Give your child the best possible start! We treat tongue and lip ties with an advanced laser frenectomy
While Grandview Center for Dentistry is well-equipped to provide a comprehensive array of services to children and adults alike, Dr. Bridget Lervick has developed considerable expertise in pediatric dentistry. Notably, Dr. Lervick completed advanced training in the treatment of tongue ties and lip ties. Furthermore, she brings her personal experience with this common congenital condition to each patient engagement.
Dr. Lervick experienced the benefits of laser-assisted frenectomies firsthand; when this technique helped her as a nursing mother, she invested in the LightScalpel® system to safely reshape tissues for the treatment of tongue-tied and lip-tied patients.
The trouble with TOTS
Tongue ties and lip ties fall under a category of conditions called “tethered oral tissues,” or “TOTS” for short. As their name suggests, tissues in the oral cavity or mouth are generally “tethered” or connected in a manner that interferes with healthy function and development. For tongue ties (or ankyloglossia), a piece of tissue known as the lingual frenulum may be shorter, thicker, or tighter than it should be. In turn, the tissue that connects the tongue to the lower jaw may restrict movement.
Likewise, a short or improperly-positioned maxillary labial frenulum or lip tie can restrict movement. The lip frenulum connects or tethers the gums or tissues of the upper jaw to the upper lip. Any time the natural mobility or range of movement is constrained, functional problems can arise. These problems and anatomical anomalies may further have an adverse effect on children’s development during their critical formative years.
Complications of TOTS include:
● Poor “latching” and challenges with breastfeeding
● Pain or discomfort when swallowing
● Disordered breathing; for instance, breathing through the mouth and snoring
● Challenges to the healthy development of the jaws
● Misaligned teeth
● Bruxism (habitual grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaws)
● Speech impediments
● Acid reflex
● Myofunctional issues; for example, persistent thumb-sucking
● Hyperactivity
Fortunately, Dr. Lervick prevents or resolves these and other complications of lip ties and tongue ties. Frenectomy is a straightforward procedure that involves releasing the troublesome tissues responsible for restricted mobility and functional challenges.
Instead of invasively cutting the tissue, as with other forms of a frenectomy, the laser allows us to reshape and eradicate tissues without using a scalpel and invasive cutting. Due to the highly targeted, light-touch, and non-invasive nature of laser frenectomy, we can also eliminate the risks associated with traditional surgical procedures. Patients avoid excessive bleeding, infection, and other potential consequences and side effects. Furthermore, due to the nature of laser technologies, natural and fast tissue regeneration, and healing are promoted. Our patients’ range of motion, healthy development, and function are restored and supported.
What we do now to assist our pediatric patients can make a tremendous positive difference in their overall health, well-being, and quality of life into adulthood! Call (952) 955-4505 with questions or concerns or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lervick at the Grandview Center for Dentistry in Edina, MN. Dr. Lervick intimately understands and is here to help!
DR. BRIDGET LERVICK
Dr. Bridget Lervick’s priority is always the health and comfort of her patients, from infants to adults. She brings her experience as a mother to her work and after a simple laser procedure changed her breastfeeding relationship with her daughter Hannah in 2016, she became passionate about learning how to help other moms so they didn’t have to suffer the same symptoms.
She has completed advanced training related to lip and tongue ties and sleep-disordered breathing and partners with other infant care specialists (chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, myofunctional therapists, and lactation consultants) for a comprehensive, compassionate, conservative approach to help our patients get the best results possible. Dr. Lervick would love to partner with your family if you are having difficulties with nursing, feeding, or speech difficulties.
