Patient: 4 year old with chronic snoring/mouth breathing and nasal congestion. Had difficult latching as a baby and parents were concerned about sleep/airway.
Parent had received two professional opinions:
1. Remove large tonsils under GA (general anesthesia)
2. Tongue tie Release and Myofunctional Therapy (improve tongue muscle strength and tone)
2 Totally Different Approaches to Improving Nasal Breathing/Airway!
-Parents chose Tongue Tie Release and Myofunctional Therapy
-Family came to Stonebrook Pediatric Dentistry for tongue tie consult. Dr. Bhaumik and Dr. John and team reviewed medical history and assessed patient anxiety
-4 year old patient was very brave so he returned for LightScalpel CO2 laser release by Dr. Bhaumik and Dr. John and team
-Procedure was completed in 10 minutes under nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) and local anesthetic (numbing injection)
RESULTS:
-Tongue Elevation Improved instantly after release (top right and bottom left pic)
-One Week Follow Up: surgical site was healing well AND more importantly patient is now breathing through his nose, mouth closed and NO SNORING!
KEY POINTS:
-Patient received pre and post surgery therapy to improve tongue posture
-Tongue posture is very important for proper breathing habits while asleep
–Tonsillectomy is an excellent procedure depending on the case
-Frenectomy (tongue tie release) does not cure snoring!
-It takes a TEAM of health care professionals for these kind of success stories!
Did you enjoy this? Like, Comment and share this story so that the SPD Team continues to document clinical cases!
