Tongue Tie Treatment in Centennial and Castle Rock, CO
What is Ankyloglossia?
Tongue tie (medically known as ankyloglossia) is a condition where the tip of the tongue is attached too tightly by a band of tissue to the floor of the mouth. This band of tissue is called the lingual frenulum.
As a newborn, a tight lingual frenulum may cause:
- Difficulties with breast-feeding including latching and obtaining a good seal
- Poor infant satiety
- Poor infant weight gain
- No problems – some infants are able to nurse without problem
For the mom, a tight lingual frenulum may cause increased nipple pain and/or trauma with breastfeeding.
As a child ages, ankyloglossia may cause difficulties with speech.
FRENOTOMY (procedure to release tongue tie)
Frenotomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the lingual frenulum is cut, allowing the tongue to move more freely. It is a very quick procedure that is done in the office. Infants can and are encouraged to feed immediately after the procedure is finished.
In our office, it is preferred that infants are less than 45 days old when the procedure is done. The infant also must have had their vitamin K shot prior to the procedure. The vitamin K shot is typically given while the newborn is in the hospital after birth.
Some infants with a tight lingual frenulum may benefit from frenotomy while others may not need the procedure. A visit with the pediatrician who performs the procedure will be done to discuss whether or not the infant would benefit from the procedure. The pediatrician will also take into consideration the degree of ankyloglossia and how well an infant is nursing. If recommended and/or desired, the frenotomy usually can and will then be done at the same visit.
Risks associated with frenotomy are rare but can include pain, bleeding, re-scarring, damage to surrounding areas of the mouth, and/or no improvement with breastfeeding.
If you are coming for a consultation visit for a possible frenotomy, please bring a swaddle blanket with you as it will be needed during the procedure.