Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Release In Sugar Land, TX
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What Are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties?
A physical condition that limits the use of the tongue is called a tongue-tie. This restriction often causes various issues and affects around 20% of the population. A lip-tie, on the other hand, is a condition where the upper lip is restricted and cannot move normally. It can cause difficulty with nursing, make it harder to brush the top teeth, and can also lead to a gap in the teeth.
Symptoms of Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties in Infants
The symptoms of tongue-ties and lip-ties vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Speech difficulties
- Dental problems, such as tooth decay and misalignment
- Inability to stick out the tongue
- Inability to move the tongue from side to side
- Inability to touch the roof of the mouth with the tongue
- Pain and discomfort
Symptoms of Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties in Toddlers & Older Children
Tongue-ties and lip-ties are conditions that can cause difficulties with speech, feeding, and sleep, among other concerns. Many children have these conditions, but they are often not identified until later in life.
Here are some signs to look out for:
Speech
Feeding
Sleep
We are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help your child.
CO2 Laser Treatments
Besides labial and lingual frenectomies (tongue-tie or lip-tie procedures), the CO2 laser can be used in gingivectomies (removing excess gum tissue) and operculectomies (exposing a wisdom tooth). These procedures require the removal of soft tissue from the mouth, and CO2 lasers are gentle, precise, and virtually pain-free. Unlike traditional methods, which can be scary for kids and cause discomfort and bleeding, CO2 lasers use a beam of light to gently remove the tissue without causing harm. The laser even helps seal the wound, which promotes faster healing and reduces discomfort. Regardless of what brings your child to our office, our experienced pediatric dentists at Sweetpea Smiles use CO2 lasers to ensure your child's procedure is as easy and stress-free as possible.
How the CO2 Laser Procedure Works
CO2 laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in the dental office. The laser emits a beam of light that removes tissue with precision and minimal damage to the surrounding area.During the procedure, the child is given a local anesthetic to numb the area. The laser is then used to remove the excess tissue in the frenulum, allowing the tongue or lip to move freely. The procedure is quick and typically takes less than 10 minutes. Most children experience little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.
The Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser treatment for tongue-ties and lip-ties offers several benefits, including:
- Quick and easy procedure
- Minimally invasive with no need for stitches or sutures
- Little to no discomfort during or after the procedure
- Improved breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Improved speech and language development
- Improved dental health and alignment
Do You Offer Financing?
Yes, we do! Sweetpea Smiles offers affordable patient financing through CareCredit. Patients who qualify can finance most or all of their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses with low monthly payments. We also offer a unique discount plan exclusively for our uninsured patients!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does a lip-tie differ from a tongue-tie?
A lip-tie involves the piece of skin (labial frenulum) that attaches the upper lip to the gums above the upper front teeth. When this frenulum is too thick or tight, it restricts the lip's movement, similarly to a tongue-tie.
How do I recognize if my child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie?
Common signs include difficulty in breastfeeding for infants, speech issues in older children, problems with oral hygiene, or a noticeable restriction in tongue or lip movement.
Can a tongue-tie or lip-tie affect breastfeeding?
Yes, tongue-ties and lip-ties can make it difficult for a baby to latch onto the breast properly, leading to pain for the mother and poor weight gain for the baby.
Are tongue-ties and lip-ties common?
Yes, both conditions are relatively common congenital anomalies. They can occur individually or together in some individuals.
How are tongue-ties and lip-ties typically treated?
Traditionally, a procedure called frenectomy is used, wherein the restrictive frenulum is snipped with surgical scissors. Nowadays, CO2 laser treatment is becoming a preferred method due to its precision and minimized discomfort.
What is CO2 laser treatment?
CO2 laser treatment uses a concentrated beam of light to release the tongue-tie or lip-tie. The laser offers a precise cut, causing minimal bleeding and often requiring no stitches.
Why choose CO2 laser treatment over traditional methods?
CO2 laser treatment is less invasive than conventional surgical methods. It causes less pain, reduces the risk of infection, offers quicker healing, and often results in minimal scarring.
Is CO2 laser treatment safe for infants?
Yes, CO2 laser treatment is considered safe for infants. It's commonly used to address breastfeeding challenges linked to tongue-ties and lip-ties. Always ensure the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
How long does the recovery process take after CO2 laser treatment?
Recovery is generally swift. Most patients, especially infants, show immediate improvement in feeding and other activities. Complete healing usually occurs within a week or two.
Can adults benefit from CO2 laser treatment for tongue-ties and lip-ties?
Absolutely! While often diagnosed and treated in infancy, some individuals don't address their tongue-tie or lip-tie until adulthood. CO2 laser treatment is effective for patients of all ages.
Will insurance cover the CO2 laser treatment for tongue-tie or lip-tie?
Many insurance plans do cover frenectomy procedures, including CO2 laser treatment. It's essential to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
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