Tongue-Tied: All You Need to Know About Ankyloglossia

The term “tongue-tied” usually refers to a moment wherein one has difficulty speaking or stumbles on their words. While most people regard this phrase as just an expression of speech, there is actually a medical condition on which it is based.

What Is Ankyloglossia?

Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is a medical condition that is characterized by having a short, thick, or tight lingual frenulum—the soft tissue under your tongue. Having this condition limits the range of motion your tongue has, which results in difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, and even jaw and neck pain.

Who Is Affected by Ankyloglossia?

The condition is already usually present at birth. However, it is often difficult to diagnose this condition because babies are still developing. Even as adults, this condition may be found later on.

Difficulty diagnosing this condition results in situations wherein people undergo several treatments from orthodontists like braces or even jaw surgery. However, the problem does not go away because the problem is not addressed at the root.

How Is Ankyloglossia Treated?

The only way to treat this condition is through a procedure called “frenectomy.” This is a surgical procedure wherein the soft tissue is cut to extend the range of motion of the tongue. It can be done surgically or with the use of a laser—most people prefer the laser as there is less damage to tissues, no longer a need for stitches, and completely eliminates bleeding during the procedure.

There may also be some cases wherein the condition is so severe that frenectomy is not enough. Some patients may be required to undergo various rounds of speech therapy after the procedure. One therapy that is common among people with Ankyloglossia is Myofunctional therapy.

Myofunctional therapy is a sort of therapy that aims to correct the tongue and muscles of the mouth after a frenectomy. It ensures proper movement and even the correct way to breathe. This may be necessary for some who have lived with Ankyloglossia their whole life and may not be used to the proper movement of their tongue.

There are also cases wherein orthodontic treatment may be needed. Some may be prescribed braces or other orthodontic tools to correct any damage that was brought about by having Ankyloglossia.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Frenectomy?

Having your Ankyloglossia treated has several benefits. Aside from just correcting the tongue, which already corrects your speech issues, there are other areas that you may not have noticed were affected by the condition.

Relaxation of Neck and Shoulders

Due to the limited movement of your tongue, more tension is placed on the neck and shoulders to make up for it. Having a frenectomy immediately relieves the tension on your neck and shoulders, which you may not be aware you have.

Improved Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common side effects of having Ankyloglossia. Sleep apnea is not only a condition that decreases your sleep quality, but it also is potentially harmful. Having a frenectomy immediately improves your ability to breathe, especially in your sleep.

Better Swallowing

When you have Ankyloglossia, your tongue cannot be moved too much, which could get in the way when swallowing food. A frenectomy will allow you to move your tongue in more directions with a better range, which makes it easier when you are eating and swallowing.

Conclusion

Ankyloglossia is a condition that is more common than most people think. While some people may live their whole lives without getting the condition treated, it is always best to get it checked if you suspect that you have it. Having Ankyloglossia treated does not only improve your speech but relieves several other symptoms, as well.

We at Lexington Smile Studio offer various treatments for different conditions including CO2 laser for tongue-tie. We provide several dental care and services, ensuring that our patients get the highest quality treatment that they deserve. Contact us to book an appointment.

Should I Get Invisalign?

Invisalign

Invisalign | It’s been an exciting time in the field of orthodontics over the last few years. In the past, patients had fewer choices when it came to straightening their teeth. Traditional braces were about all there was. Today, you can also choose invisible braces like Invisalign. It just comes down to your individual situation and treatment goals.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an innovative system for straightening teeth that does not involve metal wires and brackets. It uses clear, plastic aligners that fit snugly over the teeth to shift them into their proper positions over time. 

Invisalign has quite a few things going for it. Some of the advantages of these clear aligners include:

• Almost invisible
• Aligners can be removed
• No restrictions on what you can eat

Virtually Invisible

Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, strong plastic. Unless you choose to tell someone, it’s unlikely that anyone will know that you are being treated with Invisalign. This makes the system extremely attractive for anyone seeking an unobtrusive treatment option. Although traditional braces are not as prominent as they were in the past, they are still quite noticeable to others.

Removable

The fact that Invisalign aligners are removable makes the system incredibly convenient for the wearer. In addition, anytime you need to brush or floss your teeth, or eat, just remove your aligners and replace them when you’re finished.

You can also remove your clear aligners for activities like selfies or group photos. Even though the aligners are virtually undetectable, a camera flash could cause some reflectivity with the aligners in certain situations.

Although removability is an advantage for most patients, it can be a liability for some. If you lack the self-discipline to replace your aligners, which are required to be in your mouth for 22 hours a day, your treatment time could be unnecessarily extended, or your results could be negatively affected.

No Food Restrictions

Traditional braces are notorious for food restrictions. For example, sticky foods and snacks can stick to all of those metal wires and brackets. With Invisalign, just remove your aligners whenever you are eating and snacking.

