TONGUE TIED LASER TREATMENTS
Our practice is focused on diagnosing and treating infants, children and adults with tethered oral tissues (TOTs). TOT is primarily tongue ties, lip ties and to a lesser extent buccal ties.
Why soft tissue laser treatment?
The soft tissue laser operation is relatively simple and you will be able to take your child home right after the procedure is completed. A follow up appointment will be scheduled for you.
AnteriorTongue Tie
The underside, tip of the tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth being connected by the lingual frenulum membrane. It causes decreased mobility of the tongue tip.
Lip Tie
The maxillary frenulum is the tissue attaching the middle upper lip to the infant’s gums. It can interfere with normal mobility and reduce the function of the upper lip.
Posterior tongue tied
The tongue tie is hidden under the mucus lining of the mouth. This type of tongue tie is not visible. You can feel it if you run a finger underneath the tongue from side to side.
Combination Tongue/Lip Tie
A combination of maxillary and lingual or posterior tongue tie. This combination is particularly challenging for breastfeeding infants.
Symptoms
- Gassy
- Colic
- Low weight
- Drooling
- Swallowing problems
- Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side
- Trouble sticking out tongue past the lower front teeth
- Reflux
- Vomiting
- Pain
- Difficulty licking lips
- Tongue cannot reach the roof of the mouth
- Impaired tongue mobility
Where can you treat kids for tongue tied?
Newborn babies with tongue tied and feeding problems should consult a pediatric dentist experienced with undertaking the procedure. Dr. Emily Nguyen is experienced in treating this condition and we encourage you to come in for a check up as early as possible or as suggested by your doctor or pediatrician. Dr. Nguyen is trained in using dental lasers to assist in quicker healing times and less post-operative pain. The laser can instantly correct tongue tied and your baby will be able to breastfeed immediately following the procedure.