Improving Function and Quality of Life
Are you or your child experiencing difficulties with speech articulation, eating certain foods, or maintaining proper oral hygiene due to a tongue tie? This congenital condition, also known as ankyloglossia, affects the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth), limiting the tongue’s range of motion and potentially causing various health issues.
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Denton, TX, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide treat tongue ties in patients of all ages—from infants and babies experiencing difficulty breastfeeding to older children and adults with speech difficulties or oral health concerns. Call our Denton dental practice at (940) 566-4888 to learn how tongue-tie treatment can benefit you or your child!
How Tongue Tie Affects Your Health
A tongue tie occurs when the tissue underneath the tongue (the frenulum) is too tight, restricting tongue mobility and normal function. This restriction can impact:
- An infant’s ability to latch and extract milk during breastfeeding
- The development of clear speech and proper articulation
- The ability to eat certain foods comfortably
- Proper oral hygiene, potentially leading to gum disease
- Breathing patterns, sometimes causing mouth breathing and affecting sleep
- Overall oral development and function
Life-Changing Benefits of Tongue Tie Release and Treatment
For Infants and Babies
- Improved breastfeeding efficiency and latch
- Reduced maternal pain and discomfort during feeding
- Better nutrition intake, supporting healthy growth
- Prevention of early feeding difficulties that could lead to long-term issues
- Reduced risk of sleep-disordered breathing patterns
For Children
- Clearer speech and enhanced articulation
- Better ability to speak confidently in social situations
- Improved eating habits and nutrition
- Enhanced self-esteem and quality of life
- Proper jaw development, potentially preventing future orthodontic issues
For Adults
- Resolution of lifelong speech challenges
- Improved ability to eat previously difficult foods
- Better oral hygiene and reduced risk of gum disease
- Relief from neck and jaw tension
- Enhanced overall quality of life
Advanced Treatment Options in Denton, TX
Our Denton dental practice offers several minimally invasive treatment options for tongue tie:
Frenotomy
A quick and simple procedure for treating tongue ties is especially beneficial for most babies and young patients. This frenotomy treatment involves a small snip of the frenulum to release the tongue.
Laser Frenectomy
Our advanced laser frenectomy procedure offers:
- Precise tissue release with minimal discomfort
- Faster healing with reduced bleeding
- No sutures required
- Immediate improvement in tongue function
- Excellent option for patients of all ages
Comprehensive Care Approach
We don’t just perform the procedure—we offer complete care including:
- Pre-treatment evaluation to determine the severity of the tongue tie
- Guidance on what to expect during and after treatment
- Follow-up care to ensure proper healing
- Collaboration with speech therapy professionals when needed
- Partnership with lactation consultants for infants with breastfeeding challenges
Why Patients Throughout North Texas Choose Garden Oaks
Families from Denton, Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX, trust Dr. Ruehle and Dr. Eide for tongue-tie treatment because:
- Our dental team understands how this condition affects overall health and quality of life
- We use state-of-the-art technology for minimally invasive procedures
- We create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs
- Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the physical tissue, but also the function and development
- We offer guidance for post-procedure exercises to maximize results
Frequently Asked Questions
For infants and babies, the procedure is quick with minimal discomfort. For older children and adults, we use appropriate numbing techniques to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Many patients notice immediate improvements in tongue motion and function. For infants with breastfeeding challenges, improvements can often be seen within the first few feedings. For speech and other functional issues, results may develop gradually as the patient adapts to their new tongue mobility.
In cases where speech difficulties have developed, we often recommend speech therapy as a complementary treatment to maximize the benefits of the tongue tie release. Our team can offer guidance on finding qualified therapists in the Denton area.
In some cases, the frenulum can partially reattach during healing. This is why proper follow-up care and completing recommended exercises are essential parts of successful treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health and Function
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of tongue tie, don’t wait to seek help. The benefits of proper treatment extend far beyond the mouth, potentially improving overall health, confidence, and quality of life.
Contact Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today at (940) 566-4888 to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate dental team serves patients throughout Denton and surrounding areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX. Transform your or your child’s life with tongue-tie treatment from Denton’s trusted dental team!