At JW Dentistry, we believe that a healthy smile starts with comfort and function — and that includes the way your tongue moves.
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the thin tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is too tight or thick. This restriction can make it difficult to eat, speak, or even breathe comfortably. Using gentle, laser-assisted precