Tongue-Tie Maryville TN

Tongue-tie, a condition also known as ankyloglossia or anchored tongue, is something babies are born with. When a baby is tongue-tied, the frenulum (the piece of soft tissue that connects the tongue to the base of the mouth) is unusually too tight, thick, or short. You also have a frenulum that connects both the upper and lower lips to the jaw.

A lip tie is when the frenulum between the lips and jaw is too tight, restricting movement. This condition can lead to many issues with eating, swallowing, and speech.

tongue tie treatment in Maryville Tennessee, Hardin Valley

Dr. Robert Cain is a periodontist in Knoxville, TN that offers treatment for patients who suffer from lip and tongue tie. He offers the advanced laser frenectomy procedure to help patients living with the adverse effects of being tongue-tied.

As an expert periodontist and dentist, Dr. Cain attracts patients from many surrounding communities. He is currently welcoming patients from Maryville, TN who are seeking treatment for tongue-tie.

Treatment for Tongue Tie in Knoxville, TN

A frenectomy is a minimally invasive laser treatment that offers a permanent solution to tongue-tie. This procedure is effective and safe for babies, children, and even adults. In the past, to treat tongue-tie, the frenulum was cut with surgical scissors or a scalpel to release the tension. A laser frenectomy is a revolutionary treatment that offers many benefits compared to the traditional method.

Dr. Cain can complete a frenectomy in about 30 minutes in his Maryville, TN dentist office. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort. Dr. Cain uses high-quality lasers to accurately remove a portion of the frenulum. This will release the tension between the tongue and the base of the mouth, giving the tongue a greater range of motion.

The benefits of using lasers versus a scalpel include:

  • Less bleeding
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Less discomfort
  • Less chance of complications

Dr. Cain will give you instructions for post-op care. When recovering from a frenotomy, it is very important to keep the mouth clean. You may experience slight discomfort and swelling for a few days. You should be able to eat normally too. Following the post-op care instructions will ensure a speedy recovery and proper healing.

Why is Tongue Tie necessary to treat?

There are some children that grow up with a tongue tie and suffer from no ill effects. Still, the risks of not treating it are vast and the people who have it treated experience a better quality of life. Babies that have lip or tongue ties may have issues latching on and breastfeeding leading to issues with weight gain and insufficient nutritional needs.

Older children may have issues making certain letter sounds and their speech will be affected. Poor speech development will lead to years of therapy to correct the issues with articulation.

Tongue-tied older children have poor oral hygiene and difficulty eating certain foods. They may not be able to properly clean their teeth and chewing certain foods can be difficult.

Other long-term negative effects include:

  • Gum recession
  • Loss of tongue movement
  • Gapped teeth
  • Speech issues
  • Not optimal results from orthodontic treatments
  • Dental restorations that do not fit correctly
  • Sleep apnea
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • Ear, nose, and throat infections
  • Strong gag reflex