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Treat Tongue & Lip Ties
diode laser Frenectomies
Tongue and lip ties are a common issue with children and can often cause problems with feeding, speaking, and eating solid foods. If you suspect that your child has a tongue tie or lip tie, a frenectomy from a qualified pediatric dentist like Dr. Butler can help solve any issues. A frenectomy helps release the tongue tie and oral tissue, which allows your child’s tongue and lips to move freely. Schedule a consultation to see if your child has a tongue or lip tie and get the help you need today!
How Does A Frenectomy Work?
Releasing Tongue & Lip Ties
A frenectomy is used to treat lip and tongue ties (also called ankyloglossia). Tongue ties occur when the lingual frenulum (the membrane that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is excessively thick, restricting the range of movement of the tongue. Lip ties are similar, but occur when the membrane behind the upper lip is excessively thick or stiff. This interferes with proper lip movement and can cause issues with breastfeeding.
A frenectomy is used to snip this membrane and provide a wider, more natural range of motion for your child’s tongue and/or lips. This, in turn, prevents the issues associated with tongue and lip ties, like difficulties breastfeeding and speech impediments. At Butler Pediatric Dentistry, we use a diode laser for frenectomies, which ensures rapid healing and a quick treatment.
When Are Frenectomies Necessary?
Determining When Treatment Is Required
Frenectomies are usually only recommended if your child’s condition is severe enough to interfere with normal activities like breastfeeding. Many children grow up with a tongue or lip tie that does not affect their speech or other day-to-day activities. To determine whether your child needs a frenectomy, it is best to consult with a speech-language pathologist or pediatrician. If a frenectomy is necessary, Dr. Butler can provide efficient treatment to solve the issue.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing Tongue and Lip Ties
The most common symptom that parents notice is an infant’s difficulty to properly latch onto the breast when breastfeeding. If your baby does not seem to be able to feed effectively, is struggling to gain weight, or tends to drool and dribble excessively when feeding, these symptoms may indicate the presence of a tongue or lip tie.
Another common, easily-recognizable symptom is a “heart-shaped” tongue. When your child opens their mouth and sticks out their tongue, a tongue tie may cause the middle of the tongue to remain closer to the bottom of their mouth, while the sides rise more highly, resulting in a heart shape. If you notice these signs, schedule a consultation at Butler Pediatric Dentistry today!
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