Tongue tie is a condition that develops while a baby is still in the womb; it is characterized by a short or thick piece of tissue (called a frenum or frenulum) that restricts the tongue’s movement. As a result, the child may find it difficult to breastfeed and be at a heightened risk of dental and speech problems later in life. Fortunately, tongue tie treatment is available. What can you expect before, during, and after this procedure? This blog post explains.
Before
Ideally, your child should be evaluated for tongue tie soon after birth. This is especially important if your little one is fussy while breastfeeding and is not gaining weight at the expected pace. As a mother, you may also be experiencing some symptoms, such as sore nipples and clogged milk ducts.
If you believe your child has tongue tie, bring them to a dentist or another qualified professional for an assessment. They can let you know whether tongue tie treatment is necessary. Feel free to ask questions about the road ahead; your care provider wants you to be well-informed before you commit to anything!
During
Tongue tie is usually treated via a minimally invasive surgery known as a frenectomy. It is often performed in just a few minutes with a soft tissue laser that is used to loosen the restricted tissue. Depending on the circumstances, local anesthesia may or may not be used. If your child is still very young, you can hold them during the procedure to help them stay calm.
The laser produces very little bleeding and comes with almost no risk of infection, so you should expect a short and easy process. Infants should be encouraged to breastfeed immediately after their procedure.
After
Tongue tie treatment recovery for infants and young children is usually quick and easy. Your child may be sore for a few days, so you may choose to administer age-appropriate doses of pain medication if your dentist gives you the go-ahead to do so. You may also be expected to help your child perform some oral stretches that will promote proper healing of the surgical site.
As your child adapts to their new range of motion, you can expect breastfeeding to become easier. Your child will also enjoy a reduced risk of future problems, including sleep disordered breathing, aversions to certain foods, dental cavities, and more.
For most patients, tongue tie treatment is fast, easy, and highly beneficial! Ask your local frenectomy provider if you have questions about this procedure.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ray Voller is a dentist with more than four decades of experience in his field. He has helped countless patients to find freedom from tongue tie through laser frenectomy surgery. If you suspect your child could benefit from this procedure, our team is ready to evaluate the situation and make a treatment recommendation. Contact our Kittanning dental office at 724-543-4948.