Tongue Tie Release

An adult tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum - the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is unusually short or tight. This restriction can limit tongue movement, leading to various health and functional issues such as difficulties with speech, eating, oral hygiene, and even breathing.

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie

Identifying a tongue tie involves observing the following symptoms:

• Difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth.
• Trouble sticking the tongue out beyond the lower front teeth.
• A notched or heart-shaped appearance of the tongue when extended.
• Chronic discomfort or soreness in the tongue.
• Speech difficulties and articulation problems.
• Increased risk of oral health issues like gingivitis due to challenges in maintaining oral hygiene.
• Breathing issues such as snoring and sleep apnea.

Diagnostic and Treatment Options

If you suspect you have a tongue tie, a thorough examination by a qualified dentist is essential. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, Dr. Alena Yurchuk specializes in diagnosing and treating tongue tie. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Physical Examination and Functional Tests: Dr. Yurchuk will perform a visual inspection (at our dental office in London, Ontario) and palpation of the frenulum, assess tongue mobility, and possibly recommend imaging techniques for detailed analysis.
• Myofunctional Therapy: This involves exercises to strengthen the tongue and surrounding muscles, improving overall oral function. It is particularly effective in conjunction with surgical treatments. To learn more about it, please refer to our Myofunctional Therapy service page.
• Speech Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can help improve tongue mobility and speech clarity through targeted exercises, beneficial for those with compensatory speech patterns due to tongue tie.
• Surgical Treatments:
  • Frenotomy: A minor procedure that involves snipping the frenulum to release the tongue. It is quick, often done without general anesthesia, and has minimal recovery time.
  • Frenectomy or Frenuloplasty: These procedures are more extensive, involving the removal or modification of the frenulum using surgical tools or lasers. These treatments are typically done under general anesthesia, ensuring precise and controlled results.
• Combination Therapy: For optimal outcomes, combining surgical and therapeutic approaches ensures structural correction and functional improvement.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Release

The benefits of undergoing tongue tie release include:

• Enhanced speech and articulation.
• Improved ability to eat and swallow comfortably.
• Better oral hygiene and reduced risk of dental issues.
• Relief from breathing difficulties and improved sleep quality.
• Reduced chronic pain and muscle tension in the facial and neck areas.

Why Choose Blue Heron Dental Centre?

At Blue Heron Dental Centre in London, Ontario, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalized dental care. Dr. Alena Yurchuk and our experienced team utilize techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you require a simple frenotomy or a more complex frenuloplasty, we are here to support you through every step of your treatment journey.

For more detailed information about the benefits and procedures involved in tongue tie release, read our article on Tongue Tie in Adults.

Contact Us

For more information about our Tongue Tie Release services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office directly. At Blue Heron Dental Centre, your health and well-being are our top priorities.