Tongue tie is a condition wherein the piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is so short or thick that it restricts the tongue’s movements. This can lead to a slew of complications, including breastfeeding difficulties, aversions to certain foods, and more. If you suspect that your little one is suffering from this problem, it would be wise to get them evaluated and perhaps schedule them for a frenectomy, which is the standard treatment for tongue tie. What can you expect from this procedure? This blog post guides you through the process.
Before a Frenectomy
You should schedule an appointment for your child with a dentist who offers tongue tie treatment. It may be best if you choose one who uses a soft tissue laser, rather than traditional tools, to perform the procedure.
During the consultation, the dentist will learn about your child’s symptoms and confirm a tongue tie diagnosis. A frenectomy can be performed very soon thereafter.
During a Frenectomy
A frenectomy procedure is essentially the same for children (and adults) of any age. First, the mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, the dentist uses a soft tissue laser to remove just enough of the tissue beneath the tongue as is necessary.
The youngest patients may need a parent or another trusted adult to hold them during the procedure so they do not squirm too much. Older children and adults can usually undergo a frenectomy without any additional sedation or other pain-dulling measures, particularly if a soft tissue laser is used. This advanced tool minimizes bleeding and facilitates a fast recovery.
After a Frenectomy
Infants who undergo a frenectomy are often encouraged to breastfeed right after their procedure — perhaps even before they leave the dental office! The surgery makes it easier for them to latch onto their mother’s breast and take in the nutrition that they need to grow and thrive.
Some older children and adults require myofunctional therapy after (as well as before) a frenectomy. The therapy trains them to use their tongue properly after its ability to move freely is restored.
It is normal to experience some discomfort during the first day or two following a frenectomy. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to manage this. Complications with tongue tie treatment are quite rare. However, if a patient experiences any severe pain or other concerning symptoms, you should get in touch with the dentist who performed the procedure right away.
A frenectomy is a quick and relatively simple treatment that can help infants, children, and even adults to enjoy improved oral health and other outstanding benefits. If you have further questions about what to expect from this procedure, ask a qualified local dentist.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Vladimir Pastouk and Andrea Csok work together to provide comprehensive oral health services to the Cleveland community. Dr. Pastouk brings decades of experience to our practice, and Dr. Csok is a proud member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Frenectomies are available in our office for patients of virtually all ages. To learn more about tongue tie treatment or other ways in which our team may be able to serve you, contact us at 216-292-3600.