ARTICLE: Tongue-Tie Functional Release
By Paula Fabbie, RDH, BS, COM; Leonard Kundel, DMD; and Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP, CPhys
Dental Sleep Practice – Winter 2016
In order to rebuild the necessary orofacial function in children and adult patients, an extensive tongue-tie functional release includes the mandatory pre- and post frenectomy myofunctional therapy and the SuperPulse CO2 Laser frenectomy, preferably under topical anesthesia and combined with Tongue Movement Assessment for Ideal Release to achieve optimal function.
Summary
In order to rebuild the necessary orofacial function in children and adult patients, an extensive Tongue-Tie FUNCTIONAL RELEASE includes the mandatory pre- and post frenectomy myofunctional therapy and the SuperPulse CO2 Laser frenectomy, preferably under topical anesthesia and combined with Tongue Movement Assessment for Ideal Release to achieve optimal function.
The choice for the CO2 laser wavelength and pulsing settings is based upon its unique absorption coefficient by the water-rich soft-tissue. Decreased wound contraction combined with minimal lateral tissue damage, less traumatic surgery, precise control over the depth of incision, and excellent hemostatic ability make the SuperPulse CO2 laser a safe and efficient alternative to scalpel, electrosurgery, electrocautery, diodes and erbium lasers.
