27
Jan
The 4 Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue-tie Release Surgery (Frenectomy)
Has your child been diagnosed with a tongue tie? We are sure you have many questions about this common condition in children and even adults. A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, happens when the frenum—the small band connecting the underside of the tongue to the mouth floor—is restricted, affecting normal mouth function. A tongue-tie is treated by “releasing” the restrictive frenum to allow free tongue movement.
Traditionally, this minor surgical procedure, called frenectomy, was carried out using a scalpel. Now, innovative practices like Grandview Center for Dentistry offer laser-assisted frenectomy, utilizing a focused beam of light instead of scalpels. Laser technology is preferable to traditional surgery because it’s faster, more conservative, and improves recovery time.
What are the signs your child has a tongue-tie?
A restricted tongue can affect your child’s feeding and speech. Babies with tongue-ties struggle to latch onto the breast during nursing, often taking too long or becoming extremely gassy because of air intake during breastfeeding.
The other signs of a tongue-tie include:
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out past the lower lip.
- Inability to lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth.
- Nipple pain for the nursing mother.
- Difficulty pronouncing certain words.
- Trouble controlling saliva.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Inadequate weight gain because of poor feeding.
Sometimes, patients with a tongue-tie don’t always exhibit the above symptoms. If you suspect your child has a tongue-tie, consult an experienced doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment.
What are the long-term complications of tongue-ties?
Untreated tongue-ties can have long-term impacts on your child, leading to lifelong consequences like:
- Protrusion of the lower jaw.
- Gassing, vomiting, or choking when eating.
- Bite misalignment.
- Speech issues.
- Difficulties in maintaining optimal oral hygiene.
- Embarrassment about appearance.
- Increased risk of sleep apnea.
However, not all individuals with tongue-ties will experience these complications. Many parents and even some medical professionals are unaware of the consequences of leaving a tongue-tie untreated. To many, as long as the child gains weight (even with difficulty breastfeeding), there’s no point in treating a tongue-tie. The issue is that the tongue isn’t just vital during feeding; it affects your structural development, too. A restricted tongue interferes with healthy jaw development and other oral structures.
How is a tongue-tie treated?
Traditionally, frenectomy involved using a scalpel or scissor to sever or “release” the restricted frenum. Although traditional frenectomy is effective, it can be traumatic, leading to more bleeding and extended recovery periods.
Dr. Bridget Lervick and the team treat a tongue-tie with laser technology. Instead of fear-invoking scalpels, the doctor uses a focused beam of intense light to vaporize the frenum. Instead of cutting, the laser ablates the tissue, providing the added benefit of coagulation, which seals the blood vessels, resulting in less trauma and bleeding.
Lasers also have an antibacterial effect, sterilizing the surgical site and reducing the risk of infections and swelling. Best of all, they are highly precise. They only target the frenum tissue, leaving the healthy tissues intact.
How long does the treatment last?
It only takes less than 5 minutes to treat your child’s tongue-tie. Many babies can feed immediately after frenectomy, while others may be more reluctant to feed within 24 hours after the procedure. While each child is different, it takes 1-2 weeks for your child to heal after laser frenectomy.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (952) 955-4505 | Existing Patients: (952) 746-0225 BOOK ONLINE
Does a dentist near me offer tongue-tie treatment?
Do you suspect your child has a tongue tie in Edina, MN? Call (952) 955-4505 to schedule an appointment with Grandview Center for Dentistry for a laser-assisted frenectomy. This procedure is quick and painless for most individuals, but some may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity post-procedure. However, this process offers numerous lifelong benefits, so it is definitely beneficial to take this step.
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Dr. Bridget Lervick
Dr. Bridget Lervick is a respected dentist in Edina, MN who has also practiced dentistry in South Dakota and Texas. Dr. Lervick earned her dental degree at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2010 and enjoys being back in the Twin Cities at her own practice now. Her patients trust her for general, cosmetic, orthodontic, and frenectomy treatments and more. A certified Invisalign® Provider, Dr. Lervick also maintains memberships in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the International Association for Orthodontics, the Breathe Institute, and the Pankey Institute.