Demystifying frenectomies: What, when, how

Title: Demystifying frenectomies: What, when, how

Abstract:

An overview of what consists a tethered oral tissue (TOT) or tie (tongue-tie, lip tie, cheek tie) will be summarized. Classifications of different types of ties. The decisional algorithm to move forward with surgery or not, and why. The different alternatives for surgical technique nowadays, and advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed. The importance of bodywork and oral myofunctional therapy in pre and post-operative care when a frenectomy is performed. The myths in the medical community about ankyloglossia and lip ties. How tethered oral tissues can affect breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, breathing, craniofacial growth, and more. The history of frenectomies when it started and how it evolved since then. Ankyloglossia assessment tools will be reviewed. Literature review and evidence-based dentistry for frenectomies.

Audience Take Away: 

• How tongue-ties affects breastfeeding, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, eating, palate and maxillary growth.
• When diagnosed, how to perform your first frenectomy, or who to refer to and when.
• Treatment sequencing for older children who need oral myofunctional therapy.
• How to screen for tethered oral tissues.
• How to set up a frenectomy practice.

Biography:

Dr. Duc-Minh Lam Do received his DMD at the University of Montreal in 2004. He then completed a postgraduate certificate in multidisciplinary dentistry from the University of Rochester, New York in 2005. He continued training in esthetic occlusal rehabilitation, treatment of tongue and lip ties, and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. He is one of the few LASER dentists in Montreal working with a specialized team of doctors, nurses, IBCLCs, pediatric chiropractors and osteopaths. He also has a network of oral myofunctional therapists and speech and language pathologists to help older children and adults who suffer from tongue-tie. He founded in 2019 the Montreal Tongue-Tie Institute.