What is a Tongue-Tie?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth) is to short or thick, restricting tongue movement. This can affect individuals from infancy to adulthood. In infants, it can interfere with breastfeeding, leading to difficulty latching, gas, or discomfort for the mother. In childhood, it may impact jaw development, potentially causing crowded teeth, facial abnormalities, or breathing issues like sleep apnea. It can also affect speech articulation. In adults, tongue-ties may cause neck pain, headaches, breathing issues, and difficulty chewing or swallowing due to muscle compensation.
Infants
Enjoy an Improved Quality of Life
Catching tongue ties early on is very important. If you notice your baby having difficulties latching, or the mother is having pain with breastfeeding, an evaluation should be performed to rule out a tongue tie. This is very important for you and your baby’s health!
If you are noticing any of the below points, a missed tongue tie could be the reason for your problems.
Common Problems Caused By Tongue-Tie
- Forward head posture
- Tension in the back of the neck, shoulders, or jaws
- Speech impediment
- Difficulty chewing foods
- Difficulty swallowing foods
- Breathing issues
How Does It Work?
Step One
We offer minimally invasive frenectomy treatment with our diode laser. Laser frenectomies can remove a tight frenulum with minimal bleeding and a quicker healing time as compared to traditional methods, which use blades and sutures.
Step Two
If you believe your infant has a tongue tie, it is important to be seen as early as possible to try and promote breastfeeding and normal eating patterns.
Step Three
If it's determined that the patient has either a lip or tongue tie, we will usually initiate treatment that day.
Step Four
Either a parent or one of our trained staff, will hold the baby while the surgery is performed with our laser. Afterwards, we will show the parents exercises that will be continued at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a tongue-tie?
A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts tongue movement and can develop at any stage of life, from infancy to adulthood.
Can tongue-tie affect oral development?
Yes, tongue-tie can impact oral development, especially in children. It may lead to jaw misalignment, crowded teeth, speech difficulties, and even breathing problems like sleep apnea which is all related to the ability of the individual to rest their tongue on the top of the mouth when at rest. This creates proper facial growth patterns that are essential and will follow the patient their entire lives. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these issues.
Is a tongue-tie release a painful procedure?
The tongue-tie release procedure is typically minimally invasive and causes little pain. Infants may not need anesthesia, while older children and adults are often given local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Most patients experience only mild discomfort afterward.
How soon will I see results after a tongue-tie release?
Results are often immediate. Infants can resume breastfeeding right away, while older children and adults may see improvements in speech and tongue movement within a few days to weeks.
Have More Questions?
Client Reviews
"We’d just moved to Billings for 2 months from Texas, and this dentist office is a God sent. EVERYONE is very warm and friendly. Jessica, the front desk lady who probably does everything is very helpful and welcoming; my hygienist, Kori, and Dr. Francis are just awesome! I like how they took real pictures of my teeth and doctor showed me the pictures and explained to me what’s going on with my gum and teeth in a way that I can understand. I’ve had several different dentists’ experiences in the last 40 years, they usually only showed me x-ray slides or images taken from their fancy new machine that all I could see were shadows of my teeth. Kori was very thorough and Dr. Francis was very clear in his explanations. Totally love this office’s excellent service!"
-Teresa L.
Today was my first visit to see Dr. Francis and to also have my teeth cleaned by the dental hygienist. First, let me say that the dental hygienist had to have done the best job I’ve ever had done. Not only was she very friendly, but she explained everything as she did it, it was the most thorough cleaning I’ve ever had done. The icing on the cake was meeting Dr. Francis. He was extremely friendly. He explained the exam gave me all my options. All of the staff that I met were very friendly. The office was very clean. I highly recommend their office.
-Kerisue D.
Undoubtedly the best dentist office I have used. I see Dr. Ferguson and her assistants. What a great group. They go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable and genuinely seem to care. They explain your dental care and give good advice.
-Dan B.
Wow! What Service. My own dentist of many years was not able to get me in for emergency service and didn't seem to really care. Dr. Francis got me into his office within the hour of my emergency and patched me up until I could get the permanent fix. His office staff was amazing and needless to say - they cared. This office will be getting all of my future dental business for myself and family. Thank you!
-Reed G.
I was so impressed with the personalized care that I experienced at my recent visit. Bringing a child into the dentist for the first time is always a stressful situation, but Dr. Francis and his staff took the time to provide quality care while demonstrating compassion. Highly recommend!
-Stephanie M.
"I was treated with respect and felt as if my concerns were address with compassion . I really appreciated the time that was taken to explain what my options were. I will recommend Dr. Francis practice to anyone in need of dental care. Everyone in the office was easy to talk to. A big thank you!"
-Lori C.
Dr. Ferguson and her assistant are amazing! They take the time to deal with your needs and let you know exactly what is going on with your teeth. Best experience ever.
-Kym P.
My experience with Dr.Ferguson and her staff was phenomenal! From thorough oral cancer screening to personalized education, my experience was unique to any dentist I've been to in the past. I would recommend her and her team to anyone seeking above average dental care.
-Charis T.
Both Doctors Ferguson and Francis’ practice is first-rate. They are thorough and make the visit pleasant as possible. Great team of folks providing superior service. 👍👍👍👍