Laser Surgery in Trivandrum
Tongue tie, medically called ‘ankyloglossia’, is a birth disorder which considerably reduces the movement of the tip of the tongue and this occurs in patients whose lingual frenum is short and tight .
Tongue-tie is generally diagnosed in childhood and symptoms include: Interference with feeding in infants. There are infants who cannot suck toddlers who cannot chew, children who cannot lick ice creams, and children and adults who are disadvantaged by their poor speech.
Tongue-tie is more commonly found in boys (60%) and there will often be other family members who have had this problem. The most immediate impact of tongue-tie is on the baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively.
You can test for a tongue tie by having your child stick out his tongue. If he can’t do so or if when he does so the tip is held back – looking like a sort of W shape at the tip rather than a V shape – then he probably is tongue tied.
This decreased tongue mobility can be associated with speech problems in children. Specifically, a child may exhibit difficulty with the articulation of the sounds L, R, T, D, N, Th, Sh, and Zz.
Tongue tie may be diagnosed by ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeons, dentist or speech therapist or a pediatrician.
Infants
Tongue-tie can interfere with a baby’s ability to suckle efficiently at the breast. This may lead to nipple pain and trauma, poor breast milk intake and a decrease in milk supply over time. Inability to breastfeed successfully in the presence of a tongue tie can cause a variety of challenges for the infant, the mother and the family.
Feeding difficulties may be a reason to consider early surgery to cut the lingual frenulum and loosen the tongue.
Children
Children with a tongue tie have to contend with difficulties which may only be discovered as they grow older .Problems start with speech at 12 to 18 months. Some older children or teenagers may notice that the frenum under their tongue becomes stuck between their front teeth, or that they can’t stick their tongue out as far as their friends can.
For Adults
The areas of difficulty spread to include social and domestic situations, self-esteem, the work environment, and dental health. Adults receiving dentures may need a frenectomy if the position of a frenum will interfere with the proper fit of the denture.
Inability to kiss with tongue out. Main concern for youngsters.
Surgical Treatment-Laser Surgery
Sublingual Frenectomy Using Co2 laser
Very effective and minimally invasive procedure with immediate improvement in speech.
The term laser is an abbreviation for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Many lasers are available, including CO2, Nd:YAG, Each of these lasers exhibits specific properties depending on their position in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Wavelength specific laser protective glasses were placed on the patient and everyone in the treatment room. The tissue was dried with gauze and Xylocainne Gel was applied to the lingual frenum for 5 minutes.
Advantages of using laser
This relatively new option is suitable for neonates, older children and adults. No general anesthetic is used, but an analgesic gel might be applied. The procedure is very quick, taking only 2 to 3 minutes to perform, but some cooperation from the patient in keeping still is required.
There is virtually no bleeding, no pain, no risk of infection and the healing period can be as short as 2 hours.
It is best to have this procedure performed by a laser surgeon.
For Appointment– call 0471-2334561/62/63/64, 6452020,407822 Fax-0471-2330925
Email: drpaulose@yahoo.com
Clinic hours: Mon-Wed-Friday (8AM -1 PM)
Operation Days: Tue-Thu-and Saturdays (8AM-4PM)
To reach Jubilee Hospital: jubileehospitaltrivandrum
