Some children are born with extra tissue called frenum under their tongue or upper lip. These are called tongue-ties and lip-ties and can cause difficulty with speech, breastfeeding, weight gain, and even dental decay.
If not treated during childhood, the adverse effects of tongue and lip-ties can follow children into adulthood. Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, sleep issues, and speech problems are all signs of untreated tongue and lip-ties.
Infants with tongue and lip-ties may:
Older children with tongue and lip-ties may:
A frenectomy is the release of the frenum to allow for added range of motion. This quick and straightforward procedure is the first step toward a healthier child.
In the past, most frenectomies were performed by a doctor using a scalpel under general anesthesia and left children with stitches. Infants were often denied this procedure due to the risks of babies undergoing anesthesia.
However, modern laser technology allows us to perform frenectomies in our office with no anesthesia. Dr. With the help of a LightScalpel CO2 laser and Dr. Jack’s years of experience, these treatments only take a few minutes, don’t require stitches, and leave patients with little to no bleeding or swelling. We Recommend myofunctional therapy and stretches pre and post op for frenectomies to help with the healing process.
Thanks to this quick and nearly painless treatment, your child or infant can resume their daily routine right away. Many older children return straight to the playground after their procedure.
Since breast milk contains many healing properties, breastfed infants are encouraged to nurse immediately following the procedure. Dr. Jack’s office offers a private breastfeeding room for moms to nurse/feed after infant frenectomies. Our experience has also been that older children who may be picky eaters or children who have difficulty gaining weight will often experience better appetites.
Some smaller children introduce new words to their vocabulary the day of their procedure. Older children will speak clearly with fewer restrictions, boosting their confidence. You can also expect infants and children to sleep throughout the night, improving their behavior during the day.
Our office believes oral restrictions shouldn’t hold children back, and tongue and lip-ties are entirely treatable. We invite you to schedule a consultation today to learn how a frenectomy can positively impact your family’s future.
