Infant Lip/Tongue Tie Clinic
Mason, Oh

Dr. Stewart offers infant lip/tongue tie releases using the Light Scalpel CO2 laser.  This is the gold standard for soft tissue releases.  In our clinic we prefer that you work with an IBCLC and follow up with your lactation consultant pre and post-op to maximize the benefit of the release procedure.  Much of the success relies on the pre-work to strengthen the muscles and post-op stretches to prevent re-adhesion.  Body work with a infant chiropractor or cranial sacral therapist is also helpful.  

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Process:

1. Receive diagnosis via consultation with Dr. Stewart. (Only a doctor or dentist can officially diagnose ankyloglossia or lip ties.). Schedule here:  

2. Receive pre-release care from an IBCLC, DC or other medical professional and a green light for the procedure signaling the infant is ready for the release

3. Schedule procedure with our office (513)459-1377

4. Lip/Tongue Tie release performed at Mason Elite Dentistry

5. Follow up with medical professional (body work, craniosacral therapy, IBCLC, etc). 

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If your infant is having trouble breastfeeding and experiencing symptoms such as bloating, excessive spit up/reflux, frequent feedings, colic, blistered lips, white lips/tongue or other feeding difficulty, a lip/tongue tie may be present in your infant.  At times the mother may experiencing flat nipples, painful nursing, blisters, white nipples and mastitis.  These symptoms are a direct result of tethered anatomy preventing the baby from nursing properly.  Once the tissues are released, babies immediately can increase their feeding stamina as they are not working so hard to extract milk.  We believe in the power of breastfeeding and want to help you along on your journey!  

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FAQ:

1. Are parents permitted in the room?

- We do not recommend parents are present in the room.  You are welcome to stand just outside the room (we do not have doors on treatment rooms) or you may rest in the lactation room to prepare for nursing immediately post-op.

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2. Do you numb?

-We do place a topical anesthetic on infants or if you prefer to use preservative free sucrose in lieu of numbing, that is your choice.  

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3. Do you accept insurance?

-We are not in network with medical insurance or dental insurance (other than Dental Care Plus).  We will give you the forms needed to file the claim and attempt to receive reimbursement.  Coverage for this procedure varies greatly between plans and insurance companies.  We accept payment in full prior to the treatment and the insurance will reimburse you directly if the claim is approved.

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4.  What qualifications do you have to perform the procedure?

-I am TOTS Certified release provider and have been performing laser releases on adults/kids for 7+ years.  I began my journey in the field of releases with a standard diode laser, but wanted to be able to help patients of all ages in the Cincinnati area after recognizing a need in the infant population.  In order to serve infants, a CO2 laser is the best option (as opposed to scissors or diode) due to the ability to quickly vaporize the tissue at an appropriate depth.  Scissors can be dangerous and cause bleeding making the provider unable to see if they have performed an adequate release.  A diode laser must heat up to 700-1000 degrees Celsius and come in direct contact with the tissues.  

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5. How did you get into infant frenectomies? What is your "why"?

-My first baby was born premature at 33 weeks so our feeding journey required pumping, tube feeding and paced bottle feeding with fortified breast milk.  When my second came along at full term, I was surprised how difficult breastfeeding was.  He had all the signs of infant lip/tongue tie including blistered lips, pulling off, inability to handle let down, frequent waking, spitting up and colic.  After two weeks we had a release procedure of buccal, lip and tongue ties.  He was a completely different baby and went on to thrive for 15 months of breastfeeding.  As a mom and passionate supporter of breastfeeding, I'm here to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals.  When I recognized there are not enough release providers in Cincinnati, I decided to dedicate a section of my practice to this field specifically.  

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6. Why is a CO2 Light Scalpel laser the best option?

-In terms of different avenues that you can have a frenectomy done, we look at many factors.  The CO2 laser vaporizes the liquid in the tissue at a certain size and depth that is specific to the tongue fold and cheek folds.  We are able to do this quickly and without anesthetic or minimal anesthetic, mitigating any adverse effects of drugs in our baby's system.  When a baby has a release done in a hospital, it can be costly depending on your insurance plan.  If you are on a high deductible plan, your out of pocket expense can be in the thousands by the time you pay for the operating room, recovery room, anesthesiologist fee and procedure fee.  Research shows that a scissor frenectomy (hospital frenectomy) has increase incidence of bleeding and re-adherence.   A diode laser can be used, but due to the wavelength it produces, the diode takes more time to fully cut through the tissue.  It is not a great candidate for infants due to needing anesthetic and lack of strength to effectively get through the fibrous tissues.

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7. What does post-operative recovery look like?

-This can range from minimal post operative discomfort to potentially needing infant formulated acetaminophen for a few days.  The tissue of the mouth is different than other areas of our bodies and tends to heal quickly.  The first few days the tissue may have a white appearance that will gradually turn pink over the next 2-3 weeks.  

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8. What if I am not nursing?

-Issues with oral anatomy will affect a baby throughout their entire life.  As the baby gets older, the tie can affect speech, sleep and feeding.  Studies have shown that babies who have a release compared to babies who were not tethered, go on to have normal speech development later in life.  If you choose to bottle or formula feed, the procedure will still greatly improve your child's overall health down the road.  The tongue posture also shapes the palate, which is the floor of the nasal cavity.  A wide, flat palate is essential to the dental arch, preventing tooth crowding later in life and allowing plenty of room for oxygen exchange.    

 

We would love to be your preferred tongue/lip tie release provider in Cincinnati!  I would be happy to answer any questions via email dr.stewart@masonelitedentistry.com or you can call our office directly for a consultation.   

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