When a baby or child has difficulty breastfeeding, speaking, or eating, a tongue tie may be the cause. This condition occurs when the thin piece of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is too tight or short, restricting normal movement. At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle, effective tongue tie surgery in Lafayette, LA, using modern techniques to help children feed, grow, and thrive.
Led by Dr. Hannah B. Noto, our board-certified pediatric dentist, we take a compassionate, family-focused approach to tongue tie evaluations and treatment. Our goal is to support both parents and children, ensuring every step is safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, happens when the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too restrictive. This can limit tongue movement and lead to challenges at different stages of development.
Common issues caused by tongue ties include:
- In infants — Difficulty latching, prolonged feedings, poor weight gain, or discomfort for breastfeeding mothers.
- In toddlers and older children — Trouble with speech clarity, limited tongue mobility, or difficulty eating certain foods.
- In general oral health — Restricted tongue movement can sometimes contribute to bite problems or gum recession.
While not every tongue tie requires treatment, early evaluation helps families understand their options.
Why Tongue Tie Surgery May Be Needed
Tongue tie surgery, also called a frenectomy, may be recommended if the restriction is affecting your child’s feeding, speech, or oral health. Benefits of treatment include:
- Improved feeding — Babies often breastfeed more effectively and gain weight more easily.
- Easier speech development — Free tongue movement supports clearer pronunciation as kids learn to talk.
- Better oral function — Children can eat a wider variety of foods and move their tongues comfortably.
- Healthier smiles — Proper tongue movement contributes to normal oral development.
Addressing tongue ties early can make daily life easier for both children and parents.
What to Expect During a Tongue Tie Evaluation
At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we know that parents want clear answers and reassurance. During a tongue tie evaluation, you can expect:
- Discussion of symptoms — We’ll review your child’s feeding, speech, or developmental concerns.
- Gentle exam — Dr. Noto examines the tongue and frenulum to determine if restriction is present.
- Careful guidance — We’ll discuss whether treatment is recommended or if continued monitoring is best.
- Family-centered approach — Parents are included in every step of the decision-making process.
Our goal is to help families feel informed and supported — never rushed.
The Frenectomy Procedure
Tongue tie surgery is a simple, safe procedure that typically takes only a few minutes. At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced techniques and gentle care to ensure the best possible experience.
Here’s how a typical frenectomy works:
- Comfort measures — For infants, the procedure may be completed with minimal anesthesia. For older children, local anesthetic or nitrous oxide may be used.
- Precise treatment — The frenulum is carefully released using sterile tools or a dental laser, allowing the tongue to move freely.
- Quick recovery — Most children can feed or drink right after the procedure.
- Aftercare instructions — We provide simple stretches or exercises to support healing and prevent reattachment.
Parents are often surprised at how quick and smooth the procedure is — and how soon they notice improvements in their child’s feeding or function.
Benefits of Laser Tongue Tie Surgery
Many pediatric dentists, including Dr. Noto, use modern laser technology to perform frenectomies. Compared to traditional methods, lasers offer several advantages:
- Minimal discomfort — Lasers reduce the need for anesthesia and shorten recovery time.
- Less bleeding — The laser seals tissue as it works.
- Lower risk of infection — The precision of the laser minimizes tissue trauma.
- Faster healing — Children often bounce back quickly and can resume normal feeding the same day.
Laser frenectomies are safe, effective, and especially well-suited for infants and young children.
Life After Tongue Tie Surgery
Parents often notice immediate improvements after a frenectomy. For infants, breastfeeding can become easier and more comfortable, while older children may experience better mobility and speech over time.
Some children may also benefit from follow-up support, such as:
- Lactation consultations — To help infants and mothers adjust to improved feeding.
- Speech therapy — For older kids needing extra guidance as they adapt to greater tongue mobility.
- Regular dental checkups — To ensure the mouth is developing properly after treatment.
At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we partner with parents to make sure healing is smooth and outcomes are positive.
Why Families Trust Park Pediatric Dentistry
Families across Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, and surrounding Acadiana communities choose us for tongue tie treatment because:
- Pediatric expertise — Dr. Noto has advanced training in children’s oral health and development.
- Family-focused care — We include parents in every step, offering reassurance and guidance.
- Gentle techniques — With options like laser surgery and nitrous oxide, procedures are quick and comfortable.
- Comprehensive support — From diagnosis to aftercare, we walk with families through the entire process.
Our goal is to make sure both children and parents feel cared for — before, during, and after treatment.
Schedule a Tongue Tie Evaluation in Lafayette Today
If your baby struggles with breastfeeding or your child has difficulty speaking or eating, a tongue tie may be the cause. At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle, effective tongue tie surgery in Lafayette, LA, helping families overcome challenges and thrive.
Schedule your child’s evaluation today and see why families throughout Acadiana trust Dr. Hannah B. Noto for compassionate, expert pediatric dental care.