Tongue TieKennewick, WA
Tongue Tie (also called ankyloglossia, meaning "anchored tongue"), is a condition restricting the range of motion of the tongue and affects 3 millions infants a year. Present at birth, tongue tie exists as a short, tight band of tissue that tethers the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth, affecting how a child eats and speaks, and can interfere with breastfeeding . While in many instances the condition can resolve itself, in those situations where it doesn't, surgery is needed. It is in these situations that Dr. Gledhill can help.
Trained by Dr. Gharihi, a noted and respected authority on modern tongue tie procedures, Dr. Gledhill is proficient and confidant in the effectiveness of our in-office procedure.
How is Tongue Tie treated?
Tongue Tie oral surgery is a simple procedure (known as a lingual frenectomy) completed in our office, in as little as 30 minutes from beginning to end; including post-operative instructions. Anesthesia is not required for this simple procedure; and is best performed on sleeping infants, as it is easiest to control their tongue and head movement. Infants are then given back to Mom for immediate soothing, latching, and feeding.
How long is the healing process?
With consistent tongue exercises your infant should completely heal in 2-3 weeks, at which point you should see dramatic improvements in breastfeeding.
At what age can I have this procedure performed?
A tongue tie procedure can be performed on infants as young as 1 week. That being said, it is a personal decision. Of course the older the infant, the more active they become; making it more challenging to perform.
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