Get the facts about tongue-tie surgery.
Tongue-tie, also known as frenotomy, is a congenital defect that causes a short or tight frenulum, the tissue that connects the tongue to the base of the mouth. If your child has been having breastfeeding problems or isn’t gaining weight then you may be wondering if tongue-tie could be to blame. Our San Diego, CA, pediatricians at Children's Healthcare Medical Associates, cannot only diagnose this condition but also provide tongue-tie treatment.
Is tongue-tie a problem?
It isn’t always a problem but it can be. Tongue-tie can make it challenging for your newborn to move their tongue properly, which can result in issues with breastfeeding and eating. As they get older, this may also impede speech. If your child is having issues with breastfeeding this could be a sign that your child may benefit from tongue-tie treatment. Of course, this is something that you can determine with the help of our San Diego, CA, pediatric team.
By coming in for a lactation consultation we can determine if breastfeeding issues may be the result of tongue-tie or if other issues may be at play. By troubleshooting your breastfeeding challenges we may discover that tongue-tie is not the problem and your child won’t need to undergo this procedure; however, it’s best to talk to your child’s pediatrician to determine the best strategy.
How is tongue-tie treated?
Since tongue-tie is a congenital defect this means that the only way to treat the problem is with a simple surgical procedure that can release the frenum to restore full movement in the tongue. There are several techniques to treat tongue-tie, and thanks to advanced technology, this procedure can also be performed painlessly with an in-office outpatient procedure called a frenotomy, making it a much more comfortable solution for newborns and toddlers who need to have this procedure performed.
Do you have questions about tongue-tie treatment? Our San Diego, CA, pediatricians at Children's Healthcare Medical Associates are always here to answer your questions and address concerns. To learn more about this procedure, call us today at (619) 297-5437.