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A frenectomy is a straightforward procedure with a relatively simple recovery, but it is still important to monitor the healing process carefully.
Infection is uncommon, but understanding what is normal and what is not can help you identify potential issues early.
In this blog, we will explain the typical healing timeline, signs that may indicate infection, and when it is advisable to contact your oral surgeon for follow-up care.
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Although infection after a frenectomy is rare, it can lead to serious complications if not addressed early. Watch for signs such as persistent pain, swelling, fever, or discharge, and contact your oral surgeon promptly to ensure proper healing and avoid delays in recovery.
Why Aftercare Matters Following a Frenectomy
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery we provide detailed post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of infection and promote optimal healing. Patients who follow these guidelines usually experience a faster healing process and a more comfortable recovery.
Ignoring aftercare can lead to excessive bleeding, delayed healing, or reattachment of the frenulum tissue.
Proper care includes:
- Pain control: Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication ensures inflammation remains manageable and supports proper healing.
- Swelling reduction: Using ice packs during the first 24 hours minimizes fluid buildup and reduces irritation, which lowers the risk of infection.
- Wound protection: Avoiding straws, spicy foods, crunchy foods, smoking, and alcohol helps prevent irritation or disruption of the healing tissue.
- Oral hygiene: Keeping the area clean with gentle rinsing limits bacterial growth in the oral cavity.
- Stretching exercises: These simple exercises help preserve tongue mobility and prevent the lingual frenum from reattaching.
These steps are essential to protect your oral health and ensure a smooth healing process.
Common Signs of Infection After Frenectomy
Watch closely for the following symptoms in the days after surgery. Recognizing a sign of infection early can prevent further complications.
1. Persistent or Increasing Pain
Some mild discomfort is expected. However, if pain intensifies or spreads days after surgery, it may indicate inflammation caused by infection rather than natural healing.
2. Fever or Chills
A low-grade fever immediately after the procedure can be normal. But if you develop chills or a fever above 100.4°F, it suggests your body is fighting a systemic infection.
3. Pus or Discharge
A white or yellow film over the wound is part of the healing tissue. But thick pus with a foul smell is a classic sign of infection and needs urgent evaluation.
4. Swelling That Does Not Go Down
Swelling should peak within 48 hours. If it worsens or stays the same beyond that point, the area may be inflamed or infected.
5. Redness or Heat Around the Area
Redness at the site of a frenectomy is expected. But if it spreads beyond the surgical site or feels hot, infection is likely present.
6. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing
These symptoms require emergency attention. They may indicate swelling is affecting the throat or airway and can quickly become life-threatening.
What to Do If You Suspect an Infection
The earlier you act, the better your outcome. Oral infections can worsen quickly and delay complete healing.
- Call your oral surgeon right away. Delaying care increases the risk of further complications.
- Take antibiotics or other medications as prescribed. Do not use leftover prescriptions or self-diagnose.
- Maintain oral hygiene with caution. Avoid brushing over the site but continue gentle rinsing as directed.
- Keep a record of symptoms. Tracking pain levels, temperature, and discharge helps guide your treatment plan.
When Healing Is Normal
Not all symptoms are cause for alarm. Understanding what proper healing looks like prevents unnecessary concern.
- Slight bleeding or spotting in the first 24 hours
- Mild discomfort and swelling that improve each day
- A yellowish coating that is part of healing tissue
- Gradual return to normal activities, eating soft foods comfortably
Proper tongue movement may still be limited in the early recovery time. Simple stretching exercises help improve range of motion and support long-term speech development.
Age-Specific Infection Concerns
Infants
With infant frenectomy, infection signs can include feeding issues, excessive crying, or low-grade fever. Skin-to-skin contact and feeding support promote faster healing and oral development.
Young Children
Children may show signs of infection through refusal to eat soft foods or avoid simple exercises. Avoid crunchy foods or using straws to prevent disrupting the healing site.
Adults
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, or skipping post-operative care instructions increase the risk of infection. Following guidelines and monitoring the lingual frenulum ensures proper healing and recovery time.
| Pro Tip: Keep a Recovery Log A daily log of symptoms, medication times, and healing progress helps identify early signs of infection and track overall healing time. This is especially useful after tongue-tie release or similar oral surgery procedures. |
Schedule a Follow-Up If Needed
A quick recovery depends on timely care and patient awareness. Do not hesitate to contact your provider if something feels off or if signs of infection appear.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Oral Surgeons in Boulder, CO
Monitoring the healing process after a frenectomy helps ensure a smooth recovery and reduces the risk of complications. If you notice any signs of infection or have concerns about how you or your child are healing, our team at Foley & Le Oral Surgery is here to help.
To book a consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
