Infant Tongue-Tie

We offer Tongue and Lip Tie Release using a CO2 laser at our office in Dublin. Because we know how stressful, frustrating, and exhausting it can be to have a baby with these restrictions, we make it easier for you by billing our fee of $375 to most medical insurances. That way you can focus your time on what is most important, you and your baby.

What is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie (or Ankyloglossia) is caused by a malformation of the frenulum that causes the bottom of the tip of the tongue to be anchored to the mouth. This can lead to limited mobility and use of the tongue. Common symptoms of tongue tie include visual abnormality of the tongue, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, prolonged dribbling, difficulty eating, and more. Tongue tie can run in families and more commonly affects boys. However, the causes of tongue tie are not completely known.

Not all breast-feeding complications are due to a lip tie or tongue tie but many can stem from it. Please consult with your IBCLC for a thorough examination so that you can be referred to the right doctor for proper treatment.

Does Your Child Have Tongue Tie?

Are you dealing with any of the following concerns?

Breastfeeding is uncomfortable or painful
You have had mastitis or recurrent plugged ducts
Latch requires the use of a nipple shield
Your nipple is misshapen after feeding
Maintaining your milk supply has been challenging

Does your baby show any of the following signs?

Clamps down or bites during feedings
Has a diagnosis of Reflux or Colic
Spits up frequently after feeding
Constantly falls asleep during feeding and needs to be fed every hour
Has excessive gas; foamy stools, excessive burping needed
Does not have bowel movements every day
Constant blisters or on the upper lip or chapped lips
Challenged with slow weight gain or low output
Resistive when restrained in semi recline in car seat
Sleeps with head arched back

Does your toddler or young child have the following symptoms?

Has trouble with speech, specifically words with “th” or “s” sounds
Messy eater – food gets all over their face
Picky eater particularly to foods with different textures
Snores when sleeping
Decay on upper four front teeth near the gum line
Front four upper teeth have a rounded notch on the edge
Does not like getting upper front teeth brushed

If any of the above symptoms sounds familiar, your child could be suffering from untreated tongue tie. Contact River Park Dental today to schedule a consultation!

Infant Tongue Tie Revisions

At River Park Dental, we provide tongue tie revisions to offer relief to children affected by the condition. There are a variety of potential side effects to untreated tongue tie, the severity of which depends on the extent of the malformation and how long it is left untreated. Tongue tie affects everyone differently. However, there are some common side effects, including:

Difficulty breastfeeding
Speech impediments
Difficulty eating and drinking
Poor oral hygiene
Mouth and jaw pain
Limited tongue mobility

In addition to the physical problems associated with tongue tie, it can also contribute to feelings of embarrassment and lowered self-confidence. By revising your child’s tongue tie while they’re still young, you’ll allow them to live a life free of the burdens and embarrassment caused by tongue tie. River Park Dental is pleased to offer tongue tie revision solutions that offer relief to patients affected by the condition.

Another potential issue to be aware of is lip tie. Similar to tongue tie, lip tie is caused by a malformed frenulum that limits the mobility of the lip. There is often an interplay in symptoms between tongue tie and lip tie, and the two can be treated concurrently through a team effort of our office, international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC), infant chiropractors, speech language pathologists, and myocranial consultants.

Why Use a CO2 Laser for Treatment?

Less Bleeding – CO2 lasers seal blood vessels, limiting the amount of bleeding.
Less Swelling – Laser treatment does not cause significant trauma because it does not tear tissue or heat tissue to 700 degrees Celsius like diode lasers.
Less Risk – High intensity light destroys surface bacteria and lowers risk of infection.
Less Discomfort – Less swelling means less pressure on surrounding tissue.
Less Invasive – Pinpoint precision allows the selective removal of a few cells at a time.
Less Time – A reduced risk of infection, bleeding, swelling, and discomfort allows for quicker recovery.

Looking for an Experienced and Caring Dentist?

At River Park Dental, you can receive a full range of high-quality dental solutions from our trained and certified dental professionals. Come experience the convenience of having all your oral health needs met in one dental office. Dr. Phing Saurer and her team have a commitment to offering the highest standard of care. We welcome new patients of all ages and are excited to meet you and your family.

“Two of my children had tongue tie and I struggled with breast feeding which made me feel like a failed my babies. It’s the worst feeling in the world when you feel like you aren’t doing everything for your baby. This frustration motivated me to help other mothers who also struggle with Tongue Tied babies.”
-Dr. Saurer

Let Dr. Saurer offer relief for your child’s tongue or lip tie. She has traveled across the country to be trained by world-renowned leading experts in Tongue Tie Revision.

Dr. Saurer is a member of the following prestigious associations:

United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA)
Ohio Lactation Consultant Association (OLCA)
International Association of Tongue Tie-Professionals (IATP)
International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA)
Academy of Laser Dentistry

Dr. Saurer is proud to offer tongue tie revisions using the Solea CO2 Dental Laser, the safest and most effective standard in care. Contact us today to learn more! Contact our office for an appointment today. Your child will be in good hands!