Tongue Ties & Frenectomies at Anthem Dental & Implants

Does your child struggle with feeding, speech, or sleep—or do you experience jaw tension, snoring, or difficulty with speech clarity? You’re not alone—tongue ties often go undiagnosed for years, affecting both children and adults in ways that can impact feeding, speech, sleep, and overall oral health.
At Anthem Dental & Implants, we treat tongue ties and perform frenectomies using a holistic dentist approach that considers the entire body. Through biological dentistry, we aim to identify root causes and provide gentle, minimally invasive treatments that promote long-term function and balance.
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What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie (also called ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth where the band of tissue under the tongue—known as the frenulum—is too tight, thick, or short. This restriction can limit the tongue’s movement and affect important daily functions.
Tongue ties can impact both children and adults in different ways, often going undiagnosed for years.

Signs & Symptoms of a Tongue Tie

Tongue ties can present differently depending on age. Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms we look for during evaluation:
In Infants

  • Difficulty breastfeeding or poor latch
  • Clicking sounds while feeding
  • Slow weight gain
  • Fussiness during feeding

In Children

  • Speech difficulties or delayed speech development
  • Trouble pronouncing certain sounds (like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r”)
  • Difficulty sticking out the tongue
  • Challenges with eating certain foods

In Adults

  • Jaw tension or discomfort
  • Difficulty with speech clarity
  • Sleep issues, including mouth breathing or snoring
  • Gum recession or oral hygiene challenges

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple, quick procedure that releases the tight frenulum to restore proper tongue movement.
At Anthem Dental & Implants, we use advanced techniques—often including laser technology—to perform frenectomies with precision and minimal discomfort.

Benefits of a Frenectomy

Releasing a tongue tie can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, including:

  • Improved breastfeeding for infants
  • Clearer speech development
  • Better oral function (eating, swallowing, speaking)
  • Reduced jaw and muscle tension
  • Improved sleep and breathing patterns
  • Easier oral hygiene and reduced risk of gum issues

What to Expect During the Procedure

A frenectomy is:

  • Quick – often completed in just a few minutes
  • Minimally invasive – especially with laser treatment
  • Comfortable – little to no bleeding or stitches in most cases
  • Fast healing – most patients recover quickly

For infants, the procedure is typically done without general anesthesia. For older children and adults, we ensure comfort with appropriate numbing options.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery is generally smooth and straightforward. Patients may experience mild soreness for a short period.
We provide clear aftercare instructions, which may include:

  • Gentle stretching exercises
  • Pain management recommendations
  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing

In some cases, we may recommend working with a lactation consultant or speech therapist for optimal results.

Is a Frenectomy Right for You or Your Child?

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms related to a tongue tie, a professional evaluation is the first step.
At Anthem Dental & Implants, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment—ensuring you receive the care that best supports long-term health and function.

Schedule a Consultation

If you suspect a tongue tie or want to learn more about frenectomy treatment, our team is here to help.
Contact Anthem Dental & Implants today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improved comfort, function, and confidence.
Request an Appointment