What Parents and Patients Need to Know
Are you noticing challenges with your child’s speech or experiencing breastfeeding difficulties with your infant? A restrictive lingual frenulum, commonly known as tongue-tie, might be the underlying cause. For adults with tongue-tie, you may struggle with certain sounds or experience speech articulation issues that have persisted throughout your life.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for improving the quality of life for individuals affected by tongue-tie. At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our experienced Denton, TX, dentists, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide provide gentle, effective solutions for treating tongue-tie in infants, children, and adults using advanced laser technology. To learn more about tongue-tie treatment, contact our Denton dental practice today by calling (940) 566-4888 to schedule your appointment.
What is Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)?
Tongue-tie is a congenital condition present from birth where the lingual frenulum—the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is unusually short, tight, or thick. This restriction limits the tongue’s range of motion, which can interfere with essential daily functions:
- In infants: Trouble latching, breastfeeding difficulties, and poor milk transfer leading to poor weight gain
- In children: Speech development challenges, particularly with certain sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r”
- In all ages: Difficulty lifting the tongue, eating challenges, and potential dental issues
According to research, tongue-tie affects approximately four to 10 percent of newborns, with varying degrees of severity.
Types of Tongue-Tie: Beyond What You Can See
Healthcare providers recognize two primary classifications of tongue-tie:
Anterior Tongue-Tie
Anterior tongue-tie is characterized by a visible attachment near the tongue’s tip, often creating a heart-shaped or notched appearance when the tongue is extended. It’s easier to identify during a physical exam and is commonly associated with breastfeeding problems and visible speech difficulties.
Posterior Tongue-Tie
Posterior tongue-tie is located further back under the tongue, making it less visible during standard examinations and often missed in early diagnosis. Despite being less obvious, it can cause significant functional limitations. Assessment by specialists with experience in posterior tongue-tie is often required to properly identify and address this condition.
Recognizing the Signs of Tongue-Tie
In Infants:
- Breastfeeding issues, including trouble latching and clicking sounds
- Sore nipples for nursing mothers
- Poor weight gain despite frequent feeding attempts
- Baby’s ability to transfer breast milk is compromised
- Reflux symptoms or excessive gas
- Frustration during feeding sessions
In Children:
- Speech impediments affecting specific sounds
- Difficulty sticking the tongue past the lower teeth
- Challenges with certain foods, particularly ice cream or foods requiring tongue movement
- Tooth decay from food debris trapped due to limited tongue mobility
- Possible social challenges related to speech articulation
In Adults:
- Persistent speech difficulties
- Problems with oral hygiene leading to dental issues
- Potential sleep apnea or breathing issues
- Neck tension or discomfort
Comprehensive Tongue Tie Diagnosis Process
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we employ a thorough diagnostic approach that includes:
- Complete physical exam of the oral cavity
- Assessment of tongue mobility and function
- Evaluation of feeding (for infants) or speech patterns (for older children and adults)
- Discussion of tongue-tie symptoms and challenges
- Collaboration with healthcare providers including lactation consultants, speech-language pathologists, and ear, nose, and throat specialists when necessary
Our Denton dentists evaluate the severity of tongue-tie and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
Treatment Options for Tongue-Tie
There are various tongue-tie treatment options based on the patient’s age, severity of the condition, and specific needs:
Laser Frenectomy Treatment
Laser treatment consists of using our preferred method, which utilizes Waterlase® laser technology, which is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal bleeding. It doesn’t require general anesthesia, offers precise treatment with faster healing, and reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional methods.
Traditional Frenotomy
Traditional frenotomy is a quick procedure that uses sterile scissors or surgical tools. It’s often performed on infants, who have few nerve endings in the frenulum, making it a low-risk procedure. This method provides immediate results for breastfeeding difficulties and may be recommended for specific cases where a straightforward approach is suitable.
Frenuloplasty
Frenuloplasty is a more extensive procedure designed for complex cases of tongue-ties It may involve the use of local or general anesthesia and is typically recommended for older children or adults. This procedure addresses tissue that connects more extensively, providing a comprehensive solution for those with significant functional limitations.
Non-Surgical Approaches
Non-surgical approaches to tongue-tie treatment include speech therapy with specialized tongue exercises, myofunctional therapy to improve tongue mobility, and a “wait and see” approach for very mild cases with minimal symptoms.
The Garden Oaks Advantage: State-of-the-Art Tongue-Tie Treatment
Our Denton dental practice offers a cutting-edge solution for tongue-tie that prioritizes patient comfort and rapid recovery. Here’s what you can expect during the tongue-tie treatment process:
- We begin by applying a gentle topical anesthetic to ensure comfort
- Using the Waterlase® laser system, Dr. Ruehle or Dr. Eide precisely releases the restrictive frenulum
- The laser simultaneously cauterizes the tissue, minimizing bleeding and reducing recovery time
- No shots, no stitches, and patients can immediately return to normal activities
- Follow-up care includes guidance on preventing reattachment and optimizing function
The Waterlase laser represents the latest advancement in dental technology, combining laser energy and water to deliver treatment without conventional drills or injections—making it ideal for patients of all ages, especially infants and children. After the procedure, we’ll provide tongue-tie treatment aftercare instructions for successful recovery.
Tongue-Tie Treatment Costs in Denton, TX
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe effective tongue-tie treatment should be accessible to all families. The tongue-tie treatment costs typically range from $450-$750, depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment approach required.
Many insurance plans now recognize the medical necessity of tongue-tie treatment, especially when it affects feeding or speech. Our dedicated dental team works with families to maximize insurance benefits and offers flexible payment options to make treatment affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike some developmental issues, a restrictive lingual frenulum doesn’t stretch or resolve on its own. While mild cases may allow for adaptation, moderate to severe tongue-tie typically requires intervention to prevent long-term functional challenges.
For breastfeeding issues, many mothers report immediate improvements in latch and milk transfer. For speech challenges, the timeline varies based on age and severity—some children show rapid improvement while others benefit from a combination of the procedure and follow-up speech therapy.
Untreated tongue-tie can lead to ongoing feeding difficulties, speech articulation problems, dental issues including tooth decay and gum recession, and potential sleep-disordered breathing in some cases. Early intervention typically provides the best outcomes.
While treatment can be performed at any age, early intervention often yields the best results with the least compensatory behaviors to overcome. For breastfeeding issues, treatment in the early weeks of life can be transformative. For speech concerns, evaluation around age 2-3 is common, but successful treatment occurs at all ages.
Tongue-Tie Treatment in Denton, TX, and Surrounding Communities
If you’re in Denton, Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, or Krum, TX, and have concerns about possible tongue-tie affecting you or your child, contact Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (940) 566-4888. Dr. Patrick Ruehle, Dr. Erika Eide, and their experienced dental team are committed to providing compassionate care using the latest techniques for optimal results.
Don’t let a tight band of tissue limit potential—early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a significant difference in quality of life, from successful breastfeeding to confident speech.