Tongue-Tie Treatment: What It Is and What to Expect

Hearing that your child needs any kind of medical treatment can be nerve-racking, especially when it’s one you know nothing about! While tongue-ties aren’t exactly uncommon, not many parents have heard of this condition or are familiar with the treatment process.

Rest assured, this is often considered a minor procedure, and modern technology makes it quick and virtually painless. Keep reading to learn more about tongue-tie treatment so you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

What is A Tongue-Tie?

Tongues are connected to the base of the mouth by a special tissue called “frenulum.” While it’s normal for your child to have one, sometimes this tissue can be too thick or too tight. When this happens, the abnormality can restrict oral movement, making it difficult to eat, speak, latch during breastfeeding, and perform normal mouth movements. In severe cases, restrictive frenulum can even affect your child’s jaw alignment as they grow.

The Comfortable Treatment Process

To free up your child’s oral movement, your dentist can perform what’s known as a “frenectomy.” The goal is to remove the excess tissue so that your child’s tongue is no longer “tied down.” Fortunately, the development of laser dentistry has made this treatment quite comfortable!

First, your dentist will apply a topical anesthetic to the area. Then, instead of using sharp instruments to cut away the restrictive tissue, they’ll point a concentrated beam of light at precise locations. Children often report feeling no pain, and since the laser cauterizes the area, there’s also very little bleeding.

Aftercare and Recovery

Because bleeding and discomfort are minimal after a frenectomy, infants are able to nurse immediately. Breastfeeding could even help your baby recover by providing them with nutrients, and can be an effective calming technique. Older children can take Tylenol if their mouth feels sore. Other than that, your child is free to go about their normal routine, and recovery is often considered complete after just 24 to 48 hours.

Overall, tongue-tie treatments will make it easier for your child to perform normal oral functions, and are safe and noninvasive. You can trust your dentist to proceed carefully and gently. They’ll also be happy to answer any lingering questions you might have about the process. The more familiar you are with frenectomies, the less worried you’ll be, so don’t hesitate to speak up and learn more!

About the Author

As a mother of four and a highly experienced dentist, Dr. Garcia-DeMartino is very familiar with lip- and tongue-ties. Thanks to her time with the International World Clinical Laser Institute, she can complete a frenectomy in a matter of minutes – all while ensuring that your little one is perfectly comfortable during their treatment. If you’d like to learn more about tongue-ties or consult with Dr. Garcia-DeMartino about a frenectomy for your child, you can contact her office at 908-859-5260.