20
Aug
Restore Your Kid’s Oral Health and Life with Tongue-tie Surgery
If your child can’t lift or stick out their tongue, there might be a problem. Restricted or tethered tongue movement can hinder feeding and speech development in children. A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is when a tight band of tissue (frenum) attaches the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricting its movement.
At Drs. Goodman, Ko and Associates of Milford, Massachusetts, we provide tongue-tie surgery to restore your child’s oral health. Instead of traditional surgery, our dental experts perform a tongue-tie release (frenectomy) with advanced laser dentistry. This laser-assisted frenectomy procedure is swift, minimally painful, and facilitates rapid healing.
What causes a tongue-tie?
The frenum is residual tissue that forms part of the facial structure in the early stages of pregnancy. When the child develops, this tissue disappears or reduces to a very thin, elastic membrane that doesn’t limit the tongue function. Typically, the tongue can move past the lower lip and reach the upper teeth or roof of the mouth. When the frenum is too tight or thick, it may limit the tongue’s movement, affecting oral function in many ways.
What are the signs of a tongue-tie?
Patients with a tongue-tie have a heart-shaped or notched appearance of the tongue tip when extended. However, regardless of the shape of the tongue, it’s the symptoms that count. Schedule an appointment with a dentist when you notice the symptoms below.
- Breastfeeding challenges, including poor latch, frequent feeding sessions, or inadequate milk transfer
- Speech difficulties, such as difficulty articulating certain sounds like “l,” “r,” “s,” or “t.”
- Persistent difficulty controlling saliva
- Oral hygiene issues, including difficulty cleaning the tongue or increased risk of cavities due to inadequate tongue movement
A tongue-tie doesn’t only affect the infant—it affects the mother too. A poor latch can cause discomfort and soreness for the breastfeeding mother, as the baby may unintentionally press on the nipple or cause friction during feeding. Other noticeable symptoms for the mother include poor breast drainage, blistered nipples, and plugged ducts (mastitis).
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New Patients: (508) 850-0686 | Existing Patients: (508) 478-3800
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How is a tongue-tie treated?
Traditionally, doctors treat a tongue-tie by making a small cut on the tight band (frenum) with a scalpel to “release” the tongue. This lengthens the frenum, making your tongue move freely. Our dental team administers frenectomy using laser technology. This procedure uses a focused beam of light to sever the frenum. Laser-assisted tongue-tie surgery is quick and doesn’t hurt. Plus, laser dentistry results in minimal bleeding and fast recovery.
Who offers tongue-tie surgery near me?
Ready to renew your child’s feeding and speech abilities? Please schedule a consultation with our experienced team today and explore the benefits of tongue-tie release. Give your child the freedom to thrive with painless, laser-assisted treatment in Milford, MA. Call (508) 850-0686 to schedule an appointment today with Drs. Alan Ko, Brittany Bressler, and Saeed Kashefi.