Tongue-Tie | Lip-Tie | Frenectomy
A frenectomy is an oral surgery procedure that helps treat a tongue-tie or a lip-tie. At Milk Tooth we use a precise CO2 laser to treat lip and tongue restrictions.
Helping Infants
When an infant struggles with breastfeeding, in many cases the problem can be identified and solved by a lactation consultant, bodyworker, occupational therapist, or physical therapist who aids in latching, proper posture and releasing tension. There are cases, though, when a baby’s lip or tongue is tethered in a way that makes nursing the baby painful and ineffective. In these cases, a frenectomy procedure can free the lip or tongue attachment to allow proper feeding.
Helping Mothers
This procedure, a frenectomy, not only helps babies be less frustrated with feeding since they are unable to latch properly, but can also help mothers as well. This is because the procedure will restore natural order to the baby’s mouth and relieve the pain of breastfeeding that often accompanies a tongue-tied baby.
Not Every Baby Needs A Tongue or Lip Tie Release
A frenectomy (tongue or lip tie release) helps babies when their tissue is too tight to allow proper breastfeeding. Many babies can have tension released and feeding assistance without the surgical frenectomy procedure. We always work with every individual to assess who can find relief without surgery and who needs a release.
Laser Treatment: About The Frenectomy
The frenum tissue connects the lower gums to the tongue and the upper gums to the upper lip. When a baby has abnormally sized frenum tissue, this can affect the oral function of the mouth, and even the movement and appearance. The frenectomy procedure uses laser light to vaporize the frenum under the upper lip or tongue, which gives the baby a better range of motion. Thankfully, the laser treatment is virtually pain-free with only minimal bleeding.
The laser sterilizes the area as it cuts this reduces the chance of infection and stimulates healing in the area. The following are the ways that the frenum can be attached and what this can cause if left untreated in babies and young children:
- Lingual Frenum: This condition means the frenum is attached to the tongue or is too large. This restricts the tongue’s movement enough to cause problems. In fact, if left untreated, a prominent lingual frenum can cause misaligned teeth, speech issues, inhibit jaw and facial development, affecting sleeping and even breathing patterns.
- Labial Frenum: This condition is when the frenum is attached to the upper gums and the center upper lip hinders gum tissue development. This can cause many issues, including alignment problems as well as the development of a gap between the top middle teeth.
Tongue And Lip Ties Are Not Only In Infants
Adults, teens and children can have tongue and lip ties. They can affect: speech, feeding, facial development, teeth alignment, oral hygiene, esthetics and more. If you feel that your child has a restriction we can evaluate them for you.