Effective Tongue Tie Solutions: Enhance Speech, Breastfeeding Success, and Tongue Movement
Is your baby struggling with breastfeeding issues?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Your child might be experiencing tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia). Tongue- tie is a congenital condition that limits the range of motion of the tongue. It occurs due to a short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the **lingual frenulum) that tethers the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This can interfere with breastfeeding and bottle feeding and make it difficult for a baby to stick out their tongue.
Tongue- tie can also affect how a child eats, speaks, and swallows. Although ankyloglossia may not always cause problems, in some cases, a simple surgical procedure called tongue tie treatment may be needed to correct the issue.
Reasons Behind Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)
Tongue Tie occurs when the frenulum-the band of tissue under the tongue-fails to separate from the tongue before birth. This condition, often due to genetics, results in an unusually short or thick frenulum, creating tightness that limits the tongue’s mobility as the child develops. While tongue tie is commonly considered an isolated condition in children without other disorders, it can occasionally be associated with other syndromes.
Tongue Tie Indicators and Symptoms
In Infants
- Breastfeeding difficulties due to tongue tie
- Extended breastfeeding sessions required
- Persistent hunger despite feeding
- Clicking sounds during feeding
- Irritation, frustration, and excessive crying
- Weight fluctuations or slow weight gain
- Refusal to breastfeed
- Gagging, choking, or coughing while eating
- Frequent spitting up
Effective Solutions for Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
Tongue Tie treatment is a topic of debate among experts. Some doctors and lactation consultants recommend correcting tongue tie as early as possible, even before the newborn is discharged from the hospital. Others advocate a more cautious approach, opting to wait and observe.
In many cases, the lingual frenulum may gradually soften on its own, potentially resolving tongue tie. For some individuals, tongue tie does not cause significant issues. Breastfeeding can sometimes be improved with the help of a lactation consultant, while speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist may assist in enhancing speech sounds.
If tongue tie leads to difficulties in infants, children, or adults, surgical treatment might be necessary. Procedures such as frenotomy, frenuloplasty, or frenectomy are options for correcting tongue tie surgically.
What is Frenotomy, and How is it Performed?
Frenotomy is a straightforward surgical procedure used to treat tongue tie. It can be done with or without anesthesia in a hospital nursery or doctor’s office. During the procedure, the doctor examines the lingual frenulum and then cuts it with sterile scissors. Because the frenulum has fewer nerve endings and blood vessels, the frenotomy is typically quick and painless.
Post-procedure, any bleeding is minimal-usually just a drop or two. Infants can breastfeed immediately after the procedure. Although complications are rare, possible issues include bleeding, infection, or damage to the tongue or salivary glands. Scarring or reattachment of the frenulum is also possible.What is Frenuloplasty?
When the frenum is too thick for a frenotomy, a more invasive procedure called frenuloplasty is recommended. Frenuloplasty is performed with surgical tools under general anesthesia. After the tongue tie surgery, the wound is usually closed with self-absorbing sutures.
Frenuloplasty Risks include bleeding, infection, or damage to the tongue or salivary glands. Due to its more invasive nature, scarring and anesthesia reactions are possible. Post-procedure tongue exercises may be suggested to improve tongue movement and minimize scarring.
How Does Laser Frenectomy Work?
A soft tissue laser is used in laser frenectomy to treat tongue tie. Instead of cutting, the laser uses light energy to vaporize tissue. This method results in minimal discomfort and almost no bleeding. The laser sterilizes on contact, reducing the risk of infection. It also promotes bio-regeneration and accelerates healing.
Laser Frenectomy Benefits:
- Treatment is completed in a single visit, usually taking 1-2 minutes.
- No bleeding, no sutures, and no need for general anesthesia or sedation.
- Accelerated healing and recovery.
- Minimal pain or discomfort.
- Very low chance of reattachment.
- Minimally invasive.
- Feeding can be attempted immediately.
- Treatment is performed in our office with the highest care and precautions.
YOUR TOP RATED TONGUE TIE SPECIALIST IN THE MID-SOUTH
Know Your Tongue Tie Specialist
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the esteemed owner of Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Center, which has proudly been voted Desoto’s Best Dental Practice for three consecutive years. Dr. Adatrow was honored with the 2020 Patient Satisfaction Award by Dental Insider, the leading dentist directory online. Prior to establishing this practice in Southaven in January 2016, Dr. Adatrow served as a full-time Professor and Director at the University of Tennessee for 14 years. He is a Board-Certified Dual Specialist in Periodontology and Prosthodontics, with a remarkable track record of placing over 10,000 dental implants and treating numerous patients with TMJ disorders and gum diseases.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Tongue Tie Treatment in Southaven, MS
What is a Frenectomy?
What Is the Difference Between Laser Frenectomy and Conventional Frenectomy?
In a conventional frenectomy, the tight frenulum is excised using surgical scissors. This procedure is quick but usually requires local anesthesia. In contrast, a laser frenectomy often does not need local anesthesia due to its minimal procedural pain. Lasers allow dental professionals to avoid excessive bleeding, reduce the risk of post-surgery infections, and minimize complications. They also offer a precision that traditional tools cannot match.
What Is the Working Procedure of the Waterlase (Biolase) Laser?
Will My Insurance Cover the Consultation or Procedure?
Many dental insurance companies do not cover the procedure, as tongue tie is classified as a congenital medical condition. However, medical insurance often covers both the consultation exam and the procedure. We provide a health insurance claim form for you to submit to your insurance company. Most patients receive some form of reimbursement, although we are not in-network with health insurance companies. Payment is required at the time of service, and we will discuss all fees before treatment begins.
How Can I Identify Tongue Tie If My Pediatrician or Primary Care Provider Does Not Mention It?
Unfortunately, there is limited training on tongue and lip ties in medical, dental, nursing, or other health-related professional schools. Doctors treating tissue ties must pursue additional education. Dr. Adatrow has sought further education in surgical treatment of oral tissues for nearly two decades, ensuring the best possible care with a success rate of around 97%.
What Happens If Tongue Tie Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated into adulthood, tongue tie can cause:
- Breathing problems during sleep (SDB)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- TMD/TMJ (jaw joint pain)
- Migraines or chronic headaches
Is It Acceptable to Breastfeed Before the Procedure?
Why Choose Advanced Dental Implants & TMJ Center?
What Are the Complications of a Thick Frenum?
A thick frenum can lead to:
- Speech difficulties due to restricted tongue movements
- Diastema (spacing between upper front teeth)
- Mouth breathing from limited lip movement
- Decreased confidence due to speech difficulties or noticeable spacing
- Unstable dentures if the frenum interferes with denture stability
When Is a Frenectomy Required?
A frenectomy is necessary in cases where:
- The lingual frenum is too long and affects tongue function.
- A large maxillary labial frenum attached close to the teeth creates a gap between the front teeth.