Post-Frenectomy Support at Milk & Milestones Therapy
When a baby struggles with breastfeeding, speech, or oral hygiene, a common underlying issue might be a tight or restrictive frenulum. This small fold of tissue, located under the tongue (lingual frenulum) or upper lip (labial frenulum), can impede movement and function if it is too tight or short, a condition commonly known as tongue-tie or lip-tie. A frenectomy, a minor surgical procedure to release the frenulum, can significantly improve a child’s ability to feed, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. At Milk & Milestones Therapy, we offer comprehensive post-frenectomy pediatric therapy to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
Why A Frenectomy Is Necessary
A frenectomy may be recommended for several reasons:
1. Breastfeeding Difficulties: Babies with tongue-tie or lip-tie often struggle to latch properly, leading to ineffective feeding, prolonged feeding times, and frustration for both mother and child. This can also cause pain and discomfort for the mother, potentially leading to nipple damage and a reduced milk supply.
2. Speech Issues: As children grow, a restricted frenulum can interfere with their ability to articulate certain sounds, impacting speech development.
3. Oral Health Concerns: A tight frenulum can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
4. Restricted Movement: Limited tongue or lip movement can affect a child’s ability to eat certain foods, perform oral hygiene tasks, or even play wind instruments.
The Process Of Releasing A Tongue Tie
If your child has been diagnosed with a tongue tie, your healthcare provider might recommend a frenectomy to release the tongue tie. Here’s what you can expect from this process:
Consultation With A Pediatric Dentist Or Oral Surgeon
The first step is a thorough consultation with a pediatric dentist or oral surgeon experienced in treating tongue ties. During this consultation, the provider will:
- Examine The Tongue: Assess the severity of the tongue tie and its impact on your child’s oral functions.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Explain the procedure, potential benefits, and any risks involved.
What To Expect From The Procedure
A frenectomy is a simple and quick procedure typically performed in a dental or surgical office. It involves:
- Local Anesthesia: Numbing the area to ensure your child is comfortable and pain-free.
- Cutting The Frenulum: Using sterile scissors or a laser, the provider will make a small cut to release the tongue. This usually takes just a few minutes.
- Immediate Improvement: Many parents notice an immediate improvement in their child’s tongue mobility and ability to breastfeed or eat.
Recovery Process
Recovery from a frenectomy is generally swift and uncomplicated. Here’s what to expect:
- Minimal Discomfort: Your child may experience some mild discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as advised by the dentist.
- Healing Time: The cut typically heals within a few days to a week. It’s important to follow any post-procedure care instructions, such as stretching exercises, to prevent reattachment.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Your provider will schedule follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
Milk & Milestones Is Here To Support Your And Your Child After The Procedure
Post-frenectomy therapy is crucial to ensure the success of the procedure and prevent complications such as reattachment. At Milk & Milestones Therapy, we offer specialized post-frenectomy therapy that includes:
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Our pediatric physical therapists work on:
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle exercises to improve tongue and lip mobility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Activities designed to strengthen the oral muscles and promote proper function.
- Feeding Techniques: Guidance on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to take advantage of the increased mobility.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Our pediatric occupational therapists focus on:
- Oral Motor Skills: Helping the child develop effective sucking, swallowing, and chewing skills.
- Sensory Integration: Addressing any sensory issues related to the mouth to ensure comfort during feeding and oral care.
- Parent Education: Teaching parents exercises and techniques to use at home, ensuring consistent progress and support.
Why Choose Milk & Milestones Therapy?
Milk & Milestones Therapy has multiple offices throughout New Jersey and New York, making our specialized services accessible to many families. Our team of experienced pediatric therapists is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to support your child’s development.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to post-procedure therapy, we offer a full continuum of care to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
- Experienced Team: Our therapists have extensive experience in pediatric care, ensuring that your child receives the highest quality treatment.
- Family-Centered Approach: We work closely with families, providing education and support to empower them in their child’s care.
Supporting Your Child’s Oral Health and Development
A frenectomy can be a transformative procedure for children with tongue-tie or lip-tie, greatly improving their ability to feed, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. At Milk & Milestones Therapy, we are committed to helping your child achieve optimal health and development through our expert care and comprehensive post-procedure therapy. For post-frenectomy pediatric physical and occupational therapy, please contact us today at 201-401-0702. Our dedicated team is here to support you and your child every step of the way.