Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Laser ProcedureEnhanced Well-BeingA tongue tie procedure (frenectomy) is a simple yet transformative intervention designed to address the condition of tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, from infants struggling with breastfeeding to adults experiencing speech and oral health issues. By undergoing a tongue tie procedure, individuals can often experience improved tongue mobility, enhanced speech, and greater ease in various oral functions.
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Procedure BenefitsThe benefits of tongue tie and lip tie laser procedure can positively affect your child’s health by increasing the ability to successfully breastfeed, as well as preventing possible dental problems associated with these anomalies. Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the band of tissue (frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is abnormally short, tight, or thick, resulting in restricted movement of the tongue. A lip tie is a similar condition involving the band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gum.
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INFANTS
Lip TieA tight upper lip frenulum attachment may compromise full lip flanging and appear as a tight, tense upper lip during nursing. This can result in a shallow latch during breastfeeding. Additionally, the tight upper lip may trap milk, resulting in constant contact of the milk with the front teeth. This can result in decalcification, and dental decay can develop when the milk is not cleaned off of these areas. This same issue can occur with bottle-feeding. If the frenulum attaches close to the ridge or into the palate a future diastema (gap between the teeth) can also occur.
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Tongue TieA tight lower tongue frenulum attachment may restrict the mobility of the tongue and appear as a cupping or heart-shaped tongue when the tongue is elevated. This can result in an inability to get the tongue under the nipple to create a suction to draw out milk. Long-term, a tongue tie can result in speech problems and/or issues later with transferring food around the mouth for chewing.
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SYMPTOMSSome babies can have ties and not be symptomatic. To know if the ties are a problem, we ask two major questions: “Is the baby getting enough to eat?” and “Is nursing comfortable for the mother?” |
Symptoms can be as follows:
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Kids/Adults
Lip TieThis can result in a shallow latch during breastfeeding. Additionally, the tight upper lip may trap food, resulting in constant contact with the front teeth. This can result in decalcification and dental decay can develop when the plaque is not cleaned off of these areas. A tight upper lip frenulum can also sometimes affect speech and pronunciation of certain sounds. If the frenulum attaches close to the ridge or into the palate a future diastema (gap between the teeth) can also occur.
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Tongue TieA tight tongue frenulum attachment may restrict the mobility of the tongue and appear as a cupping or heart-shaped tongue when the tongue is elevated. This can result in speech problems and/or issues later with transferring food around the mouth for chewing. The tight attachment can also affect sleep because the tongue is not able to rest in the correct position in the mouth during sleep.
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SYMPTOMSSome patients can have ties and not be symptomatic. To know if the ties are a problem, we ask two major questions: “Is the function of the tissues being restricted?” “Is quality of life affected by any restricted tissues?” |
Symptoms can be as follows:
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We can help
PROCEDURE
1101 Dental uses the Solea dental laser to perform the procedure. The laser gently removes the tight tissue with typically minimal to no bleeding, and no sedation or general anesthesia. The laser procedure takes slightly longer than a “clipping procedure” but is the preferred method of 1101 Dental due to the minimal bleeding and lower probability of healing back together. We start by using a specially compounded topical anesthetic on the areas we will be working on. After the topical is placed, local anesthetic may be administered to the site(s) that will be released. Then the Solea CO2 laser procedure is completed. Stretches are reviewed while the area is still numb and post-op instructions are reviewed.
AFTERCARE
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One of the most important things to understand when your child has a tongue and/or lip tie released is that improvement is a team effort. The release of the frenulum is just one piece of the puzzle. Your child will need your help with wound care and stretches to help with the proper healing of the tissues. Your child will also need some time to figure out what to do with the new mobility of their tongue and lip so support from other professionals like lactation consultants, speech therapists, chiropractors, and myofunctional therapists is key to the success of the treatment.
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The tongue is a muscle and it becomes used to functioning in a certain way just like any other muscle in the body. When tongue function is restricted by a tie, the body adapts. It takes time for the brain to figure out how to use the tongue effectively once the tie is released. Some babies may need chiropractic care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy to address other issues such as torticollis (tight neck muscles) that can affect nursing. Your doctor will discuss these factors with you during the appointment.
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