In addition, the same beverages that can stain natural teeth, like coffee and tea, can stain your aligners, defeating one of the main advantages of these clear aligners: its invisibility.

Schedule Your Consultation

Is Invisalign right for you? Schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist as your first step in straightening your teeth and improving your smile. Contact us today.

Endodontics: What Is a Root Canal?

Endodontics

Endodontics is a dental specialty dealing with the soft dental pulp found within the inner core of a tooth. Sometimes, this dental pulp can become inflamed or infected, requiring a root canal procedure. Learn more below and contact us today!

Root Canal Procedure: Fast Facts

• Prevents the loss of the affected tooth
• Removes the inflamed or infected dental pulp
• Saves the treated tooth 

What is a root canal or Endodontics?

Under the hard layers of your teeth, known as enamel and dentin, the soft dental pulp is found. Containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, this dental pulp is needed so that a tooth can grow and develop.

Root canal procedures are recommended when the dental pulp is inflamed or infected. This saves the treated tooth.

Root canal therapy is an appropriate treatment for those with significant inflammation or dental pulp infection. Left untreated, this infection can continue to progress, leading to significant pain or a dental abscess, damaging the function and strength of the tooth.

Root canal therapy ensures that the function of the tooth is maintained so that you can continue chewing normally with your usual biting force. It also ensures that the appearance of the tooth is maintained.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

Before undergoing a root canal procedure, endodontics, your dentist will want to examine your tooth. This normally involves a physical examination and x-rays to visualize within the pulp chamber.

Your dentist would numb the tooth using a local anesthetic so that you are completely comfortable throughout the procedure. They will isolate the tooth with a “dental dam,” which is a protective sheet that keeps out saliva and other substances while the procedure is underway.

Next, your dentist will drill down into the tooth to allow access for specialized dental instruments. They will clean out the inflamed or infected dental pulp and reshape the area to make room for a filling, which will be replacing your dental pulp.

Your dentist would then fill the root canals using a material like gutta-percha, which is biocompatible. This fills the area and prevents future infections. Finally, your dentist will place a temporary filling to protect and seal the area. Once your permanent dental crown is ready, you would return for a subsequent appointment to have it placed. The purpose of the crown is to provide additional strength and support for the treated tooth, which will be somewhat weaker after the root canal procedure.

Is a root canal procedure painful?

In spite of popular myths about root canal therapy, endodontics, this procedure is not at all painful.

Learn More

We highly recommend preventing a root canal treatment by maintaining proper dental care. Brush and floss as recommended. Also, maintain your dental visits. Contact our dental team today! New patients are welcome. See you soon!

Laser Gum Therapy: What Is Gum Disease? 

Laser Gum Therapy

Laser Gum Therapy | Periodontal disease, more popularly known as gum disease, is one of the dental conditions that your dentist fights very hard to prevent. Although it can be difficult to treat, particularly in its later stages, gum disease can be managed, but it’s always better to prevent it than let it get to that point.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory infection of the gums that support the teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky biofilm that adheres to the teeth, irritating gum tissue. Overtime, this progresses into an active infection of the gums. Treatment like laser gum therapy may be recommended.

Gingivitis is the name for the early form of gum disease. It is reversible at this point when the patient begins practicing proper oral hygiene and keeping up with their regular dental cleaning appointments.

When gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can progress to the point of becoming periodontitis. This is when the condition is no longer reversible, although periodontitis can still be slowed or halted when the patient undergoes frequent dental cleanings that are more involved than routine cleaning.

Teeth can become unstable. For example, teeth will eventually loosen and begin falling out if no intervention takes place.

Symptoms of Gum Disease 

You may have gum disease if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Pain: Tenderness or pain in your teeth or gums.
• Swelling: Red, swollen gums. Healthy gums are firm and appear pink.
• Bad breath: Chronic bad breath is one of the symptoms of gum disease.
• Bleeding: Gums that bleed whenever you brush or floss are possible signs of gum disease.
• Loose teeth: Gums receding away from the teeth, leading to the development of pockets that can harbor oral bacteria.
• Spaces: Receding gums and the development of spaces between teeth.

If you report any gum disease symptoms, your dentist will conduct an examination of your teeth and gums for a diagnosis confirmation. Depending upon the stage of your gum disease, treatment could be as simple as a comprehensive dental cleaning.

Laser Gum Therapy

Laser gum surgery is becoming more prevalent for the treatment of moderate to severe gum disease.

If you have undergone laser gum therapy, you should be able to resume normal activities on the next day. However, some patients may take a few days to get up to speed.

It is normal to experience some temporary soreness for a few days. However, other side effects are minor and include:

• Minor swelling and bleeding
• Gum tissue discoloration

In general, it normally takes about a week to recover from laser gum therapy. Moreover, eat a soft diet only and avoid the use of nicotine products like cigarettes.

Contact Us

Learn more about gum disease with a consultation. We can discuss treatment options such as laser gum therapy. New patients are welcome!

New Year’s Resolutions: Maintaining Oral Care

Oral Care

Oral Care | Every New Year is an opportunity to start anew with any aspect of your life that you choose. If you’re someone who is health-conscious, you might want to devote at least one of your New Year’s resolutions to upping your oral care game.

Even if you have not yet experienced any major dental problems, it’s never a good idea to become complacent. Problems like gum disease and tooth decay can progress undetected, only to emerge when costly dental work becomes necessary.

Learn more about maintaining oral care and contact us today! 

How’s your oral care routine? 

To prevent cavities and tooth decay, you need to be brushing at least twice daily, preferably after every meal. And to remove food debris trapped from between the teeth, you’ll need to be sure to floss your teeth at least once a day. It’s also never a bad idea to brush your tongue, as bacteria can hang out there as well.

One thing that patients often overlook is the condition of their toothbrush. Have you really looked at it lately? Take a close look at your toothbrush, and get a new one if its bristles are frayed. Or if it’s older than three or four months, go ahead and send it into retirement and replace it with a new one.

Dental Anxiety

Have you been suffering in silence? Is dental anxiety affecting your oral care? Dental anxiety is an extremely common phenomenon among more people than you may think. We want you to receive all of your needed dental care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. If you commonly experience dental anxiety in a dental setting, don’t be shy. Let us know so that we can take steps to ensure your comfort.

Nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas,” is an odorless and colorless gas that is commonly used for patients who tend to be anxious about receiving dental treatments. You simply breathe in through a face mask, and the gas goes to work almost immediately to relax you.

Dental Exam 

People with busy lives tend to neglect routine appointments like the dental exam and cleaning visit. If you are among this group, now is the time to make a New Year’s resolution and get back on track with your oral care.

The dental exam and cleaning appointment is a type of preventative oral care that allows for the early detection of many common dental problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease. We will also be checking for signs of oral cancer, which is highly treatable when detected early, such as during a dental exam.

If you undergo a dental exam, you will also likely receive a professional dental cleaning immediately after. This involves scraping away of any plaque and tartar found on the teeth and under the gum line. 

The Bottom Line

New Year’s resolutions are a great way to discard old habits and form new ones, such as oral care. If you’ve been putting off your dental exam and cleaning appointments, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures: Are Lumineers Expensive?

Cosmetic Dental Procedures

If you found yourself entering search terms into Google like “cosmetic dental procedures” or “dentist near me,” you probably will eventually come across Lumineers. This is a type of dental veneers that are both thinner and more inexpensive than conventional veneers.

They require little to no tooth structure removal and are quite durable, typically lasting anywhere from 10 to 20 years if cared for properly.

Find out why many patients are choosing Lumineers! Feel free to schedule a consultation to learn more.

Are Lumineers right for me?

Lumineers may make a good treatment choice for you if you need help with:

• Crooked teeth
• Old dental work
• Tooth staining or discoloration
• Gapped or spaced teeth
• Fractured, chipped or broken teeth
• Small or misshapen teeth

Technically, Lumineers are a type of dental veneer. One difference is that they are significantly thinner than conventional porcelain veneers. This means that little to no tooth enamel is removed prior to their placement.

Another critical difference between Lumineers and traditional veneers is that Lumineers are reversible. In other words, they can be removed without much of an effect on your natural teeth.

Because Lumineers are thinner than traditional veneers, they are somewhat translucent, making their appearance much more like that of natural teeth. They can significantly whiten your teeth and give you a beautiful, confident smile. But since they are quite thin, they are not always able to whiten teeth with severe stains that could show through.

Lumineers Procedure

After it is determined that Lumineers make a good treatment choice for you and your treatment goals, you would arrive for your placement appointment. Your dentist will create a mold of your teeth to be sent to a dental lab. There, your Lumineers will be created and sent back to your dentist for placement.

Once your Lumineers are ready, your dentist will place them at a subsequent appointment. They will apply a dental adhesive to your teeth and actually place them over your teeth.

Are Lumineers expensive?

The exact cost will vary, depending upon the individual circumstances of your case, such as teeth size, patient location, and your dentist’s procedure prices.

Schedule Your Lumineers Consultation Today

If you want to dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth and smile, Lumineers should definitely be on your radar. Find out if Lumineers are right for you. Learn more about Lumineers with a consultation today. New patients are welcome.

Frenectomy: How Common Is Tongue Tie?

Frenectomy

Tongue-tie is a medical condition inherited by some people who experience reduced tongue mobility as a result. If you look at yourself in the mirror and lift your tongue, you should see a fibrous tissue band (lingual frenulum) that connects the floor of your mouth to the bottom of your tongue.

