Infant Tongue Tie & Frenectomy Services

You're not imagining it. That clicking sound during nursing, the way your baby struggles to latch, the soreness that won't go away—these aren't signs that you're doing something wrong. Often, your baby's tongue is fighting against tissue that's too tight underneath, making feeding exhausting for both of you. We see this frequently at SOMA Integrative Dentistry in Greensboro, and we want you to know you're not alone. Dr. Priyanka Dand understands this struggle personally—she went through it with her own daughter.

A frenectomy gently releases this tight tissue using laser technology, allowing your baby's tongue to move freely like it should. The sooner we address these restrictions, the better we can support your child's breathing, feeding, and healthy development. If nursing has become painful or your baby seems to struggle with feeding, we're here to help you find answers and relief.

Quick Overview

• What tongue tie is: Tight tissue under the tongue that limits movement and affects feeding, breathing, and development
• Warning signs: Trouble latching, clicking sounds while nursing, slow weight gain, and persistent soreness for you
• How we treat it: Gentle laser procedure that's precise and minimally uncomfortable, with faster healing
• Recovery time: Most babies can nurse right after the procedure and continue improving over the next few days
• Long-term benefits: Better tongue function supports breathing, speech development, and healthy facial growth

What Is An Infant Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie happens when the tissue connecting your baby's tongue to the bottom of their mouth is too short or tight. Think of it like a tether that's too restrictive—it prevents the tongue from moving the way it needs to for comfortable feeding.

There are two types we look for. Some tongue ties are visible at the front of the mouth, while others hide further back and are harder to spot. The hidden ones often cause the most feeding challenges, which can leave you feeling frustrated and wondering what's wrong.

Your baby's tongue does so much more than help with feeding. It helps shape the roof of their mouth as they grow, supports proper breathing by resting in the right position, and sets the foundation for clear speech later. When the tongue can't move properly, all of these important functions are affected from the very beginning.

Signs Your Baby Might Have A Tongue Tie

If breastfeeding feels harder than it should, trust your instincts. Your baby might have trouble latching, keep slipping off, or make clicking sounds that tell you they're not getting good suction. You might experience unusually sore or cracked nipples even when positioning seems right, and feeding sessions might feel endless without your baby seeming satisfied.

Other signs that many tired mothers notice include:

• Slow weight gain: Even though your baby seems hungry and wants to nurse frequently
• Fussiness during feeds: Your baby gets upset during or right after nursing
• Excessive spitting up: Because they're not able to feed efficiently
• Preferring bottles: Artificial nipples can be easier to use when the tongue is restricted

Our focus on airway health helps us spot subtler signs too. If your newborn breathes through their mouth or seems to struggle with breathing while sleeping, it might mean their tongue isn't resting where it should to support healthy nose breathing.

How A Tongue Tie Affects Your Baby's Development

Your baby's tongue plays a nurturing role in helping their face grow properly. When it can't rest comfortably against the roof of their mouth, it doesn't provide the gentle pressure needed for healthy development. This can start a chain reaction: a narrow palate makes nose breathing more difficult, which can create crowded space for teeth as they come in.

Even babies can experience sleep difficulties when tongue restrictions affect breathing. Tongue-tied babies often sleep restlessly, wake frequently, or seem to struggle with breathing while sleeping. These early sleep challenges can affect growth hormones and overall development, adding to your worries as a parent.

At SOMA Integrative Dentistry, we understand that addressing tongue ties does more than solve immediate feeding problems. We're supporting your child's best possible development from the very beginning, recognizing how oral restrictions can affect breathing, sleep, and growth patterns that will matter throughout their life.

The Frenectomy Procedure

We know the thought of any procedure on your tiny baby can feel overwhelming. Modern laser treatment has transformed what used to be a more invasive procedure into something much gentler. We use precise laser technology that cuts while sealing tissue at the same time, which reduces bleeding and creates optimal healing conditions.

Here's what happens during the procedure, so you know what to expect:

1. Gentle positioning: We hold your baby securely and comfortably while keeping the treatment area accessible
2. Quick laser release: We carefully remove just the restrictive tissue in a matter of minutes
3. Function check: We make sure the tongue can now move properly
4. Comfort care: Most babies calm down quickly after a brief period of crying

The laser also helps prevent infection while creating a clean environment for healing. Many parents are amazed by how quickly their babies recover and how soon feeding begins to improve.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most babies can try nursing right after the procedure, and many parents notice improved latching almost immediately. However, both you and your baby will need some time to adjust to the tongue moving more freely. Some babies need several days to learn how to use their newly freed tongue, so please be patient with both of you during this adjustment period.

We'll give you clear, supportive instructions to help healing go smoothly:

• Gentle exercises: Simple movements that prevent the tissue from growing back together and encourage your baby to explore their new tongue mobility
• Feeding support: Techniques to help both you and your baby adapt to the changes
• Comfort measures: Natural, gentle ways to manage any discomfort
• What to watch for: Clear signs that mean you should call our office—we're always here to support you

Follow-up visits are important for the best outcomes. We'll check on you within a few days to make sure healing is progressing well and answer any questions you have. We also work closely with lactation consultants and other specialists who understand how tongue function affects feeding success.

