Lip and Tongue-Tie Revisions
larly for our youngest patients facing breastfeeding challenges.Who Needs a Tongue-Tie Revision?
The frenulum is a thin band of tissue that secures the tongue or upper lip. When it’s overly tight, it can cause significant feeding, speech, and dental issues.
If your baby is unable to nurse effectively due to a restrictive frenulum, they may benefit from a procedure known as a frenectomy, commonly referred to as a tongue-tie revision.
Dr. Rachel Brown deeply empathizes with mothers who face breastfeeding issues due to tongue-tie, ensuring they receive supportive care. Her personal journey with her son’s colic highlights the profound impact of a tongue-tie revision. After experiencing his distress and constant discomfort, this procedure offered relief and transformed her son's life, inspiring Dr. Brown to provide this essential service to other families experiencing the same challenges.
The Importance of Resolving Frenum Issues
A tight frenum can cause a range of problems, from difficulties with breastfeeding in infants to speech issues and gum recession in older children. Adults can also be impacted by a tight frenum and experience difficulty speaking, eating, or maintaining oral hygiene. A lip and tongue-tie revision can also address other issues, such as gaps between teeth (diastema) and discomfort when brushing and flossing.
Cottonwood’s Commitment to Families
Dr. Brown's experience informs her compassionate approach, particularly for mothers struggling with the emotional and physical toll of nursing issues. At Cottonwood Dental, we extend our empathy and expertise to each family, providing comprehensive and nurturing support. We also collaborate with lactation consultants and offer a serene space for mothers to nurse and bond with their infants.
Schedule a Consultation for Relief and Comfort
If you or your child are dealing with the consequences of a tight frenum, contact Cottonwood Dental, where we provide practical solutions and empathetic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tongue-tie revision is a procedure medically known as a frenectomy. This simple step corrects an abnormally thick, short, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) between the tongue and the base of the mouth. Dr. Brown McDonald recommends a frenectomy when a tongue tie limits the tongue's mobility and impacts breastfeeding, speech, or oral hygiene.
Steps Involved in a Tongue-Tie Revision Procedure
Consultation and Evaluation — The first step is a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Brown assesses the frenulum's attachment to determine the procedure's necessity.
Preparation — Before beginning, we gently numb the area around the frenulum with a local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable procedure.
Laser Frenectomy — Dr. Brown uses a precise, minimally invasive laser to release the frenulum. The laser cuts and cauterizes simultaneously, reducing bleeding and healing time.
Immediate Aftercare — Post-procedure, the impact is often immediate, particularly for nursing infants who can latch more effectively almost right away.
Our Commitment to Nursing Moms
Cottonwood Dental is committed to supporting nursing mothers. Having personally experienced the challenges associated with tongue ties, Dr. Brown ensures that mothers receive the support they need. Our clinic offers the services of a lactation consultant and provides a quiet, private room for nursing immediately after the procedure to test the effectiveness of the revision.
Ready to Address Tongue-Tie Concerns?
If you suspect that a tongue-tie affects your child’s breastfeeding or your comfort, contact Cottonwood Dental. We will help find solutions for better health and comfort for both you and your infant.
Call us today at (308) 382-1890 to schedule an assessment and get the support you need.
Meet Our Dentist:
Dr. Rachel Brown-McDonald DDS
Dr. Rachel Brown-McDonald graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2012. She then completed a one-year general residency in southern Colorado before joining what would become Cottonwood Dental in 2013. A year later, in 2014, she became the owner of the dental practice in Grand Island, further committing to the community.
Dr. Brown-McDonald’s journey into dentistry began during her high school and college years when she worked as a dental assistant. This early exposure allowed her to appreciate the detailed, individualized care dentistry offers, sparking a ...
Lip and Tongue-Tie Revisions Technology
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry incorporates advanced hard and soft tissue lasers to enhance precision and comfort. This technology includes Fotona LightWalker®, Er YAG and Nd YAG, and lightScalpel®, and are particularly beneficial as they align with Dr. Brown's biological dentistry approach by minimizing tissue damage and promoting faster healing.
Hard Tissue Lasers — Primarily used for cutting through tooth structure, hard tissue lasers are essential for precise cavity preparation and reshaping teeth without traditional drills. This reduces heat and vibration, which can cause discomfort, and preserves more of the natural tooth.
Soft Tissue Lasers—We use soft tissue lasers for procedures involving the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. They seal blood vessels, and photobiomodulation helps loosen tight fascia, reduces pain, and speeds healing, significantly reducing bleeding and swelling during procedures like gum reshaping, frenectomies, or periodontal surgery. The result is a smoother procedure with enhanced comfort and a quicker recovery time.