Various medical and dental providers are able to diagnose lip-ties and tongue-ties, but who can perform a procedure for these conditions?
Your child’s pediatric dentist with the proper equipment can perform a lip-tie or tongue-tie procedure is also known as a frenectomy.
At Cumberland Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we offer frenectomies using the LightScalpel CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser which allows the procedure to be completed in a few seconds.
Keep reading for more information on tongue-tie procedures.
Why does my child need a lip-tie or tongue-tie procedure?
If your infant is having trouble nursing, perhaps making clicking noises while feeding, or commonly suffers from gas or reflux, it is recommended to have your child evaluated by a lactation consultant.
Older children may experience issues with eating, speech delay, a strong gag reflex, or snoring. They may benefit from evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), feeding specialist, or orofacial myofunctional therapist (OMT).
Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie Procedures
This surgical procedure called a frenectomy is performed by applying topical anesthesia and/or local anesthesia to numb the area.
Using our CO2 laser, the lip-tie and/or tongue-tie procedure is completed by releasing the frenum that attaches the lip or tongue to other tissues in the mouth.
A CO2 laser results in faster healing as well as more minor bleeding than doing the procedure with a scalpel or surgical scissors. There is often minimal discomfort following the procedure. Complications of frenectomies are rare and have mild effects on the child.
After Your Child’s Appointment
It is encouraged for mothers to breastfeed immediately after the procedure is completed on their infant. This is important to assess milk transfer to the child and evaluate the success of the procedure.
Oral exercises and stretches are recommended for 3 weeks following the procedure for infants and children. This assists in post-operative healing as well as preventing re-attachment of the oral tissues.
For more information on lip-tie and tongue-tie procedures known as frenectomies, please visit this page. You can also call our office to make an appointment for your child today!
