Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment Hamilton, ON
Eat Sleep Speak Better
Specializing in Infant Care
Welcome to Hamilton Lip & Tongue-Tie Center at
Providing Life-Changing Care for Infants & Children
A lip or tongue-tie can impact your child’s daily life in countless ways, as they have been associated with issues like increased cavity risk and even sleep apnea. Let our team’s years of expertise help guide you to make great decisions for your child’s health.
The Basics
What are Lip
& Tongue-Ties?
Within the mouth there are bands of soft tissue, called frenums, that connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the upper and lower lips to the gums. They develop in utero, but in some cases, these bands of tissue can become overgrown or too thick, limiting an infant or child’s oral mobility. These are referred to as lip and tongue ties when there is a functional limitation. It is important to keep in mind that everyone has these connections, and they are not always considered “tied.”
Symptoms to Look For
Infants
Children
Adults
- Poor Latching While Nursing
- Unable to Take a Pacifier
- Difficulty Gaining Weight
- Colic or Reflux Symptoms
- High gag reflex
- Leaking milk out of sides of mouth
- Recurrent nipple damage/mastitis
- Lip blistering
- Upper jaw bone notching
- Generalized stiffness
- Inability to tolerate
certain foods/textures - Speech Impairments
- Strong Gag Reflex
- Mouth breathing
- Large space in front teeth
- High cavity rate
- Noticeable Speech Issues
- Neck & Shoulder Tension
- Teeth Grinding or Snoring
Our Neonatal oral healthcare specialist
Meet Dr. Michael Rullo
Dr. Michael Rullo is our compassionate teacher-turned-pediatric dentist who enjoys being able to help parents resolve any lip or tongue-tie-related problems their child or infant may be encountering. Dr. Rullo specializes in offering lip or tongue-tie treatment in Hamilton to all children, from newborns to adolescents, and has a particular focus on newborns and early childhood feeding difficulties. He uses the extensive knowledge and hands-on experience he gained in his Pediatric Dental Residency and current research to educate parents about issues their child may be facing and help them make healthcare decisions that they feel confident in. Additionally, as a father himself, he’s excellent at helping soothe anxiety and affirming parents’ concerns.
Get to Know Dr. RulloGreat Reviews for Remarkable Care
“We had a fantastic experience. My son was born with a very severe tongue tie, and Dr. Rullo spotted it immediately as we walked in the room. Not only did they see us that day, but we had the procedure done that day as well, and I'm so glad we didn't wait...."
“Amazing!! They fixed my son's lip and tongue tie and he's a completely different and happy baby now. It was a delight to see how well vulnerable children were being treated. I'm glad that my son is a patient here. Dr. Rullo did an amazing job.”
“Dr. Rullo and his staff were great. We had our little one go through a tongue-tie release with him. He was very informative, and supportive of our decision. However he did not rush us into a decision. The procedure went well and the follow-ups went well too. Great dentist and a great team!”
Effective & Less Invasive
An Improved Experience with
Laser Technology
At Hamilton Lip & Tongue-Tie Center, we don’t use surgical scissors to snip overgrown and thickened tissues. Instead, we utilize an advanced laser. With improved accuracy and less discomfort, among a variety of other benefits, this treatment method helps put parents’ concerns to rest and provides an overall better experience for children and infants. Dental lasers also cauterize the tissue on-contact, helping kill bacteria and minimizing risk of post-operative infection, bleeding, and swelling.
Why Lasers Are the Clear Solution
Shorter Recovery Time
Minimal Bleeding & Swelling
Less Post-Operative Pain
Priceless Outcomes
Easier Feeding
Frenectomies can often remedy nursing and bottle feeding difficulties in infants as well as food aversion in toddlers and older children by allowing them greater oral mobility.
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Better Airflow
Tongue-ties have been associated with sleep apnea, as they can hinder the tongue from rising out of the throat, limiting the airflow and altering the development of certain oral muscles. They also inhibit proper bone development inside the mouth, which can affect the airflow through the nasal cavity.
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Clearer Speech
Similar to how they can lead to sleep apnea, tongue-ties can also result in speech impairments, making it difficult for children to move their mouth in such a way to create certain sounds.
Learn MoreLet Us Help with a Consultation
Are you a parent concerned that your child has a lip or tongue-tie, or a referring specialist? We are always welcoming new patients! Simply call our office to request a consultation with Dr. Rullo to learn whether your little one could benefit from receiving a laser frenectomy or pediatric occupational therapy to improve their oral movement. We have several avenues to assist parents with financial difficulties or a lack of insurance coverage for the procedure. Our policy is to never delay treatment for financial considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!
Before scheduling an appointment for your child, you might have questions about our practice or the services we offer. Whether you're curious about a specific treatment or the associated costs, our team at Hamilton Lip & Tongue-Tie Center is here to help. The fastest way to get personalized assistance is by giving us a call. However, we know that many parents prefer to do online research first. For your convenience, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
How Do I Find the Best Place to Get Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment?
Finding the best place for lip and tongue-tie treatment near Hamilton involves looking for a specialist with experience in pediatric care, particularly in handling these conditions. Seek out a practice that uses advanced technology, such as laser treatment, which offers precision and faster healing. Reading reviews from other parents can provide insight into the quality of care. Additionally, choose a provider who prioritizes a child-friendly approach, and offers comprehensive support from initial consultation through follow-up care to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
How Much Does Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment Cost in Hamilton, ON?
The cost of lip and tongue-tie treatment in Hamilton can vary depending on the provider, the complexity of the case, and the treatment method used. On average, you might expect to pay between $400 and $1,000. Some practices may offer consultations to assess the specific needs of your child before providing a detailed cost estimate. It's also a good idea to check if your insurance plan covers part or all of the procedure.
What Is the Best Way to Find a Pediatric Dentist Who Does Lip & Tongue-Tie Treatment?
To find a pediatric dentist who specializes in lip and tongue-tie treatment, start by asking your child’s pediatrician for recommendations. You can also search online for pediatric dental practices with expertise in treating these conditions. Look for a dentist with experience in using laser technology for precise and gentle treatment. Reading reviews from other parents and checking the dentist's credentials and certifications will also help you find a trusted specialist for your child's care.
What Do You Do If You Can’t Afford a Pediatric Dentist?
Dental insurance is the most effective tool for covering dental care, so if you have access to it, take advantage of your benefits. Our practice is happy to accept most dental insurance policies. If you don’t have insurance, consider looking into government programs like Medicaid or the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) as they may cover pediatric dental care. Additionally, local charities or non-profit organizations sometimes provide financial assistance for essential dental treatments for children.
Accessible in the Heart of Hamilton
Hamilton Lip & Tongue-Tie Center is conveniently located in the heart of Hamilton on James St. S, with the closest intersection being Charlton Ave. E. We’re just a block away from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and a few minutes’ drive from Jackson Square. Whether you’re coming from Burlington or Oakville, we’re easily accessible via ON-403 W. Parking is on-site and the office can get busy. If there are no parking spots available, please bring your parking voucher to the office and we will pay it for you.
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