A tongue tie is a condition that causes an unusually short or tight band of tissue that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the floor of your mouth. This can make it difficult for a baby or toddler to breastfeed because they may have trouble making their mouths wide enough to latch on properly.
Tongue ties are common in newborns and are often only a minor inconvenience. However, they can become more of an issue as the child grows older if they continue to experience problems with breastfeeding or speech. If this happens, your dentist may recommend laser surgery to remove the tissue band causing problems.
This article will give you an overview of what will happen during a tongue-tie laser surgery.
What is the Process of Tongue Tie Laser Surgery?
When it comes to laser surgery, the process is simple and safe. The dentist will explain the process to you, and rest assured that they will do everything in their power to ensure your child has a positive experience.
Anesthesia
The procedure is typically painless for newborn babies with fewer nerves where the tongue tie is located. However, a local anesthetic may numb the area before surgery if the baby is older than six months. This is, of course, a case-to-case basis that a pediatric dentist will discuss with you.
Laser Surgery Lessens The Pain
Pediatric dentists often use laser surgery to remove tongue ties. A laser is a device that uses light energy to cut or seal soft tissue. The procedure is less painful than traditional methods of removing a tongue tie. It also reduces bleeding, swelling, and scarring.
Laser surgery is quick and easy. It takes less than two minutes to perform and doesn’t require stitches. The dentist will then use the laser to cut the thin piece of tissue that connects your baby’s tongue to your baby’s lower mouth.
After the procedure, your child might experience some grogginess and mild discomfort. Your baby will probably be able to return to normal activities within a few days. The process is safe and effective for babies, but it’s important to know and consult everything with your dentist to make sure that your baby has the right treatment.
Stay at Home Order After the Surgery
The dentist will advise you to keep your child at home on the day of surgery. This is because they might experience discomfort, so it’s best to let them rest at home.
Your child will be a little tired and sleepy. They may have some slight dizziness due to the anesthesia after the procedure. It is best to let them rest until the following day. This will help them recover from the anesthesia and surgery pain.
Stretching and Exercising of the Tongue
The dentist will advise you to stretch your child’s tongue and get them to practice exercises. This is important because it ensures that the frenulum is properly healed and prevents reattachment. The dentist will advise you on how to stretch your child’s tongue and will give you instructions on what exercises they should do.
Conclusion
Tongue tie laser surgery is a fast and easy procedure that can help your child overcome the difficulties of breastfeeding or speech. If your child is experiencing problems with breastfeeding or speech, it’s important to have the issue diagnosed as soon as possible. If a tongue tie is causing the problem, your dentist may recommend laser surgery to correct it.
For laser tongue tie surgery, Lexington Smile Studio is your best bet. Our dentists are esteemed for their experience in diagnosing tongue ties and designing treatment plans to help your child overcome their difficulties.
