Finding out your child needs a procedure can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process is the first step toward a happier, healthier baby. If you have been searching for a professional to perform a tongue tie release in Santa Clarita, you are likely looking for answers about what actually happens during the appointment.
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the small band of tissue under the tongue is too short or thick. This can make it hard for infants to nurse or for older children to speak and eat. A release, often called a frenectomy, is a quick way to give the tongue the freedom it needs to move correctly.
Understanding the Tongue Tie Procedure
The process is much more straightforward than most parents imagine. It is a routine treatment designed to improve your child’s quality of life immediately. When you look for a tongue tie release near you, the goal is to find a team that prioritizes both precision and your child’s comfort.
The procedure usually takes less than five minutes. While it is technically a surgical procedure, it is minimally invasive. Most modern offices use advanced technology to ensure a safe tongue-tie release for infants and children with minimal downtime.
Steps of the Release Process
Every child is different, but most pediatric dental offices follow a similar, proven path to ensure success:
- Consultation: The dentist checks how well the tongue moves and asks about feeding or speech problems.
- Numbing: Local anaesthetic may be used in older children. A mild topical numbing gel is used by many providers for infants.
- The Release: The dentist quickly snips any restricting tissue with a medical laser or specialized sterile instruments.
- Immediate Aftercare: Often, the babies are allowed to breastfeed or bottle-feed immediately after the procedure for reassurance.
Laser vs. Traditional Methods
Many parents seeking tongue-tie surgery near you prefer the laser method. Using a laser often results in less bleeding and faster healing. Because the laser seals the tissue as it works, there is rarely a need for stitches. A pediatric dentist in Santa Clarita will typically choose the method that best fits your child’s specific anatomy. Regardless of the tool used, the objective is to create a functional diamond-shaped wound that allows the tongue to lift toward the roof of the mouth.
Healing and Recovery Stages
| Stage | What to Expect |
| First 24 Hours | Some fussiness or mild soreness; baby may need extra cuddles. |
| Days 1 to 3 | A small white or yellow patch (the healing scab) forms under the tongue. |
| Week 1 to 3 | Stretches are performed to prevent the tissue from reattaching. |
| 1 Month | The area is fully healed with improved tongue mobility. |
Life After the Procedure
The recovery period is usually very short. However, the work doesn’t always end when you leave the pediatric dental office near you. To ensure the tongue does not return to its original position, your dentist will show you simple “stretches.”
These exercises involve gently lifting the tongue a few times a day. For infants, this helps them “relearn” how to suckle using their new range of motion. Older children might benefit from seeing a speech therapist to practice new ways of making previously complex sounds.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Early intervention can keep multiple issues at bay that a tongue tie causes. For babies, this means increased weight gain and less gas from swallowed air. It means a more comfortable nursing experience for mothers. As children get older, a released tongue tie leads to better oral hygiene and clearer speech.
Conclusion
Smile Republic knows that you want your child to be at ease with us. It is our objective to give gentle, expert care to families in our community. If you’re worried about your child’s oral development, however, we will help guide you through it and make it as easy as possible. Please visit us to learn more about our services or book an appointment today to see how we can help your little one smile brighter.
👶 Gentle tongue-tie care for little ones – click here for directions to Smile Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the procedure painful for my baby?
Most babies experience only momentary discomfort. Because the tissue being released has very few nerve endings, the “snip” is very fast. Using a laser further minimizes any pain.
- How soon can my child eat after surgery?
Almost immediately! In fact, feeding right after the procedure is often recommended as it soothes the child and shows them how much easier it is to move their tongue.
- Will the tongue tie grow back?
If the post-procedure stretches are followed as directed, it is rare for the tissue to reattach. Consistency with aftercare is the key to a permanent result.
- How do I know if my child needs a release?
Common symptoms include clicking when feeding, failure to gain weight, and inability to stick the tongue out past the lips. Being certain is best left to a professional assessment.
