Laser lip and tongue tie procedures are relatively new technique in pediatric dentistry that has been gaining in popularity in the last decade. These procedures are Infant Laser Lip & Tongue Tie minimally invasive and quick to perform, with little to no discomfort for the child. The goal is simple: to close open spaces created by excessive or tight frenums, or to release an overly tight frenum that inhibits natural lip function.
Infant laser lip and tongue tie
Infant laser lip and tongue tie is a new technique that is less invasive than the traditional method. The infant laser lip & tongue tie (IL&TT) technique is a new surgical option for children with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). The procedure removes the redundant portion of the frenum linguae, which divides the tongue into two parts, with one part attached to the floor of the mouth and the other attached to the bottom of the upper jaw.
Traditional ankyloglossia surgery involves cutting through skin, fat, muscle, and bone for each procedure. IL&TT uses lasers to precisely cut through only tissue without damaging any underlying structures. The procedure can be performed in just minutes under local anesthesia, whereas traditional surgery requires general anesthesia.
Tongue-tie
Tongue-tie is a condition in which the thin membrane under the tongue restricts the movement of the tongue. It may create difficulties with breastfeeding and speech, as well as a range of other potential issues. The procedure to fix this problem is called a laser tongue-tie release, and it can be done by an oral surgeon or pediatric dentist.
In order to complete this procedure, there are several steps that must be followed: remove any excess skin from above or below the tongue; use an incision to cut through the membrane’s webbing; then, using surgical scissors, trim off any remaining webbing.
the laser procedure is a surgical treatment
A laser procedure is a surgical treatment for infants born with a tongue-tie. This is when the thin band of tissue under the tongue, which helps with breastfeeding, is too short, making it difficult to attach the baby’s tongue to the breast.
The surgery is performed by a pediatrician or ear-nose-throat physician with specialized training in laser surgery. This surgery has been available in most states since 2000 and research has shown that it relieves feeding difficulties in infants born with a tongue-tie.
Tongue-tie is the short, thick tissue that attaches to the underside of the tongue.
The passage of time can sometimes make the tongue tieless noticeable, but it is an important risk factor for breastfeeding problems.
A tongue-tie can cause poor coordination between sucking and swallowing, leading to difficulty feeding and prolonged feeds.
There are several different types of treatments for tongue-tie surgery depending on its severity.
Baby Has A Congenital Anomaly
The baby has a congenital anomaly called a tongue tie. The baby’s tongue is too short and it is attached too close to the lower gum. This might hinder the baby from feeding properly.
Signs of a tongue tie in an infant:
- Difficulty in latching on
- Frequent gagging while eating
- Inability to swallow food
- Little or no weight gain
There are a few benefits of breastfeeding after a tongue tie revision. The primary reason is to avoid the risk of insufficient breast milk supply. Babies who breastfeed exclusively have a lower risk of getting infections, and babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life have fewer incidents of ear and respiratory infections. If you experience sore, cracked nipples before your revision, breastfeeding may help heal these areas too.
Some mothers may also want to continue breastfeeding after their tongue tie revision because they enjoy it or feel strongly about its positive effects on their baby’s health and development. It is possible to continue breastfeeding even if you had difficulty with it before your surgery because there will be less tension on the tissue in your mouth now that the ties have been cut.
Breastfeeding after tongue-tie
Breastfeeding after tongue tie revision is possible if the mother has a lactation consultant to help her.
The breastfeeding process starts with breastfeeding education, which is delivered by a certified lactation consultant to teach new mothers how to breastfeed their infants. The lactation consultant may also provide the mother with breastfeeding supplies such as breast pads and bras, as well as teach her about breast milk storage and proper feeding techniques.
Breastfeeding consultations typically take place within the first few days of birth, but they can be scheduled at any time during or after childbirth by contacting a local certified lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding problems and difficulties can include the low supply of breast milk; insufficient emptying of breasts; sore nipples; engorgement; blocked ducts and mastitis.