Tongue ties and lip ties may sound insignificant, but they can affect a baby’s ability to breastfeed, and affect children and adults’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain healthy oral function. At Milltown Dental, we take a gentle, modern approach to treating those unfortunate restrictions — using advanced dental lasers instead of the traditional cutting which usually comes with bleeding, pain and sometimes sutures.
What Are Tongue Ties & Lip Ties?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is too tight or short — restricting tongue movement. A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is overly restrictive — restricting lip mobility.
These conditions may impact:
- Breastfeeding success in infants, leading to poor weight gain and failure to thrive not to mention pain to the mother
- Speech development
- Oral hygiene leading to increased risks of decay and gum disease
- Swallowing with increased risks for choking and the development of food aversions
- Posture and increased body tension
- Teeth crowding or “bucked teeth”
- Breathing, promoting sleep apnea which in return leads to an array of health issues
- Other fun and underrated tongue and lip activities like licking an ice cream cone, grimaces, etc
Early evaluation and treatment lead to improved outcomes.
Laser Frenectomy: What Makes It Special?
At Milltown Dental, we use state-of-the-art dental lasers to release tongue and lip ties. Unlike traditional surgical methods, laser frenectomy does not involve scalpels or cutting with force. It is rather a very safe, kind and “clean” procedure using light energy to release the tight tissue.
Here’s what sets laser treatment apart:
1. No cut, no scalpel
Laser energy gently releases the restrictive tissue without the traditional snipping or cutting. This means a far gentler and safer procedure for patients of all ages.
2. Little to no Bleeding
The laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes, sealing tiny blood vessels as it goes. This dramatically reduces the chance of bleeding during or after the procedure.
3. No Sutures (Stitches)
Because the laser seals tissue as it works, sutures are rarely, if ever, required. This contributes to a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
4. Minimal Discomfort & Faster Healing
Laser frenectomy is typically less painful and less invasive than traditional methods. Many patients feel little discomfort during the procedure and experience a faster healing process.
5. Precision You Can Trust
The energy of the laser being selective to very specific tissue, dental lasers provide a high level of control and precision, helping ensure only the restrictive tissue is treated — preserving healthy surrounding structures.
What to Expect During a Laser Frenectomy
Before the Procedure:
- Your dental provider at Milltown Dental will thoroughly assess the tongue or lip tie.
- We’ll explain the diagnosis, the scores, the laser process and answer any questions you have.
During the Procedure:
- A laser beam is used to gently release the restrictive tissue.
- Contrary to the fear of seeing a “light saber” come your way, the dental laser is the size of a pen with the tip being the size of a needle. It’s small and absolutely not scary..
- The treatment is quick — many take only a few seconds.
- The need for anesthesia (freezing) is age-dependant and rarely needed in infants.
After the Procedure:
- In many cases, patients can return to normal activities immediately.
- Some stretching or simple exercises will be necessary to maintain improved range of motion and avoid reattachment.
- Follow-up care is always offered as many times as the patient may want it and Milltown Dental supports the patients during the entire healing period.
Why Choose Milltown Dental for Laser Frenectomy?
At Milltown Dental, we believe in being conservative. Not every little human difference needs to be changed! It’s when function is affected that we consider those perfect imperfections in need of attention.
Our team combines the latest technology with compassionate care to get you or your child back on track. Our laser treatments are designed not just to address the problem — but to do it with comfort, safety, and efficiency at the forefront while always putting the patients first..
If you suspect your child (or you) have a tongue tie or lip tie affecting everyday life, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s move toward better oral health — the gentle way.