Understanding Lip and Tongue Ties
What Parents Can Expect From a Release Procedure
Finding out your baby has a lip or tongue tie can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been struggling with difficult feedings, poor sleep, or general fussiness, please know you are not alone—and there is a gentle, straightforward solution right here in Orlando.
A frenectomy (the medical term for a lip or tongue-tie release) is a quick, routine procedure that can completely transform your baby’s ability to nurse, eat, and thrive.
Here is a simple breakdown of what lip and tongue ties are, how we treat them, and exactly what you can expect as a parent.
What Exactly Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Everyone has small bands of tissue, called frenulums, that connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the upper lip to the gums.
Sometimes, these bands are too thick, too tight, or attached too close to the tip. This restricts the natural movement of the mouth.
Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia): Restricts the tongue’s upward motion, preventing a baby from drawing the nipple deeply into their mouth or creating a proper seal on a bottle.
Lip-tie: Keeps the upper lip tightly pinned to the gums, making it difficult for the baby to "flange" or flare their lips outward for a secure latch.
How It Works: The Soft-Tissue Laser Difference
In our Orlando pediatric dental office, we use an advanced soft-tissue laser rather than traditional surgical scissors. Laser technology has completely revolutionized how we care for our smallest patients.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect on Procedure Day
We know how hard it is to hand your baby over for any type of medical care. We guide you through every single step to keep both you and your little one completely at ease.
1.The Consultation & Comfort Prep:Step 1.
We will carefully examine your baby's mouth, discuss their feeding history, and confirm if a release is necessary. Before beginning, we apply a safe, highly effective topical numbing gel to the area.
2.The Safety First Protocol:Step 2.
Because we use a laser, everyone in the room—including your baby—wears specialized protective safety glasses.
3.The Laser Release:Step 3.
While your baby is gently swaddled and stabilized, the dentist sweeps the laser across the tight tissue. The release takes less than a minute. Your baby might cry a bit from the strange sensation or being held still, but they are not in pain.
4.Immediate Reunion & Feeding:Step 4.
The absolute moment we finish, your baby is placed right back into your arms. We encourage you to nurse or bottle-feed immediately in a private room. The proteins in breastmilk or formula act as natural healing agents, and the act of feeding provides instant comfort.
The Healing Journey: What Happens Next?
The mouth heals faster than almost any other part of the body. In the days following the procedure, the release site will form a diamond-shaped patch that turns a yellowish-white color. This is completely normal! It is the mouth's version of a scab; it does not mean the site is infected.
Post-Op Aftercare (The Stretches)
To keep the tissue from healing back together too tightly, we will teach you a few quick, gentle stretching exercises to perform at home for a few weeks. Think of it like a quick playful swipe under the tongue or lip—it takes just a few seconds and ensures the best long-term results.
When Will You See Improvements?
Every baby is unique. Some infants latch perfectly in our office immediately after the release. For others, it takes a week or two. Remember: your baby has been practicing using their mouth incorrectly while in the womb! They may need a little time and bodywork (like seeing a lactation consultant or pediatric chiropractor) to learn how to use their newly freed tongue muscles.
Ready for Relief?
If feeding has been a struggle, or you suspect your child has a lip or tongue tie, don't wait. Contact our team at PediatricDentistOrlando.com today to schedule a gentle, comprehensive evaluation. We're here to help your family smile easier.