Tongue tie is a condition present at birth that restricts the movement of tongue. It is an unusually short tight band of tissue attaches the bottom of the tongue to floor of the mouth. The condition can interfere with feeding, speech and functional requirements. Sometimes tongue tie may not cause problems but in some cases may require surgical procedure for correction.

Tongue Tie Laser Treatment

The Tongue Tie Laser Procedure also known as Frenectomy is the surgical method that treats newborns, infants, toddlers, and children facing ‘Tongue Tie’ by removing Frenulum, a tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This medical condition is caused when the connecting tissue Frenulum is too tight or short and hence restricts tongue movement. This laser procedure aids in easy mobility of the tongue, thereby helping them with food consumption and speech.

Stages in Tongue Tie Laser Operation

This is a very short laser surgery that takes typically 5-10 minutes and is minimally invasive due to the laser’s ability to cut and cauterize simultaneously which minimizes tissue damage, quicker recovery, and less discomfort.

This medical procedure involves:

•  Anesthesia: At Dr. Kammath’s Pediatric Dental Care, we use Oral Sedation for infants and toddlers and for older kids we do under Conscious Sedation only if the child can’t cooperate because of fear and anxiety.

• Laser Application: A laser is used to cut the frenulum allowing space for the tongue to move.

• Release: The laser ensures a clean cut is made to cut the frenulum and hence allows the tongue to move freely without any distress.

• Wound Management: The usage of a laser also helps in the immediate cauterization of the wound and hence avoids bleeding so no sutures are needed.

• Quick Recovery and Follow up: Minimal Recovery time as the presence of Anesthesia minimizes the pain and usage of the laser avoids bleeding in comparison to the traditional methods. A follow-up appointment ensures proper healing and tongue mobility.

When to consider Laser Treatment for Tongue-Tie

Laser Treatment for Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) also known as Frenectomy is typically considered when the essential functions are interfered with, such as:

• Breastfeeding in infants: Uncomfortable consumption measures, prolonged feeding times, or poor weight gain. A tight frenulum can make it difficult for the baby to latch properly. A quick laser procedure can significantly improve feeding outcomes and maternal comfort.

• Speech Development: Tongue Tie leads to articulation issues or speech delays in toddlers and children. If a child demonstrates delayed speech development or if a speech-language pathologist identifies tongue-tie as a contributing factor, laser treatment can help prevent further language acquisition delays.

• Oral Hygiene: If the Tongue Tie leads to restricted movement of the tongue causing hindrance to oral hygiene. People face issues while cleansing teeth or tongue and as the tongue contributes to major bacterial growth, Tongue Tie laser surgery aids in maintaining hygiene.

• Eating Difficulty: Trouble in chewing or swallowing in adults or older children. This difficulty is noticed in infants, children and toddlers when there is a comparatively lesser increase in appetite and lower levels of weight gain. The irregularity in weight gain can be rectified right after consulting a pediatrician.

• Orthodontic Concerns: Dental issues such as gaps between teeth and changes in jaw development. With the increase in age the changes in teeth structure and irregular jaw formation could be treated effectively as early as possible.

• Social/Psychological Impacts: Due to the presence of restricted tongue movements the individual might experience self-esteem. Inability in active communication, muffled speeches that lack clarity, and decreased confidence can be noticeable signs of an underlying Tongue Tie issue.

Post Tongue Tie Laser Procedure: Improved Quality of Life 

Tongue Tie Laser Procedure also known as Frenectomy provides a positive impact on human life as it enhances many essential functions like speaking, chewing, swallowing, etc. These functions help to improve communication skills, dietary habits, oral hygiene, and many more. These major changes can help in developing a better quality of life. Mothers would find it easier to breastfeed their babies, increased dental hygiene, and better clarity in speech. 

Teenagers would have increased self-confidence, improved verbal communication, better dietary choices, and reduced orthodontic issues. Different professionals such as Musicians, singers, public speakers, actors, and fitness enthusiasts have displayed improved efficiency in their careers after conducting a Tongue Tie Laser Procedure. This advancement in quality of life is attained due to the precision, quick recovery, and minimal discomfort caused by Frenectomy.

Ortho patients are advised to kindly do proper followup with Tongue Exercises and Myo Exercises which targets the muscles of the face, mouth and tongue. For Children aged from 3-15, Myobrace Therapy is advised as it corrects poor oral habits and reduces the need for braces or extractions later in life. The Ortho patients are also advised to undergo proper speech therapy as it enhances the communication skills, speech clarity, articulation and language development.

Tongue Tie Laser Procedure: Safety Assured

Tongue Tie Laser Treatment is a widely recognized clinical method that is often consulted to patients considering the safe, effective, and minimally invasive nature of the procedure. The safety profile of Laser Frenectomy focuses on the minimally invasive technique that gently cuts and releases the tight frenulum. There is no involvement of scalpels or sutures hence reducing the chance of bleeding or infections. 

The natural sterilization of the laser makes it suitable for newborns, infants, toddlers, and children which results in quick healing and avoids the formation of swelling. The immediate improvement in infants and children was noticed which also affects oral hygiene, jaw development, and speech articulation. This surgery is ideal for parents seeking a low-risk, high-reward solution to short-term improvement with long-term benefits.