Less common than anterior tongue tie, posterior tongue tie is more difficult to diagnose and can go unnoticed by doctors unfamiliar with the different forms of tongue ties.
At Gep TOTs Dental Group Tissue clinic, we pride ourselves on being experts at what we do. Our experienced pediatric dentist is able to quickly diagnose and treat posterior tongue tie so your baby can feed and grow healthy.
Are you worried your infant or child might have posterior tongue tie? Keep reading below to learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatments for tongue tie. Or contact us today to book a consultation with our pediatric dentist in Woodbridge.
Does My Child Have Posterior Tongue Tie?
Posterior tongue tie is the less common form of tongue tie. In both conditions, the tongue is anchored down and restricted in movement. However, unlike with the more common condition, anterior tongue tie, a posterior tongue tie is hidden under the mucus lining of the mouth and is not visible.
Although not visible, this tricky tongue tie can cause a number of problems for both babies and parents.
Because a posterior tongue tie is not visible, the condition is often overlooked during your baby’s newborn exam. An accurate diagnosis is not usually received until later when problems arise with breastfeeding.
Why is it Important to Treat Posterior Tongue Tie?
If your infant or child is diagnosed with a posterior tongue tie, it is important that they receive proper treatment to avoid any serious long-term issues or complications.
When not treated during infancy or early childhood, posterior tongue tie can go on to cause a number of problems for your childhood in later childhood and even into adult life.
If your child’s posterior tongue tie remains untreated until adulthood, the symptoms of the condition can cause a number of other complications and problems in adulthood as well.
How is Posterior Tongue Tie Treated?
Posterior tongue tie is treated using one of two main methods: scissors or dental laser. At Gep TOTs Dental Group, we specialize in dental laser treatments for posterior tongue tie and a number of other tongue and lip tie conditions.
How Does Dental Laser Treatment for Posterior Tongue Tie Work?
A soft tissue dental laser is a safe, effective and comfortable option for treatment of tongue ties. This quick and painless method uses light energy to “vaporize” the tie and release the tongue, allowing your child to eat, grow and develop healthy.
The main difference between dental laser and scissor treatment for posterior tongue tie is that scissors cut through the tied tissue whereas lasers “vaporize” them. Since dental lasers don’t actually cut through any tissue, they make for an effectively painless procedure. Pain from these procedures is minimal though in children over 3 months of age local anesthesia is often required.
As the dental laser works through the tissue, it vaporizes and sterilizes the wound as it goes through the tissue. This means that dental lasers are able to control bleeding and minimize the risk of infection.
Did you know that dental lasers stimulate bio-regeneration and healing? Because the lasers vaporizes the wound immediately, little to no scar tissue is formed. This allows for a speedy recovery so your baby can begin feeding and growing normally right away.
Have you noticed symptoms of posterior tongue tie in you infant or child? Contact our clinic today to speak to our experienced pediatric dentist and learn more about the benefits of dental laser treatment.