Baby Tongue Tie and Lip Tie: Signs, Treatment, and How It Can Help Feeding

If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, feeding, or speech development, tongue tie or lip tie could be the culprit. Understanding these conditions is crucial for early intervention and long-term health.

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can restrict tongue movement, making it difficult for babies to latch properly during breastfeeding.

Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue Tie:

• Difficulty latching or staying on the breast

• Clicking sounds while feeding

• Poor weight gain

• Gumming or chewing the nipple instead of sucking

• Frequent fussiness during feeds

What is a Lip Tie?

A lip tie happens when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is tight or restrictive. This can also interfere with breastfeeding and sometimes contribute to dental issues later in life.

Signs of a Lip Tie:

• Difficulty flanging the upper lip over the breast

• Painful or cracked nipples

• Gaps between front teeth as the child grows

• Milk leakage during feeding

How Are Tongue and Lip Ties Treated?

Treatment often involves a simple in-office procedure called a frenectomy, which releases the tight tissue and allows better movement of the tongue and lips. Many babies experience immediate improvement in feeding and comfort.

Why Early Intervention Matters:

Addressing tongue tie or lip tie early can help:

• Improve breastfeeding success

• Reduce nipple pain for mothers

• Support proper speech development

• Prevent future dental issues

Why Choose Pain Free Dentist Sydney

At Pain Free Dentist Sydney, we specialise in gentle, effective treatment for tongue and lip ties in babies. Our caring team ensures your child’s comfort throughout the procedure.

📞 Call us now on (02) 9558 8988
📧 Email: info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au
💻 Or book online to arrange your consultation today

Don’t let tongue or lip ties affect your baby’s feeding or development. Contact us today for a safe, effective solution.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Under Sedation: What You Need to Know

Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral surgical procedures, yet it can cause anxiety for many patients. Fortunately, wisdom teeth extraction under sedation offers a comfortable, stress-free solution for those worried about pain, fear, or discomfort during the procedure.

If you’re considering sedation for wisdom tooth removal and want expert care, call us now on (02) 9558 8988, email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au, or book online to schedule a consultation.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, there isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to grow properly. This can lead to:

• Impacted wisdom teeth

• Pain and swelling

• Infection or gum disease

• Damage to nearby teeth

• Jaw stiffness or headaches

When these problems arise, wisdom teeth extraction is often the best solution.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. For wisdom teeth extraction, sedation ensures a calm, pain-free experience—especially for patients with dental anxiety or complex extractions.

Types of Sedation Used for Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Oral Sedation – A tablet taken before the procedure to promote relaxation

• IV Sedation – Delivered through a vein for deeper sedation

• Conscious Sedation – You remain awake but deeply relaxed

• General Anesthesia – You are completely asleep (used in selected cases)

Your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend the most suitable sedation option based on your needs.

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction Under Sedation

Choosing sedation for wisdom tooth removal provides many advantages, including:

• Minimal pain and discomfort

• Reduced anxiety and stress

• Little to no memory of the procedure

• Faster and smoother treatment

• Ideal for nervous patients or complex extractions

Sedation dentistry allows you to undergo treatment comfortably and confidently.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Extraction

• Comprehensive consultation and X-rays

• Review of your medical history

• Pre-sedation instructions (including fasting if required)

• Arranging transport home after treatment

During the Extraction

• Sedation is carefully administered

• Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area

• Wisdom teeth are removed safely and efficiently

• Treatment typically takes 30–60 minutes

Most patients feel deeply relaxed and remember very little afterward.

Recovery After Sedated Wisdom Teeth Removal

After the procedure, mild swelling and soreness are normal. Recovery tips include:

• Rest for 24–48 hours

• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling

• Stick to soft foods

• Avoid smoking and straws

• Take medications as prescribed

Most patients return to normal routines within a few days.

Is Sedation Safe for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe and highly effective when performed by trained dental professionals. Your vital signs are continuously monitored, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation?

Sedation may be ideal if you:

• Experience dental fear or anxiety

• Need multiple wisdom teeth removed

• Have impacted or difficult-to-access teeth

• Struggle with long dental appointments

Book Your Sedated Wisdom Teeth Extraction Today

Wisdom teeth extraction under sedation can make your dental experience comfortable, calm, and pain-free. Don’t let fear or discomfort delay your treatment.

📞 Call us now on (02) 9558 8988
📧 Email: info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au
💻 Or book online to arrange your consultation today

Our experienced team is here to help you achieve a stress-free dental experience.

Teeth Grinding and Abfraction: Protecting Your Teeth from Damage

Understanding Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep. It can also occur during the day due to stress, anxiety, or TMJ disorders.

Signs of bruxism include:

• Worn or flattened teeth

• Jaw pain or stiffness

• Headaches and facial discomfort

• Tooth sensitivity

What is Abfraction?

Abfraction is the loss of tooth structure at the gum line caused by excessive flexing of the teeth under pressure. Unlike cavities, abfraction is a mechanical rather than bacterial issue and often appears as V-shaped notches near the gum line.

How Teeth Grinding Causes Abfraction

When teeth grind or clench:

• Excessive force is applied to the teeth

• Teeth flex at the gum line, causing enamel and dentin to fracture over time

• This leads to notches, sensitivity, and increased risk of further dental damage

Other contributing factors include malocclusion (misaligned bite) and TMJ dysfunction.

Effects of Abfraction

• Tooth Sensitivity: Exposed dentin causes pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods

• Enamel Loss: Weakens teeth and increases fracture risk

• Aesthetic Concerns: V-shaped notches can affect smile appearance

• Increased Risk of Decay: Weakened areas are more susceptible to cavities

• TMJ Stress: Abfraction often indicates underlying bite issues that strain jaw muscles

Treatment Options for Teeth Grinding and Abfraction

1. Custom Night Guards

• Protect teeth from further grinding damage

• Reduce pressure on teeth and jaw muscles

2. Composite Bonding

• Fills abfraction notches

• Restores tooth shape and protects exposed dentin

3. Bite Adjustment

• Corrects misaligned bite to reduce excessive forces on teeth

• Can involve minor reshaping or orthodontics

4. TMJ Therapy

• Addresses underlying jaw muscle tension

• Reduces bruxism-related stress on teeth

5. Stress Management

• Relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can reduce daytime grinding

Preventing Further Damage

• Wear a custom night guard consistently

• Maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor abfraction

• Address TMJ and bite issues early

• Practice stress-reduction techniques

Contact Pain Free Dentists Sydney

If you notice tooth notches, sensitivity, or jaw pain, early intervention can prevent further damage and restore your smile.

Call (02) 9558 8988, email info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au, or book online to schedule a consultation.