A tongue tie is an area of restriction in the lip or the tongue that restricts oral function. This restriction can impact a variety of areas including breastfeeding for infants and adults, oral hygiene, digestion and speech. It can also impact facial growth and facial aesthetics, as well as sleep quality. Tongue and lip tie can be corrected through a minimally invasive procedure called Tounge and Lip Release or a Lingual Frenotomy.
Lingual frenotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and removing the frenulum (which is a small piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the gums). This is an outpatient procedure performed by our certified lactation consultant. The procedure is done while your baby is awake and typically requires no sedation. Occasionally there is some bleeding from the procedure but this is very minimal and rare. If you have questions about the procedure please ask dentist in Stoney Creek, lactation consultant, maternal and child health nurse or paediatrician.
Despite what you may have heard in the media, Tongue and Lip Release is not a “cure-all”. Small studies have shown that the tongue-tie release can improve nipple pain during nursing and breastfeeding but they do not show any improvement to sleep or speech issues.
If you have a tethered anterior tongue tie, we can use a laser to perform a simple tongue and lip tie release. This procedure only takes about 10 seconds and requires no anesthesia. Our CO2 laser vaporizes the tissue rather than cutting it, which allows for a much more precise and less painful procedure. It also removes the risk of bleeding and allows for quick healing.
In addition to tongue and lip tie release, we can assist with orthodontics and a variety of oral and dental concerns that are related to tethered tissues. We are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our patients and have an excellent track record of success with this treatment.
Many people with tethered oral tissues have been living with their symptoms for years before they are able to seek help. The tethered tissues can cause many problems that are seemingly unrelated, such as neck pain and tension, poor posture, headaches, bruxism, sleep difficulties and difficulty with eating, drinking and speaking. By treating these tethered tissues, we can see improvements in feeding, speech, digestion and overall health and well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing these issues, we would be happy to discuss whether or not tongue tie release might be right for you. We can provide a detailed evaluation and treatment plan to ensure that the results you are hoping for are achieved. Contact us to book a consultation with our expert team today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
