At Cabana Dental, we specialize in the treatment of tongue ties and cheek ties, common conditions that can significantly impact a person’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly. These conditions are often overlooked but can cause long-term developmental issues if left untreated.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the band of tissue under the tongue (called the frenulum) is too tight or short. This restriction limits the movement of the tongue, which can affect a child’s ability to breastfeed, speak clearly, and eat certain foods. In some cases, it can even impact oral hygiene, making it harder to clean the teeth properly.
What is a Cheek Tie?
A cheek tie, or buccal tie, refers to a similar restriction in the tissue that connects the inside of the cheek to the gums. This condition can restrict the movement of the cheeks and also lead to problems with breastfeeding, eating, and oral health.
Both tongue ties and cheek ties can affect both children and adults, leading to developmental issues, speech problems, and even issues with proper airway function, potentially contributing to sleep apnea.
How Were These Conditions Treated Traditionally?
In the past, treating tongue and cheek ties involved a procedure called a frenectomy, which was typically done using scissors or a scalpel. While effective, these traditional methods often required sutures and a longer recovery time. The procedure could be uncomfortable, and there was always a risk of infection or complications.
The Advantages of Using Solea Laser for Treatment
At Cabana Dental, we use the innovative Solea Laser technology to treat tongue and cheek ties. This cutting-edge tool offers several significant advantages over traditional methods:
Minimally Invasive: The Solea Laser is incredibly precise, allowing for the tissue to be treated with minimal disruption. There’s no need for sutures, and the procedure is quick and efficient.
Virtually Painless: Unlike traditional methods, the laser often eliminates the need for local anesthesia in many cases, resulting in a more comfortable experience for the patient.
No Bleeding: The laser cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, meaning there is no bleeding during or after the procedure. This leads to a much faster recovery and reduces the risk of infection.
Faster Healing: Since the procedure is less traumatic and doesn’t require stitches, healing is much quicker with laser treatment, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
Precise and Accurate: The Solea Laser provides a level of precision that ensures only the necessary tissue is treated, leading to minimal discomfort and optimal outcomes.
Why Should You Consider Treatment?
If left untreated, tongue and cheek ties can lead to a range of issues such as speech impediments, feeding difficulties, and compromised airway function, which can ultimately affect overall development and quality of life. By treating these ties early, we can help ensure proper development and avoid complications like sleep apnea, difficulty with speech, and dental concerns.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of tongue or cheek ties, such as difficulty breastfeeding, speaking, or eating, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cabana Dental. Our experienced team will assess the situation and discuss the best treatment options, including the benefits of the Solea Laser, to ensure a comfortable and effective solution.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with tongue and cheek tie treatment using the latest technology.