Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie
Dr. Rowe is an expert leader in the field of treating patients who are tongue-tied or lip-tied.
As an expert leader in the field of treating ankyloglossia and national lecturer, a unique distinction of Dr. Rowe’s practice is that he is trained to treat patients who are tongue-tied or lip-tied. “Tongue-tie or lip-tie is basically a more common vernacular for a tight frenulum attachment, which is the little band of tissue that attaches the lip to the gums in the upper jaw or the little band of tissue that is under your tongue when you raise your tongue up,” he explains. When the tissue is too tight, the tongue’s movement is limited, and this can adversely affect a baby’s ability to nurse properly, create aversions with eating certain solid foods, and cause speech impediments, orthodontic issues, and sleep apnea.
Our instant clinics are held every other Wednesday.
We dedicate this day to the care of your child and family.
Dear Parent/Guardian/Caregiver,
We are experts in the procedure to release tongue-ties and lip-ties. We rely on experts in feeding/speech to assess functionality and provide care for rehabilitation afterward. Additionally, since this procedure affects muscles, we recommend bodywork 48 hours before the procedure to prepare both the muscles and nervous system for this, often dramatic, change. We have found that the whole process goes far more smoothly, and everyone is happier with this multifaceted approach. If it is not followed, we cannot ensure optimal results from the procedure alone.
We will provide educated expectations as well as bodywork the day of the consultation. We recommend calling ahead with any questions or concerns regarding insurance and payment so that you can focus on your child and our care, the day of. Be prepared to spend the evening after the procedure at home focused on comforting your child. They will be dedicated to practicing new skills (such as nursing a lot). We know that you may be nervous or apprehensive and that is understandable. Most parents are surprised at just how resilient babies can be! Remember that this is something you’re doing for your baby to enable a lifetime of health and wellbeing! We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide what you need so that you can feel confident in our care. Dr. Rowe has been through this experience with his own children and is happy to help in any way he can.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rowe and the Southern Roots Team
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a simple procedure in which Dr. Rowe uses a CO₂ laser to treat infants and toddlers for lip-tie and tongue-tie. Due to the laser’s precision, ability to disinfect the site, as well as keeping the loss of blood to a minimum keeping the surgical field in plain view. Depending on how many areas need to be released, the procedure can usually be done in under a minute. Dr. Rowe will use his discretion as to which patients will need this versus frenuloplasty.
Click here to learn more about LightScalpel laser surgery.
Frenuloplasty
Frenuloplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat adolescents and adults for lip-tie and/or tongue-tie. Dr. Rowe will use his discretion as to which patients will need this versus a frenectomy. This treatment is usually a part of a bigger treatment plan with the ultimate goal of treating the harsh compensatory symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Rowe has been named a “Breathe Ambassador” and has completed several courses about sleep apnea and the many ways patients can be affected by it. A functional frenuloplasty is most optimally done with the patient’s Speech Language Pathologist chairside in our office.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
For children and adults 4 and up, our patients must undergo a very prestigious and specialized therapy Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. This therapy can be given by dentists, dental hygienists and more commonly, SLPs. This therapy is “to help the patient retrain these adaptive patterns of muscle function, and to create and maintain a healthy orofacial environment.
Click here to learn more about orofacial myofunctional therapy.