and laser surgery, we provide a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to care.
If you or your child have tongue-tie, lip-tie, or airway-related concerns, we invite you to schedule a consultation to determine whether a frenectomy could improve your quality of life.
📍 Family Holistic Dentistry – Boulder, CO
📞 303-209-0499
🌐 drcarmenburke.com
https://www.drcarmenburke.com/frenectomoies
