Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Treatment in La Mesa & San Diego

Is It More Than Just a Latch Issue? Recognizing the Signs of a Tongue or Lip Tie

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie can be the hidden cause behind a variety of challenges for both mother and child. These restrictive tissues can affect feeding, speech, and even airway development. If you notice any of the following symptoms, a consultation with Dr. Torculas can provide the clarity you need.

Common Symptoms in Infants:

• Poor or shallow breastfeeding latch
• Maternal pain, cracked or bleeding nipples
• Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
• Slow weight gain or "failure to thrive"
• Frequent, short feedings or falling asleep at the breast
• Symptoms of colic, reflux, or excessive gassiness

Signs in Children and Adults:

• Difficulties with speech, especially articulating certain sounds (l, r, t, d, n, th, sh, z)
• Picky eating or trouble chewing solid foods
• Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
• Sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
• A high, narrow palate or other dental development issues
• Jaw pain or tension headaches

The Collective Smiles Approach: Comprehensive Care & Lasting Results

We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptom. Our process is designed to be thorough, supportive, and stress-free for you and your family. We are your partners in health, collaborating with lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and other specialists to ensure comprehensive success.

Benefits of a Frenectomy (Tongue or Lip Tie Release):

• For Infants: Enables a deeper, more effective latch, making breastfeeding comfortable and productive for both mother and baby.
• For Children: Supports proper speech development, improves eating habits, and promotes healthy oral and facial growth.
• For All Ages: Can improve airway function, reduce mouth breathing, and alleviate associated issues like sleep apnea and jaw pain.

Our advanced laser frenectomy procedure offers a precise, minimally invasive solution with minimal bleeding and faster healing. This gentle technique ensures a more comfortable experience for even our littlest patients.

Your Path to Relief: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Comprehensive Consultation: Dr. Torculas will conduct a thorough evaluation, listen to your concerns, and explain his findings in detail. We’ll discuss how a potential tie is impacting function and create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Precise Laser Treatment: If a frenectomy is recommended, we use state-of-the-art laser technology for a quick and gentle release of the restrictive tissue. Sedation options are available to ensure a completely pain-free and low-anxiety experience.
3. Dedicated Aftercare & Support: We provide clear instructions for simple aftercare stretches and exercises. This crucial step prevents reattachment and helps retrain the muscles for optimal function.
4. Collaborative Success: We work closely with your chosen lactation consultant, speech therapist, or myofunctional therapist to ensure you achieve your long-term goals, whether it’s a pain-free nursing journey or clearer speech.

Why Choose Collective Smiles for Tongue Tie Treatment?

At Collective Smiles, we know you want to be confident in your family's health decisions. Finding a provider who truly listens can be difficult. We eliminate the confusion by providing a clear diagnosis and a comprehensive plan tailored to you.

• Expert, Root-Cause Diagnosis: Dr. Torculas is dedicated to finding and addressing the underlying problem for long-term health.
• Advanced Laser Technology: Experience a gentle, precise procedure with faster healing.
• Comfort is Key: With flexible sedation dentistry options, we ensure a painless and calm experience.
• Accessible Care: We offer flexible hours, an in-office membership plan, and financing options to fit your lifestyle and budget.
• A Partner in Your Health: We proudly serve the communities of La Mesa, College East, Lemon Grove, San Carlos, El Cajon, Mission Valley, and greater San Diego.

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