Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Treatment Near Bethlehem, PA

A frenum is a thin band of tissue inside the mouth. When the lingual frenum under the tongue restricts movement, it is commonly called a tongue tie. A restrictive frenum behind the lip may be called a lip tie.

Some restrictive frenum attachments can affect oral movement and function. In infants, parents may have questions about latching, sucking, or feeding. For older children, concerns may involve eating, speaking, or other aspects of oral function.

Having a frenum is normal. The more important question is whether the particular attachment is restrictive enough to affect function and whether treatment is appropriate.

Parents may begin wondering about tongue tie when their baby has difficulty with feeding or latching. Those concerns, however, do not automatically mean a frenectomy is needed.

A restrictive lingual frenum can limit tongue movement. If you have noticed concerns with your baby's tongue movement or feeding, an evaluation can help determine whether the frenum may be contributing to the problem.

Dr. Lesavoy takes a conservative approach to this decision. He examines the child and considers the individual circumstances before recommending a procedure.

No. A child can have a tongue or lip tie without needing treatment.

The presence or appearance of a frenum is only part of the evaluation. Dr. Lesavoy considers whether the tissue is functionally restrictive and whether releasing it is appropriate for that child.

That means parents do not have to assume that a frenectomy is the next step simply because someone has identified a tongue or lip tie. An evaluation can help clarify whether treatment makes sense.

Treatment begins with an evaluation of your child's mouth. If Dr. Lesavoy determines that a frenectomy is appropriate, he explains the procedure and aftercare before treatment begins.

The restrictive tissue is released using soft tissue laser technology. The practice's frenectomy information notes that laser treatment can provide increased comfort while reducing inflammation and bleeding, with minimal downtime and a faster recovery.

The details of treatment can vary depending on the tissue being treated and your child's individual circumstances.

You can read more about the evaluation, procedure, and recovery on the frenectomies service page.

The practice describes laser frenectomy treatment as typically quick and relatively painless, with most children experiencing minimal discomfort.

Every child is different, so the office can explain what to expect based on your child's age, the area being treated, and the planned procedure.

After treatment, the office reviews post-operative home-care instructions and recommendations with you. The practice also follows up with families to support proper healing.

Frenectomy care may involve more than the procedure itself. When appropriate, Dr. Lesavoy collaborates with pediatricians, lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, speech pathologists, pediatric chiropractors, and other specialists.

This can be especially relevant when a child's feeding or oral function concerns involve more than one area of care.

If your child has not visited Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry before, you can review what to expect during your child's first visit before scheduling.

The goal of an initial evaluation is to understand your child's individual situation and determine what, if any, treatment is appropriate.