FRENECTOMY, TONGUE-TIE &
LIP-TIE TREATMENT
A frenectomy is a tongue-tie or lip-tie release procedure. A tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a physical condition that limits the use of the tongue. A lip-tie is a condition where the upper lip has restricted mobility and function. Tongue-tie and lip-tie release is a minor surgical procedure with minimal complications.
At Arlington Tongue Tie Center, Dr. Allie Lonneman combines the most advanced, gentle laser technology with specialized surgical skill in a comfortable, friendly setting. Dr. Allie uses the state-of-the-art Light Scalpel CO2 Laser for Infant Frenectomy and Child Frenectomy procedures. Dr. Allie uses the state-of-the-art LightScalpel CO2 Laser for a precise and gentle frenectomy procedure. The Light Scalpel CO2 laser promotes fast healing and minimizes the risk of infection and bleeding. It is also associated with the quickest procedure time, as well as with the lowest pain, both intra-operative and post-operative.
WHAT IS A FRENECTOMY?
The tongue and lip are important for all oral functions. For this reason, having a tongue-tie or lip-tie can lead to nursing, feeding, dental, speech, sleep, or breathing problems.
SYMPTOMS OF TONGUE-TIE & LIP-TIE
A baby with a tongue-tie or lip-tie may have poor weight gain due to trouble sucking. Oral restrictions hinder an infant's ability to get a good seal on the nipple, allowing increased air intake. Tongue-tie in children can cause feeding difficulties in chewing and swallowing foods and liquids. The presence of tongue tie is common in children that exhibit gagging, choking, packing food in cheeks, or spitting out foods. Children with a tongue-tie may eat slowly or be picky with textures.
FEEDING ISSUES
Children with tongue-tie and restricted mobility of the tongue may struggle with R, L, S, TH, SH and Z sounds. Children may have a lisp, mumble or even have a speech delay.
SPEECH ISSUES
In children with a tongue-tie, the tongue is unable to cleanse food from the deep grooves of molars, which can result in cavities on the occlusal surfaces of molars. Cavities are seen on the facial surfaces of maxillary incisors when a lip-tie is present, due to plaque accumulation between the tooth and restricted lip.
DENTAL ISSUES
When the tongue is at rest, it should touch the roof of your mouth. When a tongue is restricted (tongue-tie), it cannot maintain proper posture. Disordered Breathing and Sleep Apnea are common in that have tongue restrictions. Additional issues connected to sleep disordered breathing include snoring, grinding of teeth and behavioral issues (such as attention deficit disorders).
SLEEP ISSUES
Lip-ties can cause a gap (also known as a diastema) between the front two teeth. Both a tongue-tie and a lip-tie can cause dental crowding. The tongue is meant to rest in the palate. This pressure from the tongue helps to widen the palate. By increasing the arch size, there is more space available for the teeth. When a tongue-tie is present and the tongue is restricted, it cannot rest in the palate and a narrow palate develops. This impacts the alignment of both of the upper and lower jaws. Treating a tongue-tie and lip-tie with a Laser Frenectomy can alleviate these orthodontic issues.