Laser Frenectomy

Dr. Krizman has advanced training in laser use. She perfected her treatment on infants by traveling to Oregon and Texas, to learn from doctors that specialize in infant frenectomy release.

She is also a member of the International Affiliation of Tongue Tie Professionals.

Diagnosis

After reviewing mom’s and baby’s symptoms associated with breast feeding, Dr. Krizman will evaluate your child for tongue function and appearance. Parents are included in the evaluation, and shown where their child may have a tongue or lip tie. If a frenectomy is indicated, the procedure happens during the same visit, so your family won't need to make an additional trip.

Laser Frenectomy Procedure

The frenectomy procedure takes only 5-10 minutes.

Prior to the frenectomy procedure, we administer a homeopathic Tongue Tie Remedy that will aid with healing. All babies receive a specially formulated anesthetic gel to minimize discomfort. No sedation or general anesthesia is needed. Your child is safely swaddled and laser protection goggles are placed over the eyes. One of our dental assistants will gently stabilize your baby’s head for the procedure. For laser safety recommendations, parents are not allowed in the treatment room.

The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes. The laser tip is used to precisely remove the restrictive tissue under the tongue. Lip ties are treated and released at the same visit with no additional charge.

There is little to no bleeding during the procedure, because the laser seals blood vessels. The laser also seals nerve endings, so there is a numbing effect for a several hours following the visit. Since the laser disinfects, risk of infection is minimized.

As soon as Dr. Krizman releases the ties, the swaddle and eye protection are removed and you are reunited with your child. Breastfeeding is possible immediately after the procedure. You may do so in our private room.

Parents receive the homeopathic Tongue Tie Remedy to administer to their child to help with healing. They are also given a small jar or Organic Coconut Oil to use as a lubricant during the stretching exercises. Coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial agent as well, and will decrease the risk for infection.

Your baby will be seen for a complimentary, 1 week post op visit to check for tongue and/or lip reattachment, and confirm that stretches are being completed properly.

Recovery

Your child may be fussy for a few days following the procedure. Some show immediate improvement with breastfeeding following the procedure, while other babies may need some time to learn how to use their newly released tongue. Dr. Krizman strongly recommends making an appointment with a lactation consultant within days after the release to help get your changing breastfeeding relationship off to a good start.

Since the bottom of the tongue and floor of the mouth frequently touch, the site will occasionally reattach. To prevent reattachment, Dr. Krizman recommends a specific aftercare regimen. Any reattachment requiring laser revision at a later date is performed at no additional charge.

Paying For Care

We keep payment as simple as possible. This means one all-inclusive fee that includes any and all frenectomy related care. This fee is due at the appointment. Payment plans are available as needed.

We provide a statement with medical coding for you to submit directly to your medical insurance company. Many insurance companies cover all or part of the cost of the procedure. The insurance company reimburses you directly based on your coverage.

We want to make this process as easy as possible to access care.

Call Dr. Krizman at Tucson Biological Dentistry to schedule an appointment: 520-326-0082.

Related Article

• Tucson, AZ area dentist explains when tongue tie treatment may be necessary
• Dentist in Tucson discusses laser frenectomy treatment of newborn babies who have trouble breastfeeding

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