As a parent, your child’s health should always be one of your top priorities—but not every issue is apparent or obviously harmful! One example of this is lip-tie, a common occurrence in infants that can potentially cause complications down the road if left untreated. Keep reading to learn a little more from your trusted pediatric dentist about this condition and how it’s easily and painlessly treated so that you can rest easy.
What Is Lip-Tie?
Unfortunately, some children are born with an issue known as lip-tie. It occurs when the soft connective tissue under the lip, known as the frenulum, is either too short, too tight, or otherwise compromised to the point where it’s restricting proper lip movement (or tongue function, which is referred to as tongue tie). An untreated lip-tie can often lead to issues that affect speech development and nursing, in particular. People of all ages can have this condition, though many parents opt to have it addressed when their child is young.
How Is Lip-Tie Treated?
The process of treating a lip-tie is quite quick and straightforward; in fact, many doctors and dentists even recommend that babies get the surgery before they leave the hospital after birth. However, older children can just as easily have the operation, which usually takes mere minutes. A special soft tissue laser tool is used to carefully cut or reshape the frenulum as needed; in medical terms, the procedure is called a frenectomy. Following the frenectomy, infants often experience an immediately improved ability to latch during breastfeeding. Sometimes, dietary restrictions or useful stretches might also be necessary.
Is This Process Painful?
As dental technology evolves, so do the ways in which both older and younger patients are comfortably treated—and lip-tie laser surgery should not cause much pain at all for children! Compared to traditional treatment methods, the soft tissue laser allows for gentler treatment and a much quicker recovery time. There is very little bleeding involved since the laser cauterizes the tissue as your dentist works, and they also won’t even need to use stitches, nor will a local anesthetic be necessary!
Lip-tie surgery is a routine and generally low-pain procedure that can address a range of concerns associated with the condition, making it a worthwhile endeavor for children and parents alike. That said, if you still have concerns about the condition, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak with your child’s dentist for assistance.
About the Practice
The Cleveland Tongue-Tie Center has proudly served patients and families in the Cleveland, OH area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Andrea Csok, offering a wide range of services aimed at correcting tongue- and lip-ties. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for a loved one, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call today for information or assistance. Telephone: (216) 292-2277.