SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
Many parents either don’t know what a tongue tie is, or they went to a trustworthy physician for help and didn’t hear anything about it or warnings about the risks of having the tongue tie loosened. Unfortunately, many parents are left without answers about their child’s inability to eat or speak because of their tongue tie. Once parents understand the challenges caused by their child’s tongue-tie, treatment may begin. Therefore, our Scotts Valley family dentists who treat tongue ties at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share on the blog today information about tongue ties and actions you can take to help your child’s development and oral health.
The Typical Case
A tongue tie may not be noticeable, and its attachment is closer to the tongue’s middle than the tip. Those are the ties that attach to the back, or the “posterior.” Mothers of infants often report that less visible posterior connections cause the greatest discomfort (7+, toe-curling anguish) during breastfeeding. And as the tension releases, the discomfort goes away. In most cases, mothers question their medical provider, but doctors often assure them it won’t be a problem for the foreseeable future. Our family dentists in Scotts Valley explain that the “wait and see approach” is mostly out of date. Leading pediatric textbooks state that a tongue tie will spontaneously extend and seldom affects eating and communication. Unsubstantiated beliefs like this are still a part of the dental industry and tongue-tie treatments.
How our Scotts Valley Dentists Treat Tongue Ties
Treating a tongue tie can be simple, quick, and nearly painless. We begin treatment with a diagnosis and detailed health history. The most typical complaint we receive from parents is that their kid was only given a cursory examination, which consisted of a glance beneath the tongue with a tongue depressor, which isn’t a comprehensive test for diagnosing tongue ties. Our dentists will conduct a thorough examination to determine the proper treatment. In most cases, a dental laser easily vaporizes the restrictive tissue, releasing the tongue tie in mere minutes. Since the laser cauterizes as it works, there is minimal bleeding and discomfort, and there is little need for recovery afterward.
Regular Follow Up Visits are Critical
As with any medical treatment, it’s essential to attend follow-up visits so we can assess your post-op healing process. Stretching the tongue is a necessary part of therapy that can improve mobility and prevent the tissue from reattaching.
Tongue Tie Treatment in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
You may be a frustrated parent who has an overwhelmed child that struggles with eating or speaking. Although you may have asked your child’s primary care provider about their condition and received little or no response, there’s still hope to help you and your child. Our friendly Scotts Valley dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry encourage parents to schedule an appointment for children who have a tongue tie so that they can receive treatment and develop properly. Please call our office at (831) 438-4411 or contact us online to request an appointment today.
