Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment – Hamilton, ON
Releasing the Band for Improved Functionality
Is your baby fussy? Are they trying to nurse but cannot seem to get a good latch? Are you feeling depressed or frustrated because of the difficulties arising with breastfeeding? You’re not alone. There is a common problem that can keep babies, children, teenagers, and even adults from being able to have full motion of their lips or tongues. Known as a lip- or tongue-tie, these restricted bands of tissues can make life much more difficult. Fortunately, with a frenectomy in Hamilton, the problem can be quickly and easily fixed with little-to-no downtime afterward. Call us today to schedule an appointment to learn more.
How Do Lip and Tongue-Ties Develop?
Lip and tongue-ties develop during birth. While in the womb, apoptosis occurs, which means the lips and tongues separate from the mouth, making it possible for your baby to move them without restriction. However, when they do not detach fully, it can hinder the amount of movement.
Although former, more traditional techniques have been used to treat these banded tissues (sutures and scalpels), many dental professionals now use a soft tissue laser. This makes for an easier, less worrisome, and more comfortable experience for both the parent and child.
Why Is It Important to Treat Lip & Tongue-Ties?
It is important to have a dentist in Hamilton treat your child’s lip or tongue-tie simply because it can they will attain a wider range of motion when it comes to their lips and/or tongue. Children, teenagers, and adults are known to have worsening issues as they grow older.
While your little one is still a baby, forgoing or neglecting treatment will only make breastfeeding harder, increase their chances of having colic or acid reflux, have poor weight gain, and experience increased fussiness and fatigue. Over the years, many of these problems can morph into a speech impediment as well as a gap between their upper front two teeth that may cause them to feel self-conscious.
As a nursing mother, you, too, may experience extreme tiredness, depression, cracked and sore nipples, blocked ducts, and more.
Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment
Lip and tongue-tie treatment is also referred to as a frenectomy. Completed using a soft tissue laser, Dr. Rullo can create a gentler, more comfortable, and safer environment and experience for you and your child.
It’s unlikely your little one will need anesthesia, so they will lie back while Dr. Rullo uses the concentrated beam of light to gently release the tissue, immediately improving the range of motion. Following the procedure, mothers are encouraged to nurse immediately.
One of the best things about laser frenectomies is they minimize bleeding and swelling as well as the chance of infection. There is very little to no downtime, and they are increasingly quick to perform.
Lip-Tie Care
Following lip-tie treatment, it is important to prevent the tissue from reconnecting. For a few days afterward, you will need to gently stretch the tissue to make sure it heals properly. Lay your baby in front of your on your lap. With clean hands, lift the lip with your thumbs and index fingers and roll it away from the nose. After holding this position for about 10 seconds, gently rub the frenectomy site. We recommend doing this before nursing so that you can breastfeed to help them calm down after these exercises.