How lip tie & tongue tied is treated?

Why do lip tied and tongue tied need to be treated/corrected?

·       Lip and tongue tied babies may have breastfeeding problems.  The poor latch at the breast may cause the milk dribbles out of the mouth when feeding and as a result the baby does not get enough milk to feel full.  This leads to having to feed the baby every 30 to 60 minutes. Some babies use excessive pressure to bite the nipples to get milk and the mother’s nipples end up cracked, creased or flattened.  This is a painful nursing experience.

·       Lip and tongue tied children may have dental, speech and orthodontic issues.

·       Lip and tongue tied adults may have dental problems (decay, gum recession), teeth grinding (bruxism), sleep disorder (sleep apnea), migraine, neck tension and posture issues.

Both tongue and lip ties can be treated in quick procedure that is painless, it usually may not require anesthesia.  The procedure is called frenectomy; the removal of the membrane that connects to the tongue or lip.  Frenectomy can be performed with the following instruments:

·       Scissors-bleeding

·       Scalpel or sharp surgical knife-bleeding

·       Laser-minimal bleeding, faster surgical time, decreased postoperative pain, quick healing

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  Lip and tongue ties may cause breastfeeding issues for some babies and mothers, dental and speech problems for children, and sleep disorder (sleep apnea), dental and posture problems for adults.  If you have questions about lip and tongue ties, please call for a consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com  

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

                                         

Mild To Moderate Sleep Apnea

·       Lose weight

·       Quit smoking

·       Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives

·       Avoid caffeine and heavy meals with 2 hours of going to bed

·       Exercise regularly, maintain regular sleep hours

·       Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)-dental device that fits inside the mouth, like an athletic mouth guard. OAT is a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea. OAT is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and convenient for travel.

Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea

·       Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)-machine is used with a variety of breathing masks that cover the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keep the breathing passages open while sleeping.  CPAP machines are being updated and improved; they are lighter, quieter and more comfortable.

·       Sleep Apnea Implants-one of the newest treatments; involves the insertion of a pacemaker system that stimulates muscle to keep airways open for breathing during sleep.

·       Surgery-increase the size of the airway; risks of complications and infections.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who can assist you with treatment.    Dr.Anna Lee performs an airway assessment and Sleep Apnea evaluation.  Dr.Anna Lee also conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  If you have any questions, please call for a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com

Implants

Patients choose implants to replace a single tooth or several teeth. Patients who are edentulous (no teeth) may also choose to have implant supported dentures. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.  They are made of titanium, a strong and lightweight metal.

Implants are not an option for everyone because surgery is required to place them in the jawbone.  Patients should be in good health and have adequate bone to support the implant in the jaws. Also, patients need to commit to a daily oral care routine and have regular dental checkups.

Advantages:

·       Implants are most similar to a natural tooth

·       Adjacent teeth do not have to be involved in the placement procedure

·       Implants may last for many years

·       Implants may prevent resorption/shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss

Disadvantages:

·       Implants are not options for everyone, since they require surgery

·       Implant placement may take longer and may require more dental visits

·       Implants are more expensive

For more information on implants, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.