To start, Dr. Browning will perform an examination and consultation at no charge. He will discuss the symptoms that you or your baby are having, and then will diagnose any ties that may be present. Lastly, he will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure to ensure that you are well informed. If the exam is on an infant, we will work with a breastfeeding professional to ensure that an insufficient latch is the source of the symptoms. Once we determine that a revision is the best treatment to ensure a successful outcome, the procedure is scheduled and completed.
- Increased risk of cavities
- Trouble swallowing
- Speech impairment
- Gaps between teeth where the tie is attached
- Breastfeeding problems in infants
- Possibly contribute to snoring or sleep apnea (Research is still underway)
A tongue or lip tie is the laymen term for abnormally attached frenum. It is simply a remnant of tissue that usually recedes during fetal development; however in about 5% of the population it is retained. If this tissue remains abnormally attached, it can restrict mobility of the tongue or lips.This lack of mobility can negatively impact normal function of the mouth.
Dr. Browning will perform the revision with an FDA approved soft tissue diode laser in office. Safety of the patient and staff are of the utmost importance, so all necessary safety measures are taken to ensure a successful outcome. Local anesthetic is generally used on patients 18 months and older, and the length of the procedure takes anywhere from 20 seconds to 2 minutes per tie. If the patient is currently breastfeeding, then we encourage mom to nurse immediately after the procedure is completed. Before we end, Dr. Browning will review a set of exercises to perform to reduce the risk of reattachment of the ties.