Tethered Oral Tissue Assessment & Treatment at Sylvan Lake Dental Centre

Since 2020, Sylvan Lake Dental Centre has been providing comprehensive tethered oral tissue (TOT) assessments for patients of all ages.

Our providers, Dr. Kelvin Hill and Dr. Juliana Rodriguez, are active members of the American Laser Study Club and have completed educational courses from recognized leaders in the field, to further their knowledge in infant, child and adult oral function, airway health, and laser surgery techniques.

We work closely with a network of health professionals including lactation consultants, speech language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, pediatricians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other manual therapy providers to ensure that patients receive a thorough evaluation and coordinated care plan.

If treatment is recommended, we perform frenectomy or frenuloplasty surgery on patients from newborns to adults. This procedure is considered only when a combination of patient history, reported symptoms, and a physical examination indicates that the frenulum is restricting proper tongue and/or lip movement. Common goals of treatment include improving breastfeeding latch in infants, supporting proper oral posture, and enhancing speech and function in older children and adults.

A successful outcome depends not only on the procedure itself, but also on the patient’s commitment to post-treatment care and follow-up with their healthcare team. This collaborative approach is essential to achieving the best possible results.

The frenectomy involves removing or releasing the frenulum (see image below). The intention is to allow for improved tongue and/or lip movement and posture. While many patients experience significant benefits, it is important to understand that there is no absolute guarantee of complete resolution of symptoms, and in some cases, symptoms may temporarily worsen during the healing process.

Our focus is always on providing safe, evidence-based treatment in a compassionate, supportive environment, tailored to the individual needs of each patient and family.

What is Tongue and Lip Tie?

Know as the frenulum; this is the term for an excess of oral tissue that anchors your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. Regarding lip tie, this is when the frenulum that attaches your lips to your gums is too small. In both cases, oral movement is restricted.

Several issues can develop because of these issues, including, but not limited to:

  • Difficulty breastfeeding.
  • Talking. More specifically, pronouncing certain sounds like “t,” “s,” “th,” and “d.”
  • Poor oral health. The excess tissue can cause food debris and other bacteria to build up, causing tooth decay and gum inflammation.
  • Licking.
  • Kissing.
  • Playing certain instruments.

Tongue and lip tie may be partly due to genetics; however, the precise causes of this condition remain unknown. Fortunately, there is a way to address this problem. Call our local dental practice to learn more about infant frenectomy treatment in Sylvan Lake.

Treating Tongue and Lip Tie

Our dental clinic near you offers a simple, effective method of care to remedy tongue and lip ties in infants. We utilize a LightScalpel CO2 Laser to perform this treatment. A frenectomy can be done starting when your baby is two days up to any age.

A special laser is employed to cut through the excess frenulum. Traditional methods involve using a scalpel or scissors to cut the tissue, but our laser only uses a concentrated beam of light, preventing unnecessary bleeding and damage to your surrounding tissues. The light evaporates the problem tissues; that’s it. This instrument is extremely safe and exclusively handed over by a certified oral health professional. Get in touch with your dentist or an oral health surgeon to discuss LightScalpel CO2 Laser treatment in Sylvan Lake. They’ll be able to tell you if you or your baby is an ideal candidate for this procedure.

Such an appointment is quick and very straightforward; it shouldn’t take up any more than an hour of your day at the most.
Are you interested in LightScalpel CO2 laser treatment in Sylvan Lake for you or your child? Call or visit our website to schedule a consultation today! We look forward to working with you and your family soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are tongue-tie and lip-tie different?

Tongue-tie limits tongue movement as a result of a tight band of tissue under the tongue, while lip-tie limits lip movement due to a tight attachment of the upper lip. Both conditions can potentially affect oral function, but both are treated in similar ways.

Can tongue-tie or lip-tie cause speech problems?

Yes, both conditions can contribute to speech difficulties because of limitations with mouth and tongue movement. Early identification and treatment help to control long-term speech problems.

Can tongue-tie release cause speech improvement?

Yes, releasing a tongue-tie can immensely improve the clarity of speech and movement. There are many children who show positive changes in articulation and comfort when speaking have occurred.

Will my child need speech therapy after tongue-tie release?

In some cases, speech therapy may be recommended to back up the physical aspects of speech development. It will help build strong speech habits on top of the physical changes from the release.

Can tongue-tie affect eating and swallowing?

Yes, tongue-tie and lip tie can make it hard for babies to breastfeed or for children to chew and swallow. Treatment will often lead to a more comfortable and functional way of eating.

Are follow-up visits necessary after tongue-tie release?

Yes, follow-up visits are a great opportunity to check on healing and to see individual progress. They will allow your provider to help you implement exercises and monitor oral function for the most suitable potential outcome.