Laser Technology
Dental lasers have been used in dentistry since the mid-1990s, and have different applications including the removal of dental cavities and tissue. Dental lasers use an intense beam of light to remove tissue virtually pain-free. Dr. Baker and his team are trained to correct soft tissue issues including lip-ties and tongue-ties with a dental laser. The benefits of using dental lasers to correct soft tissue problems include:
- Faster healing time
- Reduced need for anesthesia
- Reduced need for stitches and sutures
- Lower risk of bacterial infections following the procedure.
What is a lip-tie?
A lip-tie occurs when there is extra tissue attaching the upper lip to the upper gum. A lip-tie can cause the following issues:
- Diastema (spacing) between the upper front teeth (central incisors)
- Can create issues with keeping teeth and gums clean
- Can serve as a food trap, which can increase the chances of dental decay affecting the upper front teeth
- Frenal attachment is more prone to trauma
- Breastfeeding may be painful for the mother
- Infant’s may have difficulty latching and creating a good seal with breastfeeding
What is a tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie (also known as ankyloglossia) occurs when there is extra tissue attaching the tongue to the floor of the mouth, which causes the tongue to have restricted movements. A tongue-tie can cause the following issues:
- Speech impediment (difficulty pronouncing certain vowels and words)
- Jaw clicking
- Jaw pain
What is a frenectomy procedure, and how can it solve my child’s lip-tie and/or tongue-tie?
Some children are born with a combination of conditions called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and/or a lip-tie causing restrictions in movement that can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, and, in some instances, other health problems including dental decay, spacing between teeth, a speech impediment, airway difficulties, and digestive issues. A frenectomy procedure consists of releasing the frenal tissue either under the tongue or between the upper lip and upper gum tissue to help improve range of motion. Soft tissue dental lasers use a precise light beam to painlessly remove the extra tissue and promote healing of the sore within a matter of days.
