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Tongue/Lip Tie Releasein Madisonville, LA
Tongue and lip ties can affect feeding, speech, sleep, and overall oral function—but with gentle laser treatment, we can help improve mobility and support your child’s long-term development.
What Is a Tongue/Lip Tie?
A tongue-tie, also called ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue under the tongue restricts its movement. A lip-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums limits normal lip mobility and function. Everyone has this tissue, called a frenum, but when it is too tight, thick, or short, it can interfere with important oral functions.
Because the tongue and lips play such an important role in nursing, bottle feeding, speech, sleep, eating, and dental development, a tongue or lip tie can affect children in many different ways. Dr. Vinturella is currently the sole dentist in our practice performing tongue and lip tie releases. She has completed extensive continuing education in this area, is an active member of the American Laser Study Club, and is a Tongue-Tied Academy Graduate.
The Benefits of Tongue/Lip Tie Release
Our tongue and lip tie releases are designed to be precise, gentle, and supportive of your child’s overall function. By improving restricted movement, we can help your child use their tongue and lips more effectively for feeding, speaking, swallowing, and sleeping. We also emphasize a collaborative approach, working alongside lactation consultants, speech therapists, chiropractors, myofunctional therapists, and other providers when needed to support the best possible outcome.
Improved Feeding Function
A release may help infants latch more effectively, reduce clicking or milk leakage, and support more comfortable nursing or bottle feeding.
Better Oral Mobility
By freeing restricted tissue, the tongue and lip can move more naturally for chewing, swallowing, speech, and oral development.
Gentle, Precise Laser Care
We use a state-of-the-art CO2 laser, which allows for excellent visualization, precision, and a full release with minimal complications.
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The Tongue/Lip Tie Release Process
A tongue or lip tie release is a quick in-office procedure, and our team takes every step to make the experience as calm and comfortable as possible. We’ll explain what to expect, answer your questions, and help set the stage for success before and after treatment.
1
Thorough Evaluation
We assess your child’s oral function, symptoms, and restricted tissue to determine whether a tongue or lip tie may be contributing to feeding, speech, sleep, or eating concerns.
2
Gentle Laser Release
Dr. Vinturella performs the release using a high-quality CO2 laser. For infants, the procedure can often be completed with numbing jelly. Older children may receive numbing medicine and laughing gas, with sedation options available when appropriate.
3
Healing and Support
After the release, we provide guidance for stretches, exercises, and follow-up care. Because your child is adapting to new mobility, support from other providers may be recommended to help improve coordination and function.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about how we create safe, empowering dental experiences for children with special healthcare needs.
Will the procedure hurt my child?
The release is very quick (often taking less than a minute) and is performed with a gentle laser or sterile instruments. While your child may be fussy for a few days due to soreness similar to a "sore throat" feeling, most discomfort can be managed with skin-to-skin contact, frequent feeding, and infant-safe pain relief if recommended by your doctor.
Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Can the tie grow back?
The mouth heals incredibly fast, which means the raw edges can sometimes stick back together—this is called "reattachment." To prevent this and ensure the best results, it is crucial to perform the gentle stretches and exercises provided by your care team for the first few weeks.
Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
How soon will I see improvement?
Every child is unique. Some parents notice a better latch or easier feeding immediately, while others see a temporary "regression" for a day or two while the child adjusts. Because your child is essentially "learning to move" in a new way, the most significant improvements usually happen over 2–4 weeks as they build muscle strength and coordination.
Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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