Lip Ties/Tongue Ties

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We offer Lip & Tongue Tie releases using a laser. We perform all of our laser surgeries using proper recommended safety precautions, including requiring everyone in the surgical areas to wear laser safety glasses. These precautions ensure that our surgeries are safe, quick, and void of any known complications. A tongue or a lip tie can be released using a laser in as little as 10-15 seconds.

Support from other specialists, including speech language pathologist, myofunctional therapists, and/or lactation specialists before and after a frenulectomy, is critical.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

CAN SPEECH PROBLEMS RESULT FROM A TONGUE TIE?

Yes. Most often the R, S, L, Z, D, CH, TH, and SH sounds are affected during speech. Many children will learn to make adaptations in order to create these sounds, but the adaptation may create muscle tension. Speech therapy helps with these adaptations and provides a support system for the child so they may learn to use their tongue properly while making these sounds. If speech therapy alone is not enough, then revision may be beneficial.

CAN A TONGUE OR LIP TIE CAUSE CAVITIES?

No, but a lip tie may be so thick that it causes food to be trapped near the two front teeth and may also interfere with proper self-cleansing and tooth brushing. For the tongue tie, it may be difficult or impossible for the tongue to reach the outsides of the back teeth preventing self- cleansing.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE REVISION?

Most insurances require pre-authorization. Parents often decide to move forward with treatment, pay upfront, and hope for reimbursement (typically in 2-4 weeks). All Medicaid plans require preauthorization.

IS GENERAL ANESTHESIA NEEDED FOR THE PROCEDURE?

No. Infants who can be swaddled can be treated quickly and safely in the office without general anesthesia or sedation. Also, older children who can cooperate in the dental chair for cleanings and other routine care, can also be treated quickly and safely in the office without general anesthesia or sedation.

ARE STRETCHES NECESSARY TO PREVENT REATTACHMENT?

Yes. Stretches are necessary to prevent reattachment of a revised lip or posterior tongue tie for about four weeks.