What is a Tongue Tie?
When tethered oral tissue (frenum or lip tie/tongue tie) inhibit adequate range of motion of either the upper lip or tongue, it can create both immediate and long-term problems in infants, children, and adults.
Why is Frenectomy Important?
In infants, a severely tethered lip or tongue can impede nursing efforts, can cause a shallow or painful latch, increases the risk of plugged ducts or mastitis, and can lead to swallowing of more air when breastfeeding. These babies are often gassy, may spit up more often and may be diagnosed with reflux.
Besides causing problems with nursing or bottle feeding, if left untreated, severely “tied” lips can increase the risk of cavities on front teeth, and in some cases can cause spacing between the top front two teeth. A severely “tied” tongue may lead to speech problems, and also leads to increased mouth breathing due to incorrect tongue posture and in some cases sleep apnea.
Dr. Jensen’s Solution
In children and adults, high attachments of tissue can pull on the gums, leading to recession and may require surgical gum grafts as being the only option to repair the damage. Our doctors evaluate lip ties and tongue ties, tethered oral tissue, for severity and function problems and can revise this tissue quickly in the office without the need for general anesthesia using our lasers. Dr. Jensen has been providing this service for infants in the area since 2013. She is also currently a member of the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals.
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