Gentle Release Care

Tethered Oral Tissue Release

Procedures aimed at releasing tight or restrictive soft tissues in the mouth, such as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie, to enhance tongue mobility, oral function, and promote favorable structural development.

PROBLEMS & SYMPTOMS ADDRESSED:

Feeding Challenges In Infants & Children

Dental Malocclusions

Mouth Breathing

Body Tensions

Speech Difficulties

BENEFITS:

Improves Mobility:

Frees tongue and lip movements for better feeding, speech, and oral hygiene.

Prevents Dental Issues:

Improves jaw shape and form, Reduces gum recession and improves tooth alignment by correcting oral mechanics.

What Is A Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the thin membrane under the baby's tongue (the lingual frenulum) restricts the movement of the tongue. You can find your own lingual frenulum by looking in the mirror, opening your mouth and stretching your tongue up. All babies are born with some extent of this tissue, and for approximately 3-15% of newborns, it is so tight that they cannot move their tongues freely. Babies affected by this will struggle with their ability to latch, which leads to poor feeding, nipple pain and trauma, decreased milk intake, and a decline in milk supply over time. Tongue tie, medically known as Ankyloglossia, is simply a congenital oral anomaly caused by an unusually thick, or unusually short, lingual frenulum.

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Treating Tongue-Tied Babies

Safe, Gentle, and Effective Laser Frenectomy

The infant frenectomy is an in-clinic procedure that can be completed during the same visit as our initial assessment, if recommended. Prior to treatment, a small volume (~2mL) of pumped breast milk or formula is fed to the baby for soothing. For the procedure, the baby is swaddled, and safety goggles are used to protect the eyes. During the procedure, Dr. Pada uses a pen-sized laser to release the tight membranes. The procedure takes 10-30 seconds, and the baby may feed immediately following.

Immediate Feeding Improvement

INFANTS + BABIES

Babies often experience immediate improvement after the procedure, latching more comfortably and effectively. This provides relief for both mother and baby, allowing for better milk transfer and reduced feeding time.

Laser Precision & Safety

INFANTS + BABIES

The laser method offers precision and minimal bleeding compared to traditional surgical methods. Lasers cauterize blood vessels as they cut, reducing infection risk and ensuring a safer procedure for your infant.

Quick Procedure & Fast Healing

INFANTS + BABIES

The entire procedure takes only 10-30 seconds, minimizing stress for your baby. Laser treatment ensures faster healing, with most infants recovering within a week and able to breastfeed immediately after.

Long-Term Health Benefits

ALL AGES

Treating tongue-tie early prevents future complications including delayed speech development, dental issues, jaw misalignment, sleep problems, and digestive concerns that can persist into childhood and adulthood.