Tongue-Tie & Tongue-Tie Surgery in Apex, NC
Gentle, Effective Tongue-Tie Treatment for Babies & Children
At Hansen Dentistry, we understand how important proper tongue function is for feeding, speech, and overall oral health. If your baby is struggling to latch while breastfeeding, has difficulty swallowing, or experiences speech challenges, they may have a condition called tongue-tie (ankyloglossia).
Fortunately, tongue-tie can be easily and safely corrected with a quick and minimally invasive procedure called a frenectomy. Our practice in Apex, NC, offers gentle laser tongue-tie surgery, ensuring a pain-free and effective solution to help your child thrive.
What Is Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie is a condition where the thin band of tissue (lingual frenulum) under the tongue is too tight, restricting tongue movement. This can interfere with a baby’s ability to breastfeed, bottle-feed, swallow, and even impact speech development later in life.
Common Signs of Tongue-Tie in Babies:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Frequent or prolonged feeding sessions
- Gassiness, reflux, or excessive fussiness
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Poor weight gain despite frequent nursing
- Mother experiencing nipple pain or mastitis due to ineffective latching
Signs of Tongue-Tie in Older Children:
- Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
- Trouble eating certain foods or chewing properly
- Oral hygiene issues (difficulty cleaning teeth with the tongue)
- Jaw tension, headaches, or improper dental development
If you notice these symptoms, a simple tongue-tie evaluation at our Apex dental office can determine if your child needs treatment.
How Is Tongue-Tie Treated?
The best treatment for tongue-tie is a frenectomy, a quick and safe procedure to release the restrictive tissue under the tongue. At Hansen Dentistry, we use an advanced laser technique that is:
- Minimally invasive – No scalpels, sutures, or cutting
- Fast healing – Most babies feed comfortably right after the procedure
- Precise and gentle – Less discomfort and minimal bleeding
- Reduced risk of infection – The laser sterilizes the area as it works
A laser frenectomy takes only a few minutes, and parents can comfort their baby immediately after. Many infants show immediate improvement in their ability to latch and feed successfully.
Benefits of Tongue-Tie Surgery
Correcting tongue-tie early has numerous long-term benefits, including:
- Improved Breastfeeding Success – A better latch leads to improved milk intake, reduced feeding struggles, and less discomfort for both baby and mother.
- Enhanced Speech Development – Proper tongue mobility is essential for forming sounds and preventing speech difficulties.
- Better Oral Health – Easier tongue movement helps with self-cleaning the teeth and reducing cavities or gum disease risks.
- Healthy Jaw & Dental Development – A restricted tongue can affect bite alignment and facial development. Releasing the tie supports natural growth and alignment.
- Prevention of Future Issues – Untreated tongue-tie may contribute to TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and airway issues later in life. Early treatment prevents these complications.
Schedule a Tongue-Tie Evaluation in Apex, NC
If you suspect your baby or child has tongue-tie, early intervention is key to preventing feeding difficulties, speech delays, and long-term oral health concerns.
At Hansen Dentistry, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our team provide expert laser frenectomy treatment in a safe, comfortable environment. Let us help your child achieve better function and overall well-being with a simple, effective solution.
Contact us today by calling our office or requesting an appointment from our website to learn more about our tongue-tie surgery services in Apex, NC.
