In case of a dental emergency, please call immediately!

Tongue Tie Treatment

Tongue Tie Treatment Toowoomba

Treat tongue ties early on in life to allow for a smooth development process.

Ankyloglossia, known more commonly as tongue tie, is a congenital condition that can limit or decrease the mobility of the tongue or lip. This is caused by the frenulum which is the middle underneath section of the tongue that connects to the bottom of the mouth. If that is too tight, it causes tongue tie.

Common symptoms for tongue ties

This condition can be treated or left untreated. However, if left untreated, it may cause the following implications in infants, children, and even adults.

Tongue tie symptoms for infants

  • Inability to latch or breast-feeding difficulties
  • Fatigue during feeding
  • Poor weight gain
  • Digestive issues
  • Maternal nipple pain, infection, or damage

Tongue tie symptoms for children

  • Speech impediments
  • Clenching or grinding teeth
  • Any difficulty eating
  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Loud breathing or snoring
  • Neck, back, or head pain
  • Incorrect growth in the face and jaw
  • Abnormal swallowing habits
  • Postural issues

Discover further symptoms and more specific information for toddlers, children and adults on the pages attached below.

Advantages of tongue tie treatment

Although this condition and treatment mainly address breastfeeding issues for infants, treating tongue tie conditions has many advantages. By solving the breastfeeding issues, the chances of developing crooked teeth are decreased, speech impediments are decreased, and discomfort in mouth mobility is decreased.

Tongue tie laser treatment at Kitchener Street Dental

Tongue tie treatment is a relatively quick and simple process that can be completed in the dental practice in a short appointment. Laser surgery allows a thorough removal of the tongue tie and is a great alternative to scissors as it incises the tissue rather than cuts it. Laser surgery is precise and therefore reduces tissue damage, kills bacteria in the process, and reduces swelling and inflammation during the healing process.

Discover tongue-tie treatment for infants, toddlers, children and adults

The team at Kitchener Street Dental is well trained and equipped to perform tongue tie laser surgery. Our team has undergone sufficient training and education in order to safely and effectively perform this treatment. At your community Toowoomba dentist, we want to offer you a comprehensive range of treatments to be able to treat you and your family for life. If you are interested in learning more about the tongue tie treatment or, would like to book a consultation, do not hesitate to contact us or learn more today!

Download the E-book

Fill out the form below to download our ebook

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tongue tie?

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually tight, which can restrict tongue movement and potentially lead to breastfeeding difficulties in infants, as well as speech and oral hygiene issues. Treatment options vary, but in some cases, a procedure can be done to release the tight tissue and improve tongue function.

What are the advantages of a laser tongue tie?

Laser frenectomy, often referred to as laser tongue tie surgery, is a medical procedure that employs laser technology to treat tongue tie (ankyloglossia). This condition involves a tight lingual frenulum, the band of tissue beneath the tongue, which restricts tongue movement. The use of lasers in this procedure offers several potential benefits, such as reduced bleeding and discomfort, precise targeting of the tissue, minimal harm to adjacent tissues, and quicker healing times. Additionally, lasers have a sterilising effect that can lower the risk of infection and often eliminate or reduce the need for sutures compared to conventional surgical methods. However, the specific advantages can differ based on the laser type, the healthcare provider's expertise, and the patient's individual circumstances. It's essential to consult with a medical professional to weigh the benefits and risks of laser frenectomy and to choose the most suitable treatment option.

Does a laser tongue tie hurt?

Laser frenectomy, or laser tongue tie release, is often regarded as less painful compared to traditional techniques because of its accuracy in removing tissue, limiting harm to nearby areas. Local anaesthesia is commonly applied to numb the region, reducing pain during the process. Post-procedure, a person might feel discomfort similar to slight burns, but this is usually brief and can be controlled with standard pain medication and appropriate aftercare. Nonetheless, since pain tolerance differs among individuals, it's recommended to talk about pain management and what to expect from a healthcare professional prior to the procedure. 

Get in touch

Speak to the team at Kitchener Street Dental to book in for an appointment.