Embracing Functional Frenuloplasty: A Path to Healthier Tongues
At Evergreen Dental, we do a tongue tie release treatment known as a functional frenuloplasty. We take a functional approach to this treatment, which includes understanding and treating the root cause of oral muscle dysfunction. To achieve this, we accompany the frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy, which is a form of physical therapy that uses simple, patient-specific exercises to strengthen, and re-educate improper function of the muscles of the airway, mouth, lips, and face.
The Power of Symbiosis: Integrating Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is completed before, during, and after the functional frenuloplasty treatment to help achieve optimal results. The purpose of the functional frenuloplasty is to ultimately improve the efficacy of myofunctional therapy and tongue range of motion. A tongue tie release combined with myofunctional therapy has been researched and proven to improve sleep quality, speech, swallowing, and other oral dysfunctions. Research has shown a 50% improvement of AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) numbers in people with sleep apnea. In addition to improving sleep quality, research has shown a 90% improvement in clenching and grinding symptoms, along with a decrease of chronic pain in the neck and shoulders.
At our office, the surgery itself is completed using a laser CO2 laser (LightScalpel), which is a highly focused laser beam that that vaporized cleanly and precisely while sealing blood vessels. Benefits of using this laser are minimized bleeding, less swelling and discomfort, reduced risk of infection, and a faster recovery. Both adults, children, and infants may benefit from this procedure. Call our dental office to schedule your initial consultation!