Tongue ties are more common than you might think. According to a recent article published by Harvard Medical School, 8% of infants under the age of one have a tongue tie. Clinically known as ankyloglossia, this condition occurs when the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than it should be, therefore restricting the tongue’s range of motion. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can release a tongue tie, regardless of how old the patient is, by performing a frenectomy using our LightScalpel dental laser. This page provides information on how to provide care following a frenectomy.
Pain management
If you choose to undergo a laser frenectomy at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we take multiple steps to ensure you feel no discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is applied to the target area, and the actual frenectomy is completed quickly with the laser technology. After the procedure, any discomfort should be minimal and, in most cases, can be managed through an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Many parents of infants are cautious about the medicines they use.
We can recommend a few home remedies, including:
- Breast milk ice chips
- Organic coconut oil, kept chilled
- Chamomilla boiron camilia
What to expect after a frenectomy
A dirt of soft, cool foods is recommended for the first few days following a frenectomy. You may want to avoid especially spicy foods or foods that need significant chewing. We will provide you with detailed instructions for you or your child following the frenectomy. These instructions also include details on the regimen of care to follow. This includes rinsing with salt water or mouthwash multiple times per day.
What complications should I watch for?
The chance of any issues following a frenectomy are minimal thanks to the laser technology. This laser employs a flexible fiber wavelength that is precise enough to remove as little as a few cells of soft tissue at one time. The laser vaporizes the target area, immediately cauterizing the area and sealing any affected blood vessels. This significantly reduces bleeding and the risk of infection.
Nevertheless, issues to watch for following a frenectomy include:
- Numbness
- Bleeding
- Pain that cannot be managed through over-the-counter medication or home remedies
- Signs of infection
You may detect both a yellowish hue at the site of the frenectomy or bad-smelling breath following the procedure. These are both normal and not indicative of an infection.
Myofunctional therapy
Your tongue plays a vital role in how you eat, breathe and speak. A tongue tie prevents full range of motion and intended movement in the tongue, having significant impacts. As noted, many tongue ties get released during the first year of life. For individuals who do not receive diagnosis and treatment past infancy, they often unconsciously develop bad habits as they compensate for the reduced movement and range of motion in their tongue. In these cases, Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can recommend a course of myofunctional therapy. This type of therapy entails performing simple stretches that work the muscles of the face and mouth, in conjunction with the tongue. Performed regularly, these exercises can correct any negative habits that developed due to your tongue tie, with average length of treatment lasting six months.
Releasing tongue ties in Los Gatos, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, California
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a tongue tie, having it released is crucial. The laser technology at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry makes this especially convenient. To learn more about our frenectomy procedures or after care, schedule a consultation by calling (831) 438-4411 or contacting us online.