Lip and Tongue Tie

 Dr. Cook’s expertise and desire to provide the highest level of pediatric care, has also
ignited her passion to serve those mothers and infants that suffer from breast feeding
dysfunction, poor weight gain, infant reflux, and a myriad of other conditions that result
from infant oral restrictions. These oral restrictions are better known as lip, cheek and
tongue ties. In 2023, Dr. Cook embarked on an educational journey to best serve these
families. She is now a member of the American Laser Study Club. She is pleased to
offer no wait consultations to determine if your infant is a candidate for an in office lip,
tongue or cheek tie revision. Dr. Cook can provide these procedures without anesthesia
using the LightScalpel CO2 laser. Dr. Cook is pleased to offer referrals to help your
infant achieve the best results possible after release of lip, tongue and cheek ties.

Frenectomy is a procedure that releases a band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion of the lip and  allow an infant to suckle at the breast and/or bottle without additional exertion that can cause the infant not to gain weight. The release of this tissue may also allow a family to accomplish their goal of successfully breastfeeding their infant. Release of this tissue may contribute to better control of infant reflux, gas and sleep issues.

Frenectomy (release of lip, cheek and tongue ties) consultation will involve a thorough history of birth, feeding, weight gain/loss and documentation of parent concerns at the first visit. Dr. Cook is a pediatrician, so we will discuss non-surgical interventions that may help with your infant's symptoms. You will be provided with a detailed description of your child's diagnosis,the technique required to relieve the lip, cheek or tongue tie, the benefits/risks of the procedure and the exercises required to maintain good range of motion of the lip, tongue and/or cheeks.

Knowing what your financial obligation will be should be considered in your consent to a frenectomy. The C & C Pediatrics will consult with your insurance company to determine what your out of pocket expense will be for the procedure.

If you consent to the frenectomy, the procedure will be done quickly and without anesthesia using a LightScalpel CO2 laser. The procedure is only the beginning. Your child will require stretching exercises to improve successful outcomes after the frenectomy. Dr. Cook also highly recommends consultation with a lactation consultant and speech/myofunctional therapists to achieve successful outcomes.

Oral restrictions (lip, cheek and tongue ties) can cause a great deal of tension in an infant, better known, in the medical world, as infant hypertonia. If your child qualifies, for this diagnosis, referral to a chiropractor or physical therapist that specializes in bodywork, will be done to treat the tension or hypertonia.