Lip and Tongue Tie Treatment in Pepper Pike, OH
Frenectomy Services for Infants, Children & Adults Near You
Are you noticing your baby has trouble latching during breastfeeding? Is your child experiencing speech difficulties or a restricted range of motion in their tongue? These could be signs of a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie—common oral conditions that our experienced dental team in Pepper Pike can treat quickly and effectively.
At Dental & Cosmetic Solutions, we specialize in comprehensive lip and tongue tie treatment near Cleveland. Using advanced laser surgery techniques, our gentle frenectomy procedures restore proper oral function with minimal discomfort and recovery time. Serving patients throughout Pepper Pike, Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Moreland Hills, Orange, and Solon, OH.
Are you looking for a dentist near you who specializes in tongue tie treatment? Call our Pepper Pike dental office at (216) 292-3600 to schedule your personalized consultation today.
Understanding Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Conditions
When you examine your baby's mouth, you'll notice small bands of connective tissue (frenum) beneath their tongue (lingual frenum) and upper lip (labial frenum). These tissue attachments normally support proper oral function, but when they're too tight, thick, or restrictive, they can significantly limit movement:
- Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): When the lingual frenulum is too tight or thick, restricting tongue movement and creating a heart-shaped appearance when the tongue is raised
- Lip Tie: When the labial frenum connecting the upper lip to the gum area is overly tight, potentially cause a gap between the front teeth and affect proper lip movement
These conditions can affect patients of all ages, from newborns experiencing breastfeeding difficulties to adults suffering from related dental issues and discomfort.
Key Warning Signs That Require Treatment
Seeking prompt treatment from a healthcare provider or dentist near you is essential if you notice these symptoms:
In Infants:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
- Excessive gasiness or reflux
- Clicking sounds while nursing
- Maternal nipple pain or damage
In Children:
- Speech difficulties or impediments
- Trouble with certain sounds (especially 'l', 'r', 's', 't', 'd', 'n', 'th', 'z')
- Gap between the upper or lower front teeth
- Mouth breathing or sleeping with the mouth open
- Difficulty eating ice cream or licking ice cream cones
- Problems with oral hygiene leading to increased tooth decay
In Adults:
- Persistent neck or shoulder pain/tension
- Sleep disturbances related to restricted airway
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues
- Difficulty with certain foods
- Speech limitations
- Dental problems, including recession and decay
Advanced Frenectomy Procedure at Our Pepper Pike Dental Office
At Dental & Cosmetic Solutions, we perform both lingual frenectomy (for tongue tie) and labial frenectomy (for lip tie) using state-of-the-art soft tissue laser technology. This simple surgical procedure offers significant advantages over traditional methods:
- Precision Treatment: Our laser technology allows for extremely accurate tissue removal, preserving healthy tissue while effectively releasing the restricted frenum
- Minimal Discomfort: Most patients experience surprisingly little pain during and after treatment
- Reduced Bleeding: Laser surgery naturally cauterizes as it treats, minimizing bleeding
- Faster Healing: Most patients return to normal activities quickly, with complete healing in approximately two to four weeks
- No Sutures Required: The advanced procedure eliminates the need for stitches
The same procedure works effectively for patients of all ages. For infants and young children, we take extra care to provide for their comfort throughout the quick procedure, which often takes just minutes to perform.
What Our Patients Are Saying About Our Tongue Tie Treatment
Our specialized frenectomy procedures have helped countless families throughout the Cleveland area restore proper oral function and comfort.
"Dr. Csók has been incredible. She treated an unexpected tooth infection with immense professionalism and care, and has been very supportive even through the recovery journey. She also performed a lip release on our 1 year old son and with her attitude and care and making sure our Baby was comfortable all the way through the process, made our experience such a very pleasant one." - Aniko M.
"Andrea and her team are amazing!! They revised our newborn son's tongue tie using a state of the art laser machine. The procedure was super quick and Andrea was very thorough in explaining the tongue stretching exercises.
Ever since then our baby has been able to breast feed correctly and we also don't have to worry about him growing up with a recessed chin. Andrea was so kind in answering all our questions and her office is very nice too. We are so grateful to have had Andrea fix our son's tongue tie and I highly recommend her services!" - Leon D.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a frenectomy procedure take?
While your appointment will typically last about an hour, to feel confident we address all your questions and concerns, the actual laser frenectomy procedure often takes just four to five minutes. We encourage families to remain in our dental office after treatment as long as needed for nursing, comfort, and immediate post-procedure care.
Can I nurse my baby immediately after a frenectomy?
Yes, and we recommend it! Immediate breastfeeding after treatment provides comfort to your baby while delivering beneficial antibodies from breast milk that support healing. This also helps your baby begin using their newly released tongue or lip in the proper position, facilitating proper latching techniques right away.
What's the typical recovery time after a frenectomy?
Complete tissue healing takes approximately four to six weeks, though most discomfort subsides significantly within the first two to five days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises to prevent reattachment during healing. For infants and children, controlling discomfort can be managed with physician-approved pain relief options and cold compresses (applied outside the mouth in 20-minute intervals).
Does dental insurance cover frenectomy procedures?
Many dental and medical insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary frenectomy procedures. Coverage varies based on your specific plan and the clinical presentation. Our office team will help verify your benefits before treatment and discuss financing options through CareCredit if needed, allowing for budget-friendly payment plans.
Schedule Your Consultation With a Dentist Near You in Pepper Pike
Don't let a tongue tie or lip tie limit your child's oral function and development. Our experienced dental team at Dental & Cosmetic Solutions provides compassionate, advanced treatment options right here in Pepper Pike, OH.
Contact our dental office near Beachwood today at (216) 292-3600 to schedule your personalized consultation. Our dental practice proudly serves patients throughout Cleveland's eastern suburbs, including Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Moreland Hills, Orange, and Solon, OH.