Frenectomy

Tongue and Lip Tie: Understanding the Frenectomy Treatment

Did you know that smooth tongue and lip movement is super important for your child’s early development? These movements play a vital role in breastfeeding, speech, and oral hygiene! Unfortunately, about 3% of babies are born with a condition called tongue or lip ties, which can restrict movement and lead to some challenges.

At Rosanna Family Dental Clinic, we specialise in frenectomy—a gentle, advanced treatment for oral ties. Our caring team, led by Dr. Sapandeep, will guide you from consultation to post-care, supporting your child’s well-being at every step.

Understanding Tongue Tie and Lip Tie

Both tongue ties and lip ties are conditions related to short, restrictive tissue that limits movement in the tongue or upper lip, which can affect your child’s health and development.

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)

A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the thin tissue under the tongue, is unusually short, restricting tongue movement. This can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech articulation, and proper jaw development.

Lip Tie

A lip tie occurs when the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gums is short. This can make it hard for babies to create a seal with their lips, leading to mouth breathing and other complications as they grow.

Potential Complications of Untreated Tongue and Lip Ties

If left untreated, tongue and lip ties can lead to a variety of issues affecting your child’s health and comfort. Common complications include:

• Breastfeeding Difficulties: Breastfeeding requires babies to keep their tongues over the lower gum while sucking. If they can’t do this, they might chew instead, causing nipple pain and making it hard to get enough milk, which can lead to inadequate nutrition and failure to thrive.

• Speech Issues: Children might find it hard to articulate sounds like “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” “th,” “n,” and “l,” affecting their communication skills.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: For older children and adults, a tongue tie can make it difficult to remove food particles from teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation (gingivitis).

• Dental Decay: Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene raises the risk of dental decay, which may require extensive treatments.

• Challenges with Oral Activities: Restricted tongue movement can complicate everyday activities like licking ice cream, kissing, or playing wind instruments.

• Jaw Development Problems: Limited tongue movement can affect the growth of the upper and lower jaws, increasing the likelihood of orthodontic issues later.

• Tooth Alignment Issues: Misalignment of teeth may occur, often necessitating orthodontic intervention.

If you’re noticing any of these signs in your little one, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation! The good news is that tongue and lip ties can be safely treated with laser treatment, even for infants at Rosanna Family Dental Clinic.

How We Can Help: Frenectomy (Tongue/Lip Tie Release)

A frenectomy is a simple yet impactful oral tie treatment that can greatly enhance your child’s quality of life. At Rosanna Family Dental Clinic, our experienced dentist, Dr. Sapandeep, uses laser for safe, effective tongue and lip tie release.

Pre-Procedure Steps

• Getting to Know You

We begin by taking a detailed medical history to understand your child’s needs and address any concerns you may have. Your input is essential to help us provide the best care possible.

• Intraoral Examination

Our team conducts a thorough examination to assess tongue movement and how your child uses their mouth, which helps us determine the best approach.

• Myofunctional Therapy

To ensure a smooth recovery and optimal function, we provide specific exercises before and after the procedure.

Benefits of Laser Frenectomy Procedure

At Rosanna Family Dental Clinic, we primarily use lasers for frenectomies, offering several benefits:

• Comfort: Laser technology minimises discomfort, making the process more pleasant
• Less Bleeding and Inflammation: The precision of lasers reduces bleeding and swelling.
• Quick Healing: Many patients experience faster recovery times

The procedure is usually done under topical and local anaesthesia. For anxious children, we offer nitrous oxide sedation (often referred to as “Happy Gas”) to help them relax.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Is your child struggling with a tongue or lip tie? Don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sapandeep at Rosanna Family Dental Clinic. We’re here to provide personalised care and support you every step of the way toward better oral health.