Pediatric oral surgery basics: extractions, frenectomy
Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
A newborn can't latch due to tongue-tie. Why might frenectomy help? Ankyloglossia tethers the tongue, preventing the peristaltic motion breastfeeding needs - a quick frenotomy releases it. Students learn functional indication: operate the frenum when it impairs feeding, speech, or hygiene - not for appearance - because pediatric surgery serves development, and the tethered tongue's cost is measured in missed feeds, not looks.
Related topics
- Growth and development: dental age, chronology of dentitions
- Child psychology and behavior management techniques
- Preventive dentistry: diet counseling, oral hygiene instruction
- Fluorides: systemic, topical, fluoride varnish, fluorosis
- Pit and fissure sealants, preventive resin restorations
- Dental caries in children: ECC, rampant caries management