Lip and Tongue Ties
When a baby is developing in the womb, their frenulum becomes thinner as they grow and eventually becomes virtually unnoticeable. If the frenulum does not become as thin as it should, it can cause potential dental issues and make simple things like eating and talking harder for the patient. Our practice offers safe and effective frenectomies to quickly treat lip and tongue ties and keep your child’s oral health on track. Contact our office today!
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What are tongue-ties and lip-ties?
Tongue-ties and lip-ties are conditions where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gums is too tight or thick. This can restrict movement, leading to issues with breastfeeding, eating, speech, or dental development. Tongue-ties affect the tongue’s ability to move freely, while lip-ties make it difficult for the upper lip to move normally. Both conditions are common in infants and young children, and if untreated, they can cause long-term problems with oral function and development.
How do I know if my child needs a tongue-tie or lip-tie procedure?
Here are some signs that may indicate your child needs a tongue-tie or lip-tie procedure:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or latching properly
- Slow weight gain in infants
- Gaps between the front teeth (due to lip-tie)
- Speech delays or difficulty with certain sounds
- Trouble moving the tongue or lip freely
- Struggles with eating solid foods or chewing properly
- Frequent gagging, choking, or food aversion
- Pain or discomfort for the mother during breastfeeding due to improper latch
How are tongue-tie and lip-tie procedures performed?
Tongue-tie and lip-tie procedures, also called frenectomies, are typically quick and minimally invasive. Dr. Lindley uses a precise, soft-tissue laser to snip the tight tissue (frenulum) that restricts movement of the tongue or lip. The procedure often takes only a few minutes and requires minimal anesthesia. With laser treatment, bleeding is minimal, and the healing process is faster. The procedure may be done in infants, children, or even adults if the tie is causing issues with speech, eating, or dental health.
Are lip-tie or tongue-tie procedures painful?
Lip-tie and tongue-tie procedures are generally not very painful, especially when performed on infants and young children. Numbing agents or local anesthesia are used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Afterward, there may be mild soreness or discomfort, but most children recover quickly, especially with the use of a laser, which reduces bleeding and promotes faster healing. Infants can typically breastfeed immediately after the procedure. Our office also offers a few choices for dental sedation to make the experience more pleasant for patients.
Questions?
Have a question about our early orthodontic treatment options? Feel free to reach out!
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