Advanced Care with Waterlase Technology for Improved Oral Health
Are you or your child struggling with a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)? This common oral health issue affects tongue mobility and can lead to various complications, including speech difficulties, feeding problems, and dental issues. At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our experienced Denton, TX, dentists, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide offer state-of-the-art laser frenectomy using Waterlase technology – a virtually painless, minimally invasive solution for patients of all ages in Denton and surrounding communities.
Contact our Denton dental practice today at (940) 566-4888 to schedule your initial consultation and discover how our advanced laser technology can improve your or your child’s oral health and overall well-being.
Understanding Tongue-Tie and Its Impact
Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum—the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight, thick, or short. This condition can restrict tongue movement and may cause:
- Breastfeeding difficulties in infants (trouble latching)
- Speech impediments and difficulties pronouncing certain sounds
- Dental problems, including gaps between front teeth
- Advanced periodontal disease risk in untreated cases
- Sleep and breathing issues
- Social anxiety related to speech difficulties in older children and adults
Early detection and treatment of tongue-tie can prevent these complications and support proper oral development.
Recognizing the Signs of Tongue-Tie
Many children and adults live with undiagnosed tongue-tie. Common signs of a tongue tie include:
- Difficulty sticking the tongue out past the lips
- Heart-shaped appearance of the tongue when extended
- Challenges with licking an ice cream cone or playing wind instruments
- Persistent speech difficulties despite speech therapy
- Clicking sounds during breastfeeding (in infants)
- Gaps developing between front teeth
- Receding gums in adults with untreated tongue-tie
A consultation with our experienced dental team can determine whether these symptoms indicate tongue tie and if laser treatment would be beneficial.
Why Choose Waterlase Laser Treatment for Tongue-Tie?
The Waterlase laser represents a significant advancement over conventional frenotomy surgery for treating tongue ties and lip ties. This sophisticated dental laser combines water and laser energy to provide precision treatment with remarkable benefits:
Benefits of Laser Frenectomy Compared to Traditional Methods:
- Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is virtually painless, often requiring little to no local anesthesia
- Precision Treatment: Laser technology targets only the tight tissue while preserving healthy tissue
- Minimal Bleeding: The laser seals blood vessels as it works, reducing bleeding significantly
- Faster Healing Process: Most patients experience a shorter recovery process with less downtime
- Reduced Risk of Infection: Laser sterilizes as it treats, minimizing infection risk
- Improved Results: Better outcomes with less chance of reattachment
Most patients can resume normal activities much sooner compared to traditional scalpel procedures, making laser frenectomy the preferred choice for tongue-tie treatment in Denton and surrounding areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX.
The Waterlase Laser Frenectomy Process at Garden Oaks
When you visit our Denton dental practice for tongue-tie treatment, here’s what you can expect:
Thorough Evaluation
Our dentists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your or your child’s oral health, specifically examining tongue mobility and the lingual frenulum to determine if a frenectomy is necessary.
Treatment Preparation
The procedure is quick, typically taking only 10–15 minutes. For infants, anesthesia is often unnecessary. Older children and adults may receive a small amount of local anesthetic for additional comfort.
Laser Frenectomy Procedure
Using the precise Waterlase technology, our dentists will gently release the restrictive tissue. The laser’s unique water-cooling properties ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Immediate Post-Treatment
Infants can typically breastfeed immediately after the procedure, which not only provides comfort but also encourages proper tongue movement. Older patients can often speak and drink right away.
Recovery and Aftercare
We provide detailed tongue-tie treatment aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing:
- Simple exercises to prevent reattachment
- Guidelines on foods to avoid during healing
- Instructions for managing any mild discomfort
- Schedule for follow-up appointments
Most patients experience minimal recovery time and can return to normal activities promptly after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, laser dentistry is considered very safe and is suitable for patients of all ages, including infants. The Waterlase technology is FDA-approved specifically for soft tissue procedures like frenectomies.
Many patients notice immediate improvements in tongue mobility. For infants with feeding issues, improvements in breastfeeding may be noticed right away. Speech improvements typically develop gradually over several weeks or months, especially when combined with speech therapy.
Many dental and medical insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary frenectomies. The dental office staff can help verify your benefits and discuss financing options if needed.
Minimal preparation is required. We recommend having soft, cool foods available after the procedure and planning for a restful day, though most patients can return to normal activities quickly.
Get Your Tongue-Tie Treatment in Denton, TX
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of care using advanced technology for optimal results. Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide have extensive experience performing laser frenectomies for patients of all ages.
Don’t let tongue-tie impact the quality of life, speech development, or oral health. Call (940) 566-4888 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward improved tongue mobility and a confident smile! Serving patients from Denton, Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, Krum, and surrounding Texas communities.