“Tongue tied” is a phrase that is usually used to describe someone who is having difficulty communicating clearly, but did you know that tongue tie and lip tie are actual medical conditions? They can have serious consequences that affect numerous aspects of a patient’s life, including their oral health, overall health, and quality of life. If you or a member of your family is suffering from lip tie or tongue tie, a frenectomy in LaGrange may be necessary.
A frenulum, sometimes called a frenum, is a piece of tissue that keeps two body parts from moving too far away from each other. There are a few different frenula in the mouth, including:
Both lip tie and tongue tie can cause a variety of symptoms. Babies with these conditions may find it difficult to breastfeed, and mothers whose babies have this condition may suffer from sore nipples and related symptoms. Colic, restlessness, reflux symptoms, and poor weight gain are also common.
Lip and tongue tie in LaGrange are usually diagnosed and treated during infancy or childhood. However, cases of it slip through the cracks. Adults with lip tie or tongue tie may continue to experience a range of unpleasant symptoms, including:
During a frenectomy, Dr. Jacobs uses a precise tool to loosen the frenulum that is causing problems. We ensure patient comfort with local anesthesia and, if necessary, sedation. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes. Following a frenectomy for an infant, we encourage breastfeeding mothers to feed their child as soon as possible.
For older patients, fully benefiting from a frenectomy might require more effort. Some individuals need myofunctional therapy in order to learn how to hold their tongue in its proper position. It is also fairly common for patients to need professional help to adjust the way they speak. If holding your tongue in the wrong place has caused dental misalignment, you might require orthodontic treatment.
Are you or one of your loved ones suffering from lip tie or tongue tie? Contact the team at LaGrange Oral Surgery & Implant Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacobs today.
