What to Expect at Your Tongue-Tie Treatment in Denton
Are you or your baby experiencing difficulties due to tongue tie? Whether you’re noticing breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems, or other symptoms, understanding the tongue-tie treatment process can help ease your concerns.
Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides tongue-tie treatment in Denton, TX, and surrounding areas. Call our Denton dental practice at (940) 566-4888 today to schedule your consultation.
What is a Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the lingual frenulum—the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight, short, or thick. This restricts tongue movement and can cause various issues:
- For babies: Difficulty breastfeeding, trouble latching, inability to extend the tongue, and a heart-shaped appearance when the tongue is extended
- For children and adults: Speech problems, difficulty eating certain foods, sleep apnea, and dental issues as the child grows
Most babies with tongue tie can be easily diagnosed by a child’s pediatrician or lactation consultant. The condition may affect up to 10 percent of newborns, with posterior tongue ties being less visible but equally problematic.
Our Comprehensive Tongue Tie Treatment Process
At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Ruehle and Dr. Erika Eide offer personalized tongue-tie treatment for patients of all ages in Denton, Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX. Here’s what to expect during your treatment journey:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation to determine if tongue tie is causing your symptoms:
- Complete oral examination to assess the severity of the tongue tie
- Discussion of tongue-tie symptoms such as breastfeeding difficulties, speech issues, or dental problems
- Recommendation of appropriate treatment options based on age, symptoms, and individual needs
Our dentists take time to answer all your questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes.
Step 2: Pre-Procedure Preparation
Once we’ve established a treatment plan, preparation is straightforward:
- For infants: Little to no preparation is needed. The procedure is quick and often performed without anesthesia.
- For older children and adults: Local anesthesia ensures comfort during the procedure. We’ll provide specific pre-procedure instructions.
Step 3: The Tongue Tie Release Procedure
We offer several treatment options depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the tongue tie:
- Lingual Frenotomy (Tongue Tie Clip): The lingual frenotomy is a simple and quick procedure for infants and young children. It involves making a small cut in the lingual frenulum, which takes only a few minutes and results in minimal bleeding. Babies can often breastfeed immediately after the procedure.
- Frenuloplasty: A more complex procedure is typically recommended for older children and adults. It uses surgical techniques to release the frenulum and reconstruct the tissue. This procedure may require local or general anesthesia and improves tongue mobility more comprehensively.
- Laser Tongue Tie Treatment: Our preferred method for many patients involves using precise laser technology to release the tongue tie. The benefits include minimal bleeding, reduced pain, and faster healing time, making it particularly effective for posterior tongue tie cases.
Most procedures take less than 15 minutes to complete, with infants and children typically experiencing minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
Step 4: Post-Procedure Care
Proper tongue-tie treatment aftercare is essential for optimal healing and results:
- For Infants: Immediate breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is encouraged to soothe the baby and promote proper tongue movement. Gentle tongue exercises help prevent reattachment. A follow-up within one to two weeks is recommended to assess healing and improvement in feeding.
- For Older Children and Adults: It’s recommended to follow a soft diet for 24-48 hours to minimize discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if needed. Performing tongue exercises is essential to improve mobility and strengthen muscles. Regular check-ups are advised to monitor progress.
Step 5: Follow-Up Support and Long-Term Care
Your journey doesn’t end with the procedure. You may be required to do comprehensive follow-up care:
- Speech Therapy: For children experiencing speech problems, targeted therapy helps improve articulation
- Lactation Support: For nursing parents, we can recommend lactation consultants to assist with breastfeeding techniques
- Myofunctional Therapy: Specialized exercises to retrain tongue positioning and function
- Regular Dental Check-ups: To monitor oral development and address any ongoing issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery is typically quick—infants often show improvement in feeding immediately. Complete healing takes about one to two weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities within days.
Most babies require only one procedure. In some cases (about five percent), the tissue may partially reattach, requiring a follow-up procedure.
While complications are rare, they may include infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding tissue. Experienced doctors use modern techniques to minimize these risks.
Many insurance plans cover tongue-tie treatment, particularly when it affects feeding or speech. The dental office staff can help verify your coverage and discuss payment options.
Take the First Step Toward Better Oral Function
If you suspect that you or your child is affected by tongue tie, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, especially for infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties.
Dr. Ruehle and Dr. Eide at Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are experienced in treating patients of all ages with tongue ties. We welcome patients from Denton and surrounding communities, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX. Call (940) 566-4888 today to schedule your tongue tie consultation and begin your journey to improved oral function and overall well-being!