Why Does an Infant Need Laser Frenectomy?

Babies with tongue ties often have problems breastfeeding and display many common signs with lip ties and tongue ties. Babies may exhibit noises when suckling and experience of coughing and gagging besides poor weight gain. Mothers of newborns may also experience flattened nipples after breastfeeding, decreased milk production, and prolonged feedings.

Tongue ties are diagnosed if the movement of the child’s tongue is restricted and has impaired mobility. Proper examination of the child requires the infant to be placed on the examiner’s lap with the head of the infant in the same direction as the individual evaluating the infant. It is essential to note that not all tongue ties need correction, and therefore every case must be evaluated by a qualified and trained children’s dentist in Houston, TX. A tongue-tie is diagnosed based on its function, and consequently, the appearance of the baby’s tongue can, at times, be inconsequential when its movement is considered. In such cases, children’s pediatric dentistry often advises infant laser frenectomy to resolve the issue.

Why Is a Laser Frenectomy Performed on an Infant?

An infant is often unable to feed because the mother avoids breastfeeding entirely when being blamed for the baby’s condition. In reality, the problem is altogether different and is a result of the child’s restricted tongue movement, making it difficult for the baby to function generally with mobility. The result of the tongue-tie often makes breastfeeding impossible or difficult.

Babies with a tongue tie are not able to latch on sufficiently to feed appropriately. Some babies may continue remaining attached to the breast for extended periods without taking in the milk desired. Some infants only feed when the liquid ejects freely but will not draw the milk out of the breast when it slows. In such cases, the pediatric dentist near you may recommend a laser frenectomy to correct the tongue-tie to help the child feed without anxiety.

What Precisely Is Infant Laser Frenectomy?

The procedure performed to remove the tight frenulum under the tongue is known as laser frenectomy. The children’s dentist in Houston, TX, uses a state of the art laser to perform a safe and quick procedure to allow greater tongue mobility. In some cases, a frenectomy can help prevent other health issues such as dental decay, spacing, digestive problems, and speech challenges.

Children’s pediatric dentistry in Houston has certified professionals from the Academy of laser dentistry who are authorized to perform frenectomy. The procedure can be performed either with a laser or even traditional scissors. However, using a laser has many advantages, some of which include:

• Minimum discomfort to the child.
• Minimal bleeding during and after the procedure because the laser helps with hemostasis.
• The recovery time from the procedure is fast, and the laser has bactericidal properties.
• Infant laser frenectomy can be performed with precision to remove the tongue tie entirely.
• The procedure improves the baby’s ability to breastfeed correctly without restricting themselves.

What Happens After Laser Frenectomy Is Performed?

After performing the laser frenectomy, it is essential to care for the baby after revising the tongue tie. The baby must learn how to use his or her tongue in a new way. Some children may not need any assistance and begin breastfeeding soon after the procedure. Other babies may need help from additional professionals who can help them by developing a feeding plan to address the child’s issues.

International Board-certified lactation consultants can improve latch by providing suck strengthening exercises with the feeding plan developed to address latch issues, low milk supply, and nipple healing.

A speech or developmental feeding therapist can help the baby to learn how to use their tongues for active eating and speaking.

Chiropractors or craniosacral therapists can also help babies release tight muscles that compensate for an improper suck or a tight frenulum.

Parents of a new one experiencing breastfeeding problems must consider visiting the experienced and qualified pediatric dentist Houston, TX if they believe their child can benefit from a laser frenectomy. Avoiding the treatment is not an option because the child’s feeding ability will be restricted, leading to difficulties not just during childhood but also into adulthood.