Most people have a thin lingual frenulum found toward the bottom middle of the tongue. When it is positioned this way, it allows for a maximum range of tongue motion. For those with tongue-tie, however, their lingual frenulum may be thick, short or tight. The tip of their tongue may be connected to the floor of their mouth. This greatly restricting the movement of their tongue. 

For some people, having tongue-tie doesn’t lead to very many problems. They may find that they can go untreated into adulthood. For others, the condition of tongue-tie leads to difficulty into their adult life.

The prevalence of tongue-tie among infants is estimated to be between three and five percent, as well as for adults who go untreated, as the condition is inherited. 

Tongue-Tie Among Adults

If you have not treated your tongue-tie condition as an adult, you have probably adapted to the condition. You may not even know that you have it, if it is a minor case.

Moreover, doctors may advise parents to delay tongue-tie surgery for infants, as the condition tends to improve with time. However, if the condition is effecting the child’s weight and development, treatment should be considered.

Adults with tongue tie may have difficulty with:

• Speaking
• Eating and drinking
• Breathing
• Kissing

Also, you may have difficulty sticking your tongue out beyond your lower front teeth, as well as having a tongue appearance that appears heart-shaped or notched when you stick it out. Whereas, others find that they have difficulty lifting their tongue to reach their upper teeth.

How common is tongue-tie? 

As mentioned earlier, the estimated frequency of tongue-tie is between three to five percent. The exact percentage, both among infants and adults, is unknown because many people do not even know that they have it, or only have a very mild case.

Frenectomy Treatment

Although not everyone chooses to have tongue-tie treated, those with severe cases may benefit greatly from a frenectomy treatment. It takes a few minutes to perform in a doctor’s office.

Although the procedure is simple, the parent or caregiver must physically stretch the tissue band that has been lasered or cut, every day for a few weeks after the procedure. Moreover, this prevents it from re-tightening during recovery. Although the stretching procedure is straightforward, babies do not normally like it, which can make it difficult for parents.

Frenectomy Consultation

Contact Lexington Smile Studio to learn more. Our dental office offers CO2 laser frenectomy treatment for infants, children, and adults. New patients are welcome. Call now. We look forward to meeting you!

Tongue-Tie: What is Tongue-Tie and How is it Treated?

Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie (ankloglossia) can be an inherited condition. The condition is one in which the tongue is actually “tied,” or tethered to the mouth floor. Tongue-tie patients can inhibit both speech and eating.

 The degree of impact varies from individual to individual. Some people with tongue-tie may go into adulthood without feeling the need to address the situation. Some adults don’t even realize that they have it.

The importance of the tongue 

We don’t always consider how important the tongue is to our speech and swallowing. When your tongue has a restricted range of motion, activities like these can be impaired. The severity of tongue-tie is not the same for everyone, so it may or may not be detected early in life. It is commonly diagnosed when parents discover that their child has difficulty breastfeeding, or eating and speaking.

 Tongue-tie is three times more prevalent among boys than in girls. It runs frequently in families. Quite a few infants who have difficulty breast-feeding have tongue-tie. When the condition is corrected, they may be able to eliminate this difficulty.

What are the symptoms of tongue-tie?

• A newborn may have problems sucking from the breast.
• Significant pain while the mother is nursing.
• A baby who fusses constantly at the breast.
• Inadequate weight gain.
• A heart-shaped or v-shaped notch.
• Choking or gagging on food.
• Chronic dribbling.

As an adult, how can I tell if I have tongue-tie?

As mentioned earlier, the severity of tongue-tie symptoms vary from individual to individual. You can try the following to determine if you may have the condition: While standing, arch your back and bring your chin up as high as you possibly can without jaw movement. If you can swallow, it is likely that you do not have tongue-tie. Trouble swallowing? Seek a consultation today.

What treatments are available?

CO2 laser treatment is often recommended for infants, children, teens, and adults. This is the most advanced way to treat tongue-tie. It is the least invasive with no downtime. For this reason, most patients choose laser treatment.

CO2 Laser Frenectomy 

A laser frenectomy procedure is often advised because no incisions are involved. Also, improved outcomes and a shorter recovery is likely. The procedure only takes a few minutes to complete. It does not require any sedation or general anesthesia.

In addition, a laser frenectomy is less painful. Reattachment can occur. However, this procedure decreases that chance with simple exercises. Moreover, these exercises are specific to the patient and their unique needs.

Learn More

Protect your oral health. Learn more about tongue-tie and CO2 laser treatment. Lexington Smile Studio happily accepts new patients. Contact us today. Our office also offers cosmetic dentistry and prosthodontics. This includes dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening. Inquire today. Your smile deserves it.

Hollywood Smile: What Are Dental Veneers?