The Importance of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Before and after CO2 Laser Frenectomy in Achieving Optimal Orofacial Function
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Abstract
Optimal orofacial function in adult patients can be achieved through the extensive functional release and rehabilitation of restrictive oral tissues. The functional release is accomplished through a) the SuperPulse CO2 laser frenectomy performed with the tongue and lip mobility assessment to ensure the maximum ROM and optimal orofacial function are achieved; and b) regular pre- and post–frenectomy OMT.
The authors find that the reduced postoperative wound contraction, minimal thermal tissue change, less traumatic surgery, predictable incision depth, and ability to achieve hemostasis, make the SuperPulse 10,600 nm CO2 laser an effective surgical alternative to scalpel, electrocautery, diodes and erbium lasers.
Description
About the Authors
Karen M. Wuertz, DDS, ABCDSM, DABLS, FOM, recently been awarded the first ever Fellowship of Orofacial Myology, by the International Association of Orofacial Myology, is a Diplomate, American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, Fellow, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, & Diplomate, American Board of Laser Surgery. She is passionate about treating and coordinating care for patients as it relates to Oral restrictions, Oral function and Airway management during Sleep. She is an Assistant Adjunct Professor, UNC Dental School, Chapel Hill, and maintains membership in the Texas Dental Society, American Dental Association, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and serves as the credentialing Chair for the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine and is a Clinical Evaluator for Dr. Gordon Christianson’s Clinician’s Research Foundation. She holds active dental licensures in Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas.
Brooke Pettus, RDH, BSDH, COMS, is the owner of Myofunction Junction in Richmond, VA, where she works full time helping children overcome oral habits and myofunctional needs. She has trained through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, the International Association of Orofacial Myology, MyoMentor, and is a certified orofacial myology specialist through the Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences. Passionate about the multidisciplinary span of myofunctional science, Brooke has spent hundreds of hours studying with, learning from, and partnering alongside pediatric and airway-focused dentists and orthodontists, speech language pathologists, ENTs, occupational therapists, and lactation consultants. She strongly believes a team approach is necessary for optimal oromyofunctional outcomes. Brooke has a background in dental hygiene and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2009. She has spoken nationally and internationally on a variety of oral health topics.
Additional information
| # of Pages | 5 |
|---|---|
| Page Size | 8 1/2 x 11 inches |
| File Format | |
| Published | March 2019 |
