According to health experts, between four and eleven percent of babies across the world are born with ankyloglossia. The number of frenectomy procedures performed in the United States has skyrocketed over the past several years, and many general dentists are adding this service option to their practice. Understanding which instruments are needed and which instruments actually perform best, though, is key if you’re considering this service addition. 

What’s Actually Needed

There are a few different ways to complete a traditional frenectomy. The goal is to excise the frenum, so you’ll need one or two curved hemostats to isolate the frenum from the rest of the tongue. You’ll also need it to protect the surrounding soft tissue as well. Additionally, you’ll need the right cutting tool. From a scalpel blade or curved scissors to something more delicate, you may need more than one option at your disposal to get started. The cutting equipment you select should be very sharp so you get a cut that is minimally traumatizing to the patient. It should be noted that sutures are always used when traditional techniques are employed which can be very uncomfortable for the patient.

How a CO2 Laser May Change The Equation

Many dentists, though, have moved far beyond the standard equipment by including a CO2 laser in the process, and for good reason. During the process, you can expect excellent hemostasis than any other laser can provide. These lasers create a cut without ever touching the tissue. The laser energy has the power to interact with the water molecules, and that vaporizes the tissue, creating a fast, effective cut that heals incredibly quickly. 

Depending on the thickness of the tissue, you can expect to accomplish the job in as little as five seconds. Bleeding during this procedure is minimal. If the procedure is performed on an infant, you can expect them to be ready to nurse almost immediately. Post-op discomfort is incredibly rare with a CO2 laser as compared to other options, a must when you’re working with children. 

Perhaps the quick adoption of these lasers has been so fast, though, because they’re not limited to frenectomy. Instead, they’re one of the most versatile, powerful options on the market today to enhance your practice. Once you understand just how many additional procedures you can offer patients with a CO2 laser within your practice, you’ll quickly realize the incredible return on investment you can expect with this addition. 

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Practice

Searching for the right CO2 laser to add to your practice so you can perform more effective frenectomy procedures for your patients? At Diamond Dental Supply, we offer the leading technology available today for frenectomies and other procedures that require the best dental lasers in the industry today. 

More importantly, though, working with us means getting the best in education and mentorship. You won’t just find DEKA CO2 lasers in our inventory. Instead, you’ll find a complete program designed to help you implement this technology in your practice and recover your investment faster. Ready to move forward and add a number of treatments to your practice? Contact us today to learn how our equipment can help.