For some kids and adults, smiling, speaking, and drinking can be restricting. Typically, this is due to an overdeveloped frenum, also known as a lip and tongue tie. Lip and tongue restrictions hinder the ability to move the mouth freely, causing a major interference with living and smiling to the fullest.
If you or your child require a frenectomy, you probably have some questions. Surgical procedures typically sound extreme but don’t fret - frenectomies are simple, safe, and most importantly, minimally invasive. Our doctor only recommends them when absolutely necessary. For example, when a lip or tongue tie is causing restriction in the mouth, preventing the ability to speak, eat, and smile freely. If you or your child have been struggling with any of these issues, give us a call! It’s never too late to get the treatment needed to help you or your child live and smile without limits.
Fallon Giles, RDH, OMT is a trained oral myofunctional therapist and has helped countless infants, kids, and adults regain proper airway and oral function.
Our state-of-the-art Deka CO2 laser dissolves tethered tissue instantly, which reduces overall discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Sutures are not necessary after using the laser, since it properly sterilizes and seals the area with complete precision.
Untreated tongue ties can cause shoulder tension, headaches, and sleep difficulties in adults.
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Lip or tongue ties can cause gaps in the teeth and gum recession. These not only cause discomfort but can lower self-esteem. With a frenectomy, we can boost you or your child’s smile confidence.
Frenectomy treatment will free the tongue and help treat speech impediments due to limited tongue movement.
Releasing frenum restriction and increasing tongue and mouth movement will improve you or your child's eating habits, ultimately increasing overall appetite and enjoyment of food.
A consultation is necessary to determine if you or your child require a frenectomy. We will discuss your experiences and conduct a thorough exam to check for a lip or tongue tie. If a lip or tongue tie is found, we’ll schedule the procedure. Treatment is often completed in combination with a series of exercises to be complete before and after treatment.
Your doctor will use a Deka CO2 laser to release the tethered tissue. With a laser frenectomy, there is no need for stitches or sutures.
Proper aftercare includes cleaning the treatment site at least twice per day. Your dentist will recommend tongue or lip stretches to ensure that the frenulum heals properly and does not reattach. Appropriate pain management will be discussed.
Tongue and lip ties are known as “tethered oral tissues” or TOTs. They occur when the bands of tissue that connect the tongue or the lips to the mouth become overdeveloped to the point that proper mouth movement is restricted. Minor tongue and lip ties may not cause eating problems, or contribute to speech impediments.However, serious tongue and lip ties can put a hindrance on you or your child’s wellbeing. For both adults and children, the side effects of not eating or speaking freely can impact self-esteem and getting proper nutrition. Not only that, but it can cause sleep-related problems that contribute to serious health conditions.
Feeding problems are the most common signs of tongue and lip ties. Your child’s lips and tongue need to be able to move properly to latch onto the nipple and stimulate it for proper feeding. If they seem to be having trouble making a proper seal, milk dribbles out from their mouth while feeding, or they frequently stop and start feeding, they may be having latching issues due to tongue or lip ties.
You can also look for visual signs of tongue and lip ties. For the lips, you can fold back your child’s upper lip and look at the frenulum. If it is difficult to lift the lip or it seems like your baby is unable to move their upper lip on their own, they may have a lip tie. Signs of tongue ties include an inability for your child to stick their tongue out past their front teeth, or problems moving the tongue from side to side. A common sign of tongue ties is a “heart-shaped” tongue. When your child sticks their tongue out, the restriction caused by the tongue tie may cause it to look “notched” or heart-shaped, instead of appearing as a smooth “U” shape.
The treated area will be numbed throughout the procedure. After the release, there will be a diamond-shaped wound under the tongue (if no sutures were placed) and/or lip. It takes about 2 weeks for the wound to heal (sometimes a bit longer). The healing will begin almost immediately after treatment, and the wound will often be larger than you would expect. If sutures are placed, they will fall out about 7-10 days after surgery. There is no cause for concern if they fall out a little sooner.
Insurance plans vary, our office will do our best to help your coordinate benefits.
To care for the surgical site, you will need to clean the treatment area twice a day to prevent infection and keep it healthy. We may also recommend some stretches for the tongue and/or lips. These stretches will help ensure that the frenulum heals properly and doesn’t reattach. Follow the instructions given to you and make sure you regularly perform all stretches recommended to you by your dentist to get the best outcome.
Before the procedure, she had trouble staying asleep and would move from room to room. She now sleeps through the night in her own bed.
He feeds and sleeps so much better! Nursing no longer feels like such a chore!
"Releasing tethered oral tissues can have a significant effect on one's overall health!"
— Dr. Nicole
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 12pm
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