Laser Frenectomies (Lip/Tongue Tie Treatment) in Oklahoma City
At SmileArts Dental Studio, we strive to provide quality care for patients of all ages. For young children and infants with lip and tongue ties, we offer laser frenectomies as a minimally-invasive treatment that allows them to eat comfortably while promoting greater wellness overall. Dr. Aaron Cohenour and his entire team welcome the opportunity to be your family’s source for compassionate dental treatment in Oklahoma City, helping you and your child lead happier, healthier lives.
If your little one is experiencing issues with lip or tongue ties, give our office a call today and schedule a visit!
Why Treat Tongue and Lip Ties?
Though common, tongue and lip ties are problems often missed by other healthcare providers. Left unresolved, these cause issues for nursing mothers and their infants, with the potential to impact a child’s development into their teenaged years.
Nursing comfortably is critical for growing children to form a healthy bond with their mother as well as receive the nutrition they need. At this stage, connective tissue in the mouth, known as a frenum, can interfere with an infant’s ability to create enough suction to nurse properly. This can make feeding painful and frustrating for mother and child both.
Children who are unable to latch properly may experience the following:
- Colic & excessive gassiness
- Reflux
- Inadequate milk intake
- Poor weight gain/ failure to thrive
- Falling asleep on the breast
- Lengthy/ too numerous nursing sessions
- Unable to maintain a latch or a deep enough latch
- Unable or unwilling to hold a pacifier
- Premature weaning from the breast
In response to this condition, mothers can have the following issues:
- Difficulty or inability to breastfeed
- Painful compression of nipples
- Mastitis, engorgement, thrush
- Vasospasm
- Anxiety, stress & fatigue
- Post-partum depression
- Early cessation of lactation
- Bleeding, cracked and flattened nipples
- Low milk supply
- Feelings of guilt from unsuccessful breastfeeding relationship
Children with tongue and lip ties may also have difficulties with language development. Dr. Cohenour and the team at SmileArts Dental Studio are able to detect and resolve these concerns before children begin school. With the laser frenectomy treatment offered at our Oklahoma City office, the excessive tissue is separated, allowing the tongue to sit in its proper place and children to speak with confidence.
Laser Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment in Oklahoma City
Dr. Cohenour utilizes a soft tissue laser to address tongue and lip ties. Laser frenectomies are safe procedures, using minimal incisions to release the ties holding the tongue or upper lip. Use of state-of-the-art technology allows for precise correction that can be completed in a matter of minutes. For anxious young patients, we offer topical gel anesthetic to make sure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
During treatment, we will lay your child on the doctor's lap, where we will evaluate any abnormalities present in the upper lip and tongue. Once Dr. Cohenour determines a frenectomy is needed, we utilize a CO2 laser to remove the tie. This not only expedites the procedure but leaves the area free from infection, significantly reduces bleeding, and shortens recovery time.
Learn More – Call SmileArts Dental Studio Today!
At SmileArts Dental Studio, we provide modern dental care to improve quality of life for families in our community. If feeding time is uncomfortable for both you and your child, don’t wait to seek treatment. Dr. Cohenour performs laser frenectomies in Oklahoma City as a safe, efficient way to enable proper nursing and foster healthy child development. For more information, contact our practice today and schedule your child’s visit.