Lip and tongue ties are commonly diagnosed in babies and young children. This condition can affect the way that young children eat and speak. It can also interfere with your baby’s ability to breastfeed and/or bottle feed successfully. Fortunately, this condition can usually be easily corrected with a frenectomy. Continue reading to learn more about frenectomies and what you can expect before, during, and after your child’s procedure.
Before Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment
The first step is to determine if a lip or tongue-tie is what is causing your child’s issues. There are various symptoms to be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
- Difficulty latching when nursing
- Inability to stick out the tongue passed the teeth
- Difficulty lifting the tongue and moving it from side to side
- Difficulty making certain sounds, like the “t”, “s”, and “z” sounds
If you think that your child may have a tongue tie, you should let their pediatric dentist know right away. This way, they can diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan to meet your child’s needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
During Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment
Lip and tongue-tie are treated by a procedure called a “frenectomy.” This treatment consists of the release of the frenulum so the tongue can move properly. Back in the day, this was completed with a scalpel and sutures. Fortunately, with modern dental technology, frenectomies can be performed with a soft-tissue laser. This method means little to no bleeding, less discomfort, and quicker recovery. In many cases, it isn’t even necessary to use a local anesthetic.
After Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment
It usually takes approximately two weeks for the area to fully heal after a frenectomy. The procedure itself is nearly painless, but your child may experience some soreness afterward, so you can use age-appropriate over-the-counter medications to keep them comfortable. Infants are able to breastfeed immediately following their procedure. For older kids, they should stick to a soft-food diet for a couple of days after the treatment. Your child’s pediatric dentist will likely provide you with a list of stretches to perform during the healing period to prevent the lip or tongue tie from reforming.
Lip and tongue ties are both frustrating and inconvenient, but there is an easy way to address the issue! Give your child’s pediatric dentist a call so they can benefit from a frenectomy!
About the Practice
Dr. Homer Sedighi and Dr. Jessica Martin work together to treat even the youngest of patients in the Chesterfield community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about lip and tongue-tie treatment or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit their website or call (636) 777-7777.