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Lip- and tongue-ties are the result of the connective tissues attaching the lip or tongue to the mouth (technically called frenulums) being unusually thick, which causes these tissues to be less elastic than they should be and makes it difficult for children to speak and eat. Thankfully, your family’s dentist can address this frustrating problem with a simple and minimally invasive procedure called a frenectomy. Here’s a quick look at why lip- and tongue-ties do not usually go away on their own and how the frenectomy process works.
Will My Child’s Lip- or Tongue-tie Go Away on Its Own?
In previous decades, pediatric doctors and dentists often recommended that parents leave their children’s lip- or tongue-ties alone based on the assumption that the excessive frenulum tissue would eventually be torn loose during horseplay. However, time has shown that this method is not as reliable as parents would hope, and the frenulum being torn loose outside of a medical environment can set the child up for painful infections. It’s usually best to have a lip- or tongue-tie resolved with a painless and sanitary frenectomy.
How Do Frenectomies Work?
Traditional frenectomies are performed using surgical scissors after an appropriate anesthetic has been applied, but advances in technology now allow dentists to carry this procedure out in a more comfortable and sanitary way. Today’s pediatric oral health professionals usually prefer to perform frenectomies using high-tech lasers designed to gently and precisely sear away the excess frenulum tissue without the stress caused by traditional surgical cutting methods.
The concentrated light used during laser frenectomies also kills germs as it works, which reduces the likelihood of infection, and cauterizes the wound during the process, which helps seal it against harmful agents and promotes a smooth healing process. Laser frenectomies are also incredibly comfortable since they do not disturb the healthy tissue near the surgical area.
Don’t let your child’s lip- or tongue-tie set them up for discomfort when speaking and eating or health issues like malnutrition. Consulting with your child’s dentist can help you understand the best way to help them stay well.
About the Practice
Chicago Tongue-Tie Center specializes in providing comfortable and effective frenectomy services to children in the Chicagoland area. Led by Drs. Justin Welke and Bindi Vibhakar, the staff treats each patient with compassion while maintaining a kid-friendly office environment. Services include laser frenectomies to address lip- and tongue-ties. If you are concerned that your child may have a lip- or tongue-tie, contact the office online or dial (312) 248-2455.