The first phase of wound healing is clotting. This helps stop any bleeding, though bleeding is typically minimal due to the heat of the laser.
Tethered Oral Tissue: What to Expect with Release Wound Healing
September 28, 2023
By: Amanda Dyer
Within our Hogg Feeding Clinic, we join many families on their tethered oral tissue (tongue, lip, and/or cheek tie) journey. A common question we receive is, “What will the wound created by the release process look like?” Here, we are going to give a brief overview of what to expect to see after a laser release with one of our pediatric dentistry partners.
*Please note, each release and child is different, so you may see slightly different results. Always keep in touch with your therapist as the healing process progresses.
Clotting
Inflammation
The wound may swell slightly as white blood cells come to the wound site to help prevent infection. This generally peaks 2-3 days post procedure. You may see some minor redness around the site.
Granulation
This is when a “scab” will begin to form over the wound, between 1-4 days after the procedure. This scab is typically white or yellow, flexible, and similar in appearance to a canker sore. The yellow color may look worrisome, but don’t fear, that is just what a mouth wound looks like! We have never had any infections of wound sites created by our trusted dentistry partners. Collagen is laid down by the body during this phase to help the wound begin to close.
Remodeling
This is when a new, less tight frenum (where out lip attaches to our gums) begins to form. This typically begins about 1 week after release. The wound often begins to look healed on the surface, though there are many deep changes still occurring. This phase can last weeks to months, despite not being visible as the body heals. Because this phase can last a while, continuing wound care “stretches” and/or massage prescribed by your therapist is very important. In the picture above, you can see both granulation (the white tissue) with mild inflammation (redness around the wound site).
Contraction
During contraction, the edges of the wound move together. Wound care stretches help to prevent this from happening too quickly and becoming tight again.
Red Flags to Contact Your Release Provider, then therapist:
-Significant bleeding that does not stop
-Fever
-Loose pieces of tissue around release site
-Refusal to eat
If you have any questions about feeding or would like more information on TOTs, please contact us at 859-353-3666!
By Mallory Goettl, MS OTR/L
Coloring is more than just a fun activity, it is a powerful tool therapists use to help children build important developmental skills while keeping therapy engaging and playful. Coloring can support communication, movement, coordination, focus, and creativity all at the same time. Best of all, children often do not even realize how much they are learning because they are having fun! We recently hosted a coloring contest in our clinics, and the kiddos had so much fun showing their creativity! At the end of this post, we've included two coloring page designs that you can download, print, and color at home or on the go!
By Emily Benningfield, SLP
By Alyssa Turner, OTR/L
Try this fun Easter-themed feeding activity to encourage food exploration and positive mealtime experiences.
Help your child adjust to time changes with simple sleep strategies that support healthy routines.
Silly books build language, imagination, and connection. Learn why they’re great for development.
Learn how to safely introduce allergens to your baby and support healthy feeding development.
Keep kids regulated and engaged during snow days with these easy sensory activity ideas.
Learn how orthotics can support mobility and confidence through a real family’s experience.
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=XHWOHNKbqngQ7kNvwHBxO-E&_nc_oc=Ado6shBMUfaBbZ4ewjx0ivsZmxI_fDZ3qAY3DldBqXDoVKuwiNEucbVIUkydJ_cKjYc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=tmMyfCr378Iv_Aft0I3jYg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGDVFuEfoEQVHEgbaA488GpRxUyYqQIz3mP49J3luHFJ4FMgtgD9ThkqrO7X9_C_5QES4483Mcu8g&oh=00_AQA0IGFjWY5AjnjQz_Us-AnR5TEAJE-ZyT4xxDkEHJ0ypQ&oe=6A6EB98A)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=oR7_fz2gWMoQ7kNvwGnz8pQ&_nc_oc=AdqSMqOpbiDNBQw4xWhycD-xWb8DSLuKHZEUuqtSVv1Hc5rG4oCHYfewJ1ud8NCskWA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=tmMyfCr378Iv_Aft0I3jYg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFfV3AddsrTYYTl5xAyDImzDnBtwWOzSOLjTkzgdhMVb3i0ofNEDjHUCwrdBgbhsFgW1cYIcKB4rQ&oh=00_AQDxl6J3tRCCp9l30gDYebPNmyUMsLuqEhcMhmAGBWETQg&oe=6A6ED04E)
