Tongue & Lip Tie
in Cumming, GA

Although release procedures are generally brief, every surgical procedure carries some possible risks. These can include discomfort, bleeding, infection, scarring, reattachment, injury to nearby tissue, or the need for additional treatment. Before any treatment, Dr. Belinda will walk you through the potential benefits, the alternatives, the risks, and an individualized aftercare plan, so you can make an informed decision for your child.

When treatment is recommended, Dr. Belinda uses a state-of-the-art CO₂ laser as her preferred technique to carefully release the restrictive tissue. Depending on your child's age and needs, the procedure can often be completed right in our office without the need for sedation. Topical or local numbing medicine may be used, and older children may receive nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, when appropriate.

The laser portion itself is usually brief, though the full appointment also includes preparation, evaluation, and aftercare instructions. Bleeding is generally limited, and stitches are often not required, depending on the procedure. Many infants are able to feed shortly afterward, once they are comfortable and ready.

It's also normal for younger children and babies to cry, often simply because someone is working inside their mouth or because they are being held still. Crying does not always mean your child is in significant pain.

No, and sometimes the safest plan is support and observation. Not every child with a visible frenulum benefits from a release, and a good provider will tell you when treatment isn't needed rather than recommending it automatically.

Release may not be recommended when:

• Feeding is normal and growth is on track
• The concern is about appearance only
• Another cause seems more likely and should be looked into first
• Your child needs more evaluation before any procedure is considered

It's also worth knowing that releasing a tie purely to prevent future sleep apnea or speech issues in infancy is not evidence-based, so that alone isn't a reason to treat.

The goal of a consult is to give you a clear plan, even when that plan is "not today." You'll always leave knowing where things stand and what to watch for.

There is a lot of misinformation about tongue and lip-ties. Here are some of the most common myths, and the reality behind them:

• Myth: They don't exist. They are real. Posterior tongue-ties in particular are simply harder to see, so they are often missed rather than absent.
• Myth: They don't cause problems with speech, feeding, or nursing. When a tie restricts movement, it can contribute to difficulties with nursing, feeding, and speech. That is exactly when treatment is worth considering.
• Myth: The frenum will stretch on its own, or the child will eventually fall and tear it. Waiting for a tie to stretch or tear is not a reliable fix. If it is causing symptoms, it should be properly evaluated rather than left to chance.
• Myth: A quick "snip" with scissors fixes the problem. Effective treatment is more than a quick snip. It starts with a careful evaluation of whether treatment is truly needed, followed by the right technique and proper aftercare.
• Myth: A baby or child will always need general anesthesia or sedation. Many ties can be released with a simple in-office procedure, and treatment often does not require general anesthesia. What is right depends on your child, which we will always talk through with you.

A lip-tie refers to the band of tissue under the upper lip. This tissue is common and naturally changes as children grow, so its appearance alone does not prove it is causing a problem.

A tongue-tie happens when the band of tissue under the tongue limits how far the tongue can lift or extend. A visible band of tissue on its own is actually common. It becomes a concern when the restriction is enough to affect feeding, speech, oral hygiene, or other everyday functions.