You’re pretty sure your baby has a tongue tie. Getting them to latch on while breastfeeding is a challenge, and you’ve tried working with a lactation consultant. But the idea of your tiny baby undergoing treatment can seem daunting.
How does treating a tongue work? What can you expect before, during, and after the procedure? Learn everything you need to know about tongue-tie treatment right here!
Before Tongue-Tie Treatment
Prior to undergoing any treatment, your child will need to be examined by a pediatric dentist to make sure they do have a tongue tie. Also during this appointment, you can ask questions about the procedure and receive further instructions.
Right before releasing the tongue tie, your pediatric dentist may or may not give your child a local anesthetic. In many situations, it isn’t necessary because laser technology severs the tissue gently, but in others, it can help keep the baby or child comfortable.
During Tongue-Tie Treatment
The procedure itself is actually quite fast and simple. Using a soft tissue laser, the pediatric dentists focuses the laser on the thick, restrictive piece of tissue, cutting and cauterizing it simultaneously. While this may sound intense or painful, in reality patients usually experience very little discomfort. Plus, with this tissue gone, the tongue is has much more freedom of motion.
After Tongue-Tie Treatment
Immediately following the procedure, your child may be crying or confused about what just happened. If you are breastfeeding, you may be invited to nurse your baby. Not only can this act as a powerful calming mechanism for them, but the breastmilk provides many nutrients needed to facilitate the healing process. If you experienced latching or nursing problems in the past, you may notice improvement immediately after this treatment.
As a result of the laser technology, unlike with traditional surgical scissors or scalpels, your baby should heal quickly afterward. You may need to run a clean finger under your baby’s tongue to make sure that the tissue doesn’t reattach within 24 hours of the procedure, but other than that, you can carry on as usual.
In the end, your pediatric dentist can walk you through every step of the procedure so that you know exactly what you can expect. By understanding the process in greater detail, you can feel confident that your baby is in good hands and that treatment can help make breastfeeding and other oral functions easier for your little one.
About the Practice
Our team at Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen is proud to help babies, children, and their parents deal with tongue ties. We are equipped with advanced technology, namely a soft tissue laser, to treat patients in the best possible way. With their years of experience and training, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage have years of experience and keep the practice updated with the latest innovations in dentistry. To schedule a consultation for tongue-tie treatment, you can reach out to us on our website.