Tongue-Tie – Franklin, TN
Giving Young Smiles a Fresh Start
Every parent wants to see their child grow and develop in a healthy way. Unfortunately, your little one’s path to wellness can have a significant roadblock if they have a tongue-tie. This issue can negatively affect your baby’s ability to breastfeed, speak, and eat solid foods. But don’t worry – Dr. Prather and the rest of the team are here to ensure your child has a healthy journey from infancy all the way through to adulthood. If you’d like to learn more about tongue-ties, simply continue reading below and schedule an appointment with us to have your baby evaluated.
What Is a Tongue-Tie?
It can be difficult to identify a tongue-tie on your own. Essentially, it’s when a small tissue (called a lingual frenum) restricts the tongue’s range of motion and makes simple functions much more challenging. Many babies and children are unable to nurse, eat, speak, or even breathe because of this restriction. As such, this can lead to several complications for both the mother and the infant.
How Can a Tongue-Tie Impact My Baby?
One of the most significant ways a tongue-tie can affect you and your baby is through breastfeeding. The condition can make it difficult for your infant to latch properly, leading to stunted growth for your little one and sore nipples for you.
Although tongue-tied babies can be fed bottles and thrive early on, their condition can still negatively affect their growth and development later in life. For instance, when you make the transition to solid foods, your baby may struggle with certain textures. Not only that, but it can also impair your child’s ability to communicate effectively.
It’s important to remember that the frenulum underneath the tongue does not stretch or grow as your baby gets older. As such, the tongue-tie will continue to be a problem until it is addressed. Make sure you contact our office right away to schedule an appointment for your little one.
How Is a Tongue-Tie Treated?
A frenectomy is often necessary to restore the range of motion and function in your baby’s tongue. This procedure helps release the thick, restrictive tissue. While that may sound scary at first, it’s a far more comfortable and quicker process than you think!
Our team will use advanced dental technology to ensure the procedure is comfortable and pain-free. Instead of using a scalpel, we’ll use a soft tissue laser to perform a gentle frenectomy. In just a few minutes, we can remove the excess frenulum without anesthetic.
What Are the Benefits of Tongue-Tie Treatment?
There are many advantages to using a laser frenectomy for tongue-tie treatment. Some incredible benefits to keep in mind are:
- Little to no bleeding or discomfort
- Instant improvements in breastfeeding
- Healthier sleep habits
- Lower risk of potential dental issues
- Overall better quality of life