In this combination lecture and hands-on course, attendees will be introduced to the concept of laser frenectomies, an increasingly popular method by which dentists and physicians can treat tongue- and lip-ties in their patients.
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. Tongue and lip ties can prevent proper nursing in infants, due to inability to latch onto the nipple. Failure to latch correctly can then result in the infant swallowing air rather than milk, leading to gas, belching and colic symptoms, and failure to gain weight.
Symptoms of tongue-ties include:
Tongue-ties can be corrected via the use of soft-tissue lasers, which provide a quick, mostly painless release, while minimizing bleeding and the risk of infection.
In this course, attendees will receive an overview of best practices regarding tongue- tie assessment and treatment, and will participate in a hands-on workshop on how to remove tongue-ties through the use of soft-tissue lasers. They will also have the opportunity to view videos and case studies, as well hearing from current laser frenectomy practitioners about billing and insurance issues.
In this combination lecture and hands-on course, attendees will be introduced to the concept of laser frenectomies, an increasingly popular method by which dentists and physicians can treat tongue- and lip-ties in their patients.
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. Tongue and lip ties can prevent proper nursing in infants, due to inability to latch onto the nipple. Failure to latch correctly can then result in the infant swallowing air rather than milk, leading to gas, belching and colic symptoms, and failure to gain weight.
Symptoms of tongue-ties include:
Tongue-ties can be corrected via the use of soft-tissue lasers, which provide a quick, mostly painless release, while minimizing bleeding and the risk of infection.
In this course, attendees will receive an overview of best practices regarding tongue- tie assessment and treatment, and will participate in a hands-on workshop on how to remove tongue-ties through the use of soft-tissue lasers. They will also have the opportunity to view videos and case studies, as well hearing from current laser frenectomy practitioners about billing and insurance issues.
Day 1 of the course will consist of:
· Introduction to laser tie intervention
· Ankyloglossia 101, including its history and impact on newborns, necessary terminology, assessment protocols, and the team approach to intervention
· Information on Oral Physiology, including variations in oral development and specific bodywork interventions to aid Ankyloglossia recovery
Day 2 of the course will consist of:
· Discussion of the potential role of soft tissue lasers in conducting frenectomies, as well as video demonstrations of frenectomies
· Q and A with the instructors and a variety of experts
· Discussion of screening procedures and patient care
Day 3 of the course will consist of:
· Detailed discussion of laser tissue interaction
· Hands-on workshop on chicken wings
IBCLC's and other non-dentists who are not qualified to use soft-tissue lasers may choose to attend only Days 1 and 2 as observers.
JOY P. FUNSTON, RN, IBCLC, RLC, Founder & CEO, Lead IBCLC & Ankyloglossia Specialist, Joyful Start LC, Charlottesville, Virginia
ROBERT M. MARCUS, D.D.S., Dr. Marcus obtained his D.D.S. degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, and also completed a two year residency for specialized training in Pediatric Dentistry at facilities in both the University and at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at John Hopkins Hospital.
Dr. Marcus maintains a pediatric dental office in Reisterstown, Maryland, where his practice focuses on complete, compassionate dental services for infants, children, teens, adults, and those with special needs. He has experience in treating thousands of babies and older patients via dental laser surgery for their lip and tongue ties.
EDWARD KUSEK, D.D.S., Diplomate of American Board of Implant Dentistry, Mastership in Academy of Laser Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Recognized course Provider for ALD. Graduate of University of Nebraska Medical.