Lip Tie - Lakewood Frenectomy / Frenulotomy
Lip tying, also known as (Labial/Maxillary Frenectomy), is caused by a small frenulum linked to the upper gum that restricts the top lip's range of motion. It can lead to the following problems:
- Difficulty and pain with nursing and eating
- Inability to flange the lip upward while breastfeeding
- Inability to latch and create a good seal while breastfeeding
- Difficulty with brushing and flossing, increasing the risk of dental decay
- Dental spacing problems (Diastema)
How is a Lip Tie Surgery performed?
When a lip's mobility is constrained, it is deemed knotted. However, not all ties are problematic or need to be fixed. A properly qualified practitioner can conduct an examination and make a diagnosis. Even though a baby appears to have a tongue or lip tie, the diagnosis is made on the basis of function and movement rather than look.
The tissue or tight frenulum under the tongue or upper lip is removed during a frenectomy, often known as a tie correction. Previously, the area would have been sedated and the frenum would have been removed by an incision. The incision was then closed using dissolvable stitches. The treatment would take 15 to 60 minutes to complete, with a two- to four-week recuperation period. Tongue Tie Frenectomy is another option.
Advantages of Laser Lip Tie Surgery
Outpatient laser lip-tie surgery is a less invasive technique. The following are some of the advantages of laser treatment:
- Shorter treatment time - This is done in our office and usually takes only a few minutes. This short surgery is less traumatic for your infant and far safer because no sedation or general anaesthesia is required.
- Less painful - While it can still be uncomfortable, it is less traumatic than the usual approach of employing scissors. Because the pain from laser surgery is delayed rather than instantaneous, it is easier to manage than the pain from scissors surgery.
- No bleeding - because the laser burns the frenum, which joins the tongue or lip to the surrounding tissue. This is less painful and more precise. During and after the therapy, there is minimal to no bleeding.
- Shorter recovery time - Because there is no need for general anaesthesia or sedation, the recovery time is less than with standard surgery. In most circumstances, a topical numbing anaesthetic is all that is required to keep your baby comfortable. The majority of babies are able to nurse immediately following surgery.
- Minimal chance for reattachment - Reattachment is less likely with laser tongue and lip tie surgery because the membrane is removed more precisely, making reattachment less likely, especially when accompanied with the stretching exercises provided following.
Aftercare for Lip Tie Surgery
The patient should experience little or no bleeding, similar to a tongue tie frenectomy. A small, diamond-shaped white or yellow wound will appear a few days later, looking like a damp scab. For one or two days, the area may be painful. Follow the guidelines for post-surgical care, which will include exercises to avoid reattachment and enhance healing. A week after the operation, a follow-up appointment is usually planned to ensure that everything is healing appropriately.
What to expect during the first week of a regular recovery:
- Fussiness and crying in the first week
- Slight bleeding after stretching - a tiny bit of blood in the saliva is normal
- Trouble latching on, or inconsistent feedings - your baby is sore and re-learning to suck; this is normal and will improve. It can result in choking on milk or spitting up due to the increased milk flow
- More drooling and saliva
- Sleeping more, due to medication or even because your baby is eating better and more satisfied after
Call the doctor if any of these rare occurrences happen:
- Fever higher than 101.5 F
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Refusal to feed for more than 8 hours
Lakewood Lip Tie Surgery Near Me
When it comes to deciding on surgery for their child or baby, parents are usually very apprehensive. Our team understands your concerns and is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment for you and your family. Come see for yourself why our patients adore us. We're here to ensure that your child and family have the best dental health and the most beautiful smiles possible.
FAQs
How long does a lip tie take to heal?
Although most infants suffer mild discomfort or fussiness after a laser lip tie correction and are usually able to nurse right away, full healing can take a few weeks. A grayish-white patch will appear in the incision area within 24 to 48 hours. In around two weeks, it will mend and revert to its previous state. To avoid reattachment, stretching exercises should be performed throughout this time.
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