Tongue, lip and buccal ties can be the direct cause of sleep apnea, snoring, breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, TMJ syndrome, learning difficulties, speech impediment, malocclusion of the teeth, neck issues, spinal misalignment, drinking and eating issues as it is difficult to clear your mouth when your tongue is tied. Sleep apnea alone can lead to behavioral issues, inability to focus, heart disease and shortened life spans.

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We perform frenectomies and frenotomies in office using a LightScalpel CO2 laser to remove the small fold of tissue that prevents the tongue, lip or cheeks from moving far enough. The benefits of using a CO2 laser include minimized bleeding, less swelling and discomfort, reduced risk of infection, faster recovery and reduced risk of reconnection of tissue.

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Generally frenectomies and frenotomies are performed on infants to improve breastfeeding as many babies experience impairment to successful breastfeeding due to tongue, lip and buccal ties. Research supports the importance of breastfeeding for overall health not only in infancy, but also following the infant for life. However, tethered oral tissues can be released at any age with proven benefits beyond infancy.