At Rigby Pediatric Dental, we understand the significant impact of lip and tongue ties on your child’s oral health, feeding, and overall development. Our team, led by Dr. Kory Bingham, is committed to providing safe, effective, and compassionate care to help resolve these issues for children of all ages. Whether you’ve noticed feeding difficulties, speech delays, or other concerns, we are here to help with lip and tongue tie release in Rigby in a comfortable and supportive environment.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties are congenital conditions in which the frenulum (the small band of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the mouth) is too tight or short. This can restrict movement and lead to several issues, especially in infants and young children. A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum beneath the tongue is too tight, limiting tongue mobility. A lip tie happens when the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gum is overly tight, affecting the ability to lift the lip properly.
The Impact of Lip and Tongue Ties on Children
A lip or tongue tie can affect a child in various ways, especially during the early stages of life. Feeding difficulties are among infants’ most common signs of a tongue or lip tie. Babies may struggle to latch properly, leading to inefficient breastfeeding and frustration for both the child and the mother. In severe cases, it can cause pain for the mother and interfere with the baby’s ability to gain weight.
As children grow, untreated tongue and lip ties can cause problems with speech development, oral hygiene, and dental health. Misalignment of the teeth and difficulty brushing or cleaning the mouth can result in more severe oral health issues as the child ages. These ties can also affect jaw development and cause discomfort or tension in the face, neck, and shoulders.
Symptoms to Look For
When your child has their one-year dental exam, our staff will check overall oral development and look for lip or tongue tie elements. But if you are concerned your child may have a lip or tongue tie, it is important to seek professional advice. We can assess the situation and determine whether a lip or tongue tie release is necessary. There are several signs to watch out for:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Painful breastfeeding experience for the mother
- Gassiness or trouble burping after feeding
- Limited tongue movement (unable to stick out the tongue or move it side to side)
- Speech delays or unclear speech as the child grows
- Difficulty cleaning teeth or maintaining oral hygiene
The Procedure for Lip and Tongue Tie Release in Rigby
- Initial Consultation and Assessment
At Rigby Pediatric Dental, Dr. Bingham conducts a thorough, individualized assessment of each patient’s needs before proceeding with the lip and tongue tie release. We will discuss the cost and our membership plan with you. - Using the Latest Technology
We perform the procedure using the latest laser technology, which is gentle and precise. The laser helps to release the tight frenulum, ensuring minimal discomfort for your child. - Minimized Discomfort and Faster Healing
The laser technique reduces pain and promotes faster healing than traditional methods. It also minimizes bleeding and swelling, speeding up the recovery process. - Reduced Risk of Infection
The laser technology also decreases the risk of infection, making the healing process smoother and more efficient. - Post-Procedure Care and Support
We understand that any procedure can be intimidating, especially involving your child. Our compassionate team guides you through each step, from initial consultation to post-procedure care. We provide clear instructions to ensure the area heals optimally and you can avoid complications. - Ongoing Monitoring
After the release, we monitor your child’s recovery and check in to ensure they adjust well to the increased range of motion in their tongue or lip.
Aftercare and Recovery
The recovery process following a lip or tongue tie release is typically quick. Many children experience little discomfort after the procedure, but we always encourage parents to monitor the area and follow the aftercare instructions carefully. Aftercare may include gentle exercises to help your child adjust to the increased range of motion in their tongue or lip.
In most cases, children can resume normal activities right after the procedure. We may schedule follow-up visits to monitor your child’s progress and ensure everything is healing as expected. The positive impact on your child’s ability to feed, speak, and maintain oral hygiene will become apparent within days to weeks after the release.
Make an Appointment Today!
Dr. Bingham’s experience and expertise in pediatric dentistry, combined with our state-of-the-art facilities, allow us to offer effective and compassionate solutions for lip and tongue tie release in Rigby. We make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible, helping them achieve optimal oral health.If you suspect your child may be dealing with a lip or tongue tie, don’t wait. Contact us today for an appointment at Rigby Pediatric Dental in Rigby, Idaho. Our team is ready to provide your child’s care and support to thrive.