Laser vs. Traditional Methods

Traditional procedures using scissors or scalpels can be effective, but laser technology offers clear advantages for your baby's comfort. The laser allows us to be incredibly precise—we only remove exactly what needs to be removed, nothing more.

Healing happens more quickly with laser procedures because the energy seals blood vessels and nerve endings simultaneously. This means less discomfort after the procedure and a lower risk of complications, while creating conditions that naturally help prevent infection.

Parents consistently tell us they prefer laser treatment because it's less traumatic for their babies. There's minimal bleeding, no stitches needed, and the procedure is completed quickly. The precision also allows us to treat tongue ties that are located further back in the mouth, which can be more challenging to address with traditional methods.

Long-term Benefits

The benefits of early tongue tie treatment extend far beyond those precious early feeding months. Proper tongue function supports healthy breathing patterns that can help prevent sleep breathing issues throughout childhood. When the tongue rests correctly against the roof of the mouth, it naturally helps expand the palate, supporting better nose breathing and reducing mouth breathing habits.

Speech development often benefits significantly from early tongue tie release. While not all speech challenges stem from tongue restrictions, removing physical barriers gives your child the best possible foundation for clear speech as their language skills blossom. Earlier treatment means fewer compensatory habits develop.

From a dental perspective, proper tongue function supports better tooth alignment and jaw development. When the tongue moves freely and rests in the optimal position, it provides natural forces that guide healthy facial growth. This can reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later, though some children may still benefit from clear aligner treatment as they grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby really needs a frenectomy?

We base our frenectomy recommendations on how the tongue tie affects your baby's function, not just how it looks. If your baby has ongoing feeding difficulties, you're experiencing nursing pain that doesn't improve with lactation support, or your baby shows signs of poor weight gain or reflux that might be feeding-related, it's absolutely worth having us take a gentle look. We evaluate both the physical restriction and how it's affecting daily life to determine if treatment would be beneficial.

Does the procedure hurt my baby?

Most babies experience brief discomfort similar to receiving a vaccination. Our gentle laser technique minimizes pain, and the entire procedure takes just minutes. Many babies calm down quickly afterward and can nurse almost immediately. We'll provide you with guidance on comfort measures and pain management if needed, and we're always available to answer your concerns.

When is the best time to have a frenectomy done?

Earlier treatment generally works best when there are functional problems affecting feeding or development. Younger babies typically heal faster and adapt more quickly to improved tongue movement. However, it's never too late to address problematic tongue ties. We perform frenectomies on babies from just days old through childhood and even adulthood when needed.

Will my baby be able to breastfeed right after the procedure?

Most babies can try nursing right after treatment, and many parents notice immediate improvement in how well their baby latches. However, both you and your baby may need some time to adjust to the tongue moving more freely. Some babies need several days to learn how to use their freed tongue effectively. We often recommend working with lactation consultants who are experienced with feeding after a frenectomy to support you through this transition.

What if the tongue tie grows back?

The tissue can grow back together, but this is uncommon when you follow proper aftercare instructions. The gentle exercises we teach help prevent the tissue from reattaching during the healing process. Laser procedures tend to have lower rates of recurrence compared to traditional methods. If reattachment does occur, we can safely repeat the procedure.

How much does an infant frenectomy cost?

The cost varies based on your baby's specific case and the technique we use. Many insurance plans provide coverage when the procedure is medically necessary for feeding difficulties. We'll help you understand your benefits and discuss payment options that work for your family. Early treatment often costs significantly less than managing the long-term consequences of untreated tongue ties.

Should I see a dentist or an ENT for tongue tie treatment?

Both dentists and ENTs can perform frenectomies, but their training and approach can differ significantly. At SOMA Integrative Dentistry, our specialized focus on airway and developmental issues means we understand how tongue ties affect breathing, sleep, and facial development beyond just immediate feeding concerns. We also work closely with lactation consultants and other specialists to provide truly comprehensive, supportive care.

What other specialists might my baby need to see?

Depending on your baby's specific needs, we might recommend working with lactation consultants, pediatric chiropractors, or craniosacral therapists who can address tension patterns that sometimes accompany tongue ties. Our network of community partners includes specialists who understand the comprehensive approach needed for optimal outcomes. Some babies might also benefit from seeing a pediatric sleep specialist if we have concerns about breathing patterns.

Schedule Your Infant Tongue Tie Consultation

If you're concerned about tongue tie in your baby or have questions about whether a frenectomy might help your baby's feeding difficulties, please know that we're here to support you. At SOMA Integrative Dentistry in Greensboro, NC, Dr. Priyanka Dand understands firsthand that addressing tongue ties early can significantly impact your child's development and your family's quality of life. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive, gentle evaluation and discuss the best treatment options for your baby's unique needs. You don't have to navigate this alone.

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