Have you ever heard of lip and tongue ties? They might sound a bit peculiar, but these conditions are more common than you might think. Whether you’re a concerned parent noticing feeding issues in your infant or an adult who’s always struggled with certain speech patterns, Dr. Jonah Tabrizi at El Dorado Hills Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is here to help you navigate through the nuances of lip & tongue tie.

What is Lip & Tongue Tie?

Lip and tongue ties refer to the presence of extra bands of tissue (frenula) that restrict the movement of the tongue or lip. These bands can make it challenging for the tongue to move freely or for the lips to flange outwards, often impacting speech, feeding, and even dental health.

Symptoms of Lip & Tongue Tie?

Wondering if you or your child might have this condition? Here are some signs to look out for:

Difficulty in latching during breastfeeding for infants
Speech difficulties, especially with sounds that involve tongue movement
Gap between front teeth or dental issues
Restricted tongue movement
Difficulty lifting the upper lip or issues with flanging

Lip & Tongue Tie in Infants vs Adults

While lip & tongue ties can be present from birth, their effects can be vastly different at various life stages.

Infants: Infants with this condition might struggle with breastfeeding, leading to nutritional concerns and discomfort for the mother.
Adults: Over time, an untreated lip or tongue tie can lead to speech issues, dental problems, and even social challenges due to mispronunciation or the appearance of the tie.

Treatment Options: Frenectomy

Got a lip or tongue tie? Don’t fret! Dr. Tabrizi is here with a simple solution called a frenectomy. Frenectomy surgery involves a straightforward procedure to release the restrictive frenulum, granting the tongue or lip greater freedom of movement. It’s a relatively quick process with minimal discomfort, but it can offer a world of relief and functional benefits.

The procedure takes only a few minutes, and the dentist may use a scalpel, laser, or sterile scissors to solve the issue. Such a quick and simple resolution to a big problem!

Lip & Tongue Tie FAQ

Is the frenectomy procedure painful? Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and it’s often over before they know it. We provide anesthesia to our patients to aid in pain management.
How long is the recovery? Recovery is generally swift, with infants being able to feed without difficulty immediately. For children and adults, it may take a few days.
Will it affect speech or eating? On the contrary, many find their speech and eating abilities enhanced post-procedure.

Pricing and Insurance

When we talk about frenectomy, it’s crucial to think beyond the initial price:

Long-Term Health: Addressing lip & tongue ties early — especially for infants — can stave off challenges down the road, like nutritional deficits or developmental problems in the teeth and jaws.
Quality of Life: Improved speech clarity and ease of eating can be game-changers.
Preventive Measure: A frenectomy can prevent a plethora of future dental and speech issues, saving you from many procedures after you’ve grown.

Many insurance providers do cover aspects of frenectomy surgery, given its functional benefits. Our stellar team at El Dorado Hills Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is always here to help you navigate the details of your insurance plan.

Call to Schedule an Appointment Today

If you think you or your little one might be grappling with lip & tongue tie, wait no more! Dr. Jonah Tabrizi and our skilled team are at your service. Give us a call at (916) 941-1515, and let’s set you on the path to improved speech, eating, and overall oral health. We’re committed to offering top-notch care right here in El Dorado Hills. See you soon!