Call: (732) 238-1760
Gina M. Tanios-Rafla, DMD Laser Dentistry
Laser Used with Most Procedures
NO DRILL! NO SHOT! NO SCALPEL!

Infant & Mother

Immediate Problems for Infant & Mother

When an infant is suffering due to a tongue tie, the infant will have difficulty latching, this results in difficulties for both the infant and the mother:

Infant                                                                                                           Mother

-Unable to develop/sustain a suction                                                       -Compromised maternal milk supply

-Difficulty or inability to breastfeed                                                          -Shallow latch

-Unable to stay on/sliding off breast                                                        -Infant falling asleep on the breast

-Crying with tongue flat in mouth                                                             -Mastitis, engorgement, thrush

-Gas or reflux                                                                                                -Extended nursing episodes

-Dribbling milk                                                                                              -Painful compression of nipples

-Clicking                                                                                                         -Flat/Sore nipples

-Colic (Crying, Unsettled, Irritability)                                                         -Required use of nipple shield

-Jaw quivering after or between feeds                                                     -White stripe at end of nipple

-Coughing, choking, or gulping when feeding                                        -"Lipstick nipple" when baby unlatches

-Unable to deal with fast milk ejection                                                    -Plugged ducts

-Sucking blister on top lip                                                                          -Untimely weaning

-High palate                                                                                                  -Cracked/bleeding nipples

-Fussy/arches away from breast                                                               -Ineffective milk transfer

-Breast refusal (if aspiration occurs!)                                                       -Frustration, disappointment with breastfeeding  

-Slow weight gain/weight loss                                                                   -Infant chews or bites on nipple 


Treatment

Today, the best treatment for resolving the issue of tongue-tie is the laser. Our office prides itself on being one of very few that uses the laser (ER: YAG). It has been found that the parents preferred method to revise the tongue-tie, is with the laser. The laser allows the procedure to be quick and easy, with little to no bleeding. Also, infants do not need anesthesia either! Prior to the introduction of laser, knives and scissors were used, causing more bleeding and pain, and required sutures to finish the procedure. That day and age is now behind us, with laser technology we can take care of your infant as quickly and painlessly as possible with a much quicker recovery time, and with no anesthesia or sutures required, as is usually needed if using knives or scissors.

Post Procedure

After a frenotomy, a tongue-tie procedure, it is important for an infant to relearn how to breastfeed properly. Some of the ways to do this is by shaping the breast and holding the teat in the baby’s mouth during the breastfeed. This could take a few days, depending on how much relearning the baby needs. Also, being proactive is an excellent way to ensure accurate positioning and latch so that the baby learns correctly. Finally, it is recommended, the infant is without nourishment for at least 60 minutes before the surgery. As soon as the surgery is completed, the mother can then nurse the infant, and it is more likely the infant will go to the breast quickly.


Testimonials

For almost 7 weeks, my newborn and I suffered. She screamed when I put her to my breast. She cried. She punched. She kicked. In turn, I cried. She dreaded every feed and I dreaded every feed. I had this vision we would be creating an impenetrable bond and it would bring us so much closer. In turn, I felt like she almost hated me. I then began pumping and she still screamed after a feed. After asking multiple pediatricians what the problem was---in which they gave me these answers: "It's colic." "It's just her temperament." "It's reflux." "She will grow out of it." I had had enough. So I researched online and found Dr.Tanios-Rafla. I was not going to wait for her to "grow out of it." Something was terribly wrong and I wanted my baby to not be in so much pain all the time.

Dr. Tanios-Rafla diagnosed my baby with "severe lip and tongue tie" within 30 seconds. I cried. She was the most maternal, compassionate doctor whom I have ever met. She held my baby. Hugged her. Hugged me --and then assured me that from here forward, "all is going to be ok."

The procedure is quick and Dr. Tanios-Rafla's commitment to making sure that the parents know how to complete the exercises is second to none. She asks you to come back for follow-ups, when most doctors would collect your money and forget about your baby. She doesn't. She wants you and baby to be happy and she commits to ensure that happens. Her instructions are clear and she even has a video in case you forget. She also will take your call--even if it's just to vent emotionally as a mom.

This procedure changed our lives -but more importantly, Dr. Tanios-Rafla changed our life. I have a happy baby. A completely new one. And I get teary-eyed that no one told me sooner--until I met Dr Tanios-Rafla.

Do yourself a favor and go see her.

Katie F.

We took our son to see Dr. Rafla when he was 5 weeks old. I had such a difficult time breastfeeding and thought it was normal to be in so much pain. Most people agreed it was including doctors, midwives and the hospital LC (lactation consultant). Friends told me it was okay if I couldn't breastfeed. Many are unable to. But breastfeeding is one of the most important aspects of a child's health and development and significantly impacts the health of their entire life!

Sure enough, after having an LC come to our house, we found out that our son had a tongue and lip tie. The LC referred us to Dr. Rafla, and within a few weeks the difference was night and day!

Dr. Rafla, made us comfortable with the procedure. She was very confident and reassuring. And she was well organized and attentive. It is very obvious that she is an expert in her field. The exercises were key to maintaining the success of the procedure. Dr. Rafla is adamant about them! But not many doctors are or even tell you about they're needed.

Bottom line - If you feel that breastfeeding is very painful and your baby isn't satisfied afterward and/or isn't growing as they should, DON'T GIVE UP! GO TO DR. RAFLA FOR AN EVALUATION!! If your child has a tongue or lip tie, Dr. Rafla can fix it!
Highly recommend! Can you tell?

Jessica W.

View More