Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment – Garland, TX
Greater Oral Movement for Better Overall Health
When a child can freely move their lip and tongue, they can easily eat, speak, and smile without difficulty. Unfortunately, when a restricted band of tissue – a lip or tongue-tie – exists, this greater mobility becomes nonexistent. The good news is that Garland Pediatric Dentistry is here to provide a solution that will improve your child’s quality of life and oral movement – lip and tongue-tie treatment. If you notice your youngest family member is struggling with normal daily tasks, call our office to schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose Garland Pediatric Dentistry For Lip and Tongue-Tie Treatment?
- Comfortable Soft Tissue Laser for Easier Treatment & Recovery
- Board-Certified & General Pediatric Dentists on Staff
- We Are In-Network with Many Dental Insurance Plans
How Do Lip and Tongue-Ties Develop?
A lip and/or tongue-tie forms while a child is still in the womb. These occur when frenulums form between the underside of the tongue and the floor of the mouth (a tongue-tie) or between the area behind the upper lip and the gums above the top row of teeth (a lip-tie).
In most cases, this banded tissue will stretch and pose no issues once a baby is born; however, the frenulum may become malformed, resulting in a tight and restricted space, making it difficult for proper lip and tongue movement.
Why Is It Important to Treat Lip & Tongue-Ties?
The reason so many pediatric dentists encourage lip and tongue-tie treatment is that without it, the effects can worsen as a child grows older.
During infancy, a baby may struggle to breastfeed or take a bottle, making them irritable and hungry. This can lead to painful nursing, colic, acid reflux, and poor weight gain.
During childhood, difficulty eating certain foods can cause digestive issues, slurred speech can make it challenging to talk to peers, and getting adequate rest can become problematic because of mouth breathing.
You may also notice that your child begins to experience an aversion to certain foods or textures, which can cause problems trying to get them to eat healthier, nutritious meals.
Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment
If one of our dentists at Garland Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child for lip and tongue-tie treatment, it will likely be referred to as a frenectomy. This process involves using a soft tissue laser to release the restricted tissue so that the lip or tongue can begin to move freely.
The procedure is quick and easy, thanks to the laser’s precise movement. There is little bleeding or swelling involved, and because the laser cauterizes and sterilizes the tissue during the process, the risk of infection remains low.
Our decision to incorporate a soft tissue laser as opposed to using traditional scalpels and sutures ensures a faster recovery after the procedure is complete.