Tongue-Tie/Lip-Tie

What is a tongue or lip tie?

Connective tissues that limit and guide the movement of the lip and tongue are known as frenums. Frenums can often be abnormally tight and restrict proper movement, which causes issues with eating, speaking, brushing and sleeping.

Frenectomies are a simple procedure to release the restrictive tissue for greater movement and range of motion. We perform this minimally invasive laser treatment to provide this quick procedure.

Laser energy is sterile, which reduces the risk of infection. The laser reduces bleeding and need for general anesthesia.

Before and After

How can I see if my child may have a tongue or lip tie?

Baby’s Symptoms

Reflux or colic
Difficulty latching
Gumming or chewing nipples
Gassy
Poor weight gain
Clicking noise while sucking
Excessive drooling
Choking on milk or popping off the breast to gasp for air
Mouth breathing

Momma’s Symptoms

Nipple pain or discomfort
Cracked, bruised or bleeding nipples
Maternal exhaustion and depression
Plugged ducts
Infected nipples
Mastitis and nipple thrush
Engorged/unemptied breast

Child's Symptoms:

Inability to chew solid foods well
Gagging, choking, vomiting, or drooling
Delayed speech development
Dry mouth/mouth breathing
Dental cavities and gingivitis
Insufficient development of the palate
Restricted range of motion of the lip and tongue
Sleep apnea

Before your appointment

An exam will be performed prior to the procedure to diagnose if a tongue or a lip-tie is present. Pictures of the obstructive tissue may be taken for proper documentation in the patient record.

At this time, treatment options will be presented. You will be given ample opportunity to ask questions, so our doctors can address all your concerns so that both you and your child to be comfortable going ahead with the procedure.

During the appointment

A numbing “jelly” will be applied to the frenum and the surrounding tissues for the complete comfort of the patient. The doctor will perform the laser frenectomy to remove the obstructive frenum.

This typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. After the procedure is complete, one of our trained assistants will go over the stretches for your child and his or her post-procedural care instructions.

After the appointment

Your child may be sore during the first 24 to 48 hours of the recovery period. Please be prepared to manage the patent’s discomfort.

To prevent reattachment of the tissues, we ask you to be diligent about stretching the surrounding tissues. These stretches must be done three times a day for four weeks. Our doctors recommend reducing stretches on the fifth and sixth weeks.