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Improve oral function and quality of life by addressing conditions like tongue ties. While a tongue tie is commonly diagnosed and addressed in infancy due to its potential impact on breastfeeding, it can persist into childhood and adulthood if left untreated.
If you suspect you or your child may have a tongue tie, please book an appointment at Preston Dental Group, where we can assess the condition and provide treatment.
Identifying a tongue tie typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician, dentist, or an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of a tongue tie, including:
Infants with tongue ties may have trouble latching onto the breast, maintaining suction, or transferring milk efficiently, leading to poor weight gain or frequent feeding difficulties.
Children or adults with tongue ties may experience challenges with speech articulation, particularly sounds involving the tongue tip, such as "t," "d," "n," and "l."
A restricted range of motion in the tongue, such as difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth or lifting it to touch the roof of the mouth, may indicate a tongue tie.
In some cases, the frenulum may visibly tether the tongue to the floor of the mouth, causing a heart-shaped appearance or a noticeable notch in the tip of the tongue when extended.
A tongue tie can make it challenging to clean the mouth effectively, potentially leading to issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath.
It’s never too early or too late to seek treatment. At Preston Dental Group, we see patients as young as 6 weeks old to diagnose and treat tongue ties with a frenectomy. However, we also provide this treatment for adult patients. Our treatment is effective at any age, so please book an appointment with us to help improve your quality of life.
The primary factor in the development of a tongue tie is believed to be an abnormality in the formation or development of the lingual frenum or labial frenum. These are the bands of tissues that connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or lips to the gums, respectively.
These slender tissue bands may be excessively short, thick, or taut, or situated too low, leading to a range of potential issues.
Treatment for a tongue tie typically involves a surgical procedure known as a frenectomy. During a frenectomy, the restrictive band of tissue causing the tongue tie is either clipped or removed using laser surgery or a scalpel (for babies under 12 months old) to release the restriction and improve tongue movement.
A frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, and the laser technology we use in our dental clinic to perform this surgery is advanced, safe, and highly effective. By cauterising the blood vessels at the same time, bleeding is reduced or eliminated during and after the procedure. The result is faster treatment times and quicker patient healing.
If you are anxious about receiving laser treatment, please speak to our understanding and friendly dentists, who can provide sedation options including IV sedation, happy gas, or oral sedatives. Your comfort is our top priority.
At Preston Dental Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art technology to ensure the highest quality dental care for our patients. One of our most significant advancements is our in-house CBCT Scanner, which revolutionises diagnostics and treatment planning.
This cutting-edge machine allows us to conduct comprehensive scans directly at our clinic, eliminating the need for patients to visit multiple locations. With its advanced 3D imaging capabilities, our CBCT Scanner plays a crucial role in various treatments, including tongue ties. We’ve invested in this technology to provide our patients with the most effective and efficient dental care possible.
Recognising the potential financial strain that a dental appointment may pose, we provide adaptable payment arrangements via Afterpay, ZipPay, and Humm, so you prioritise your dental well-being without any immediate financial strain. This ensures that when it comes to self-care, cost never stands in the way. Additionally, we accept all major health funds accessible through HICAPS.
Are you ready to address tongue tie concerns? Take the first step towards improved oral function and well-being. Book a consultation today to explore our advanced treatment options and regain control over your oral health.