Minimally Invasive Laser Treatment for Tongue Tie
A Tongue Tie is when a muscle, called a frenum, in certain instances causes too much resistance on the tongue not allowing the individual to touch the roof of their mouth. This laser treatment (also known as a laser Frenotomy) is minimally invasive, fast, has a reduced need for sutures and anesthetics, and most importantly – safe and easy to recover from!
When Can a Frenotomy Be Performed
Many parents do not realize that Tongue Tie in Mcallen & Edinburg, TX, can be performed as early as a couple of days post-birth, but they can be performed at any point in a patient’s life.
Does a Tongue Tie Affect Speech
In many instances, a speech pathologist will recommend a frenectomy as soon as possible so our patients can enunciate words properly. A restricted frenum can make it difficult to produce certain sounds, particularly those that require the tongue to lift or move freely. Releasing the tie early gives the tongue the full range of motion it needs, making speech therapy more effective and allowing patients to develop clearer, more natural speech patterns over time.
How is the Procedure Done
The procedure is done in our office and takes between 5-7 minutes to complete with our safe dental laser which decreases bleeding, decreases pain, and increases recovery time. In certain instances, the procedure can be done without any shots due to the unique properties our laser offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a frenotomy and a frenectomy?
A frenotomy and a frenectomy both release tight frenulum tissue, but a frenotomy usually involves a simple snip, while a frenectomy may involve more tissue removal and sometimes sutures for a more complete release.
At what age is tongue‑tie treatment most effective?
Tongue‑tie treatment is often performed early in infancy, especially when it interferes with feeding, but people of all ages can benefit from a frenectomy depending on symptoms and functional limitations.
Can tongue‑tie affect speech development?
In some individuals, restricted tongue movement from tongue‑tie can make certain sounds harder to pronounce and may contribute to speech difficulties; treating the condition can improve articulation.
Does a tongue‑tie release improve oral hygiene?
Yes — releasing tongue‑tie can improve tongue mobility, allowing better natural cleaning of food particles from teeth and gums, which supports overall oral health.
Is tongue‑tie hereditary?
Tongue‑tie may run in families, and if a parent or sibling had the condition, there can be a higher likelihood that others in the family are affected due to genetic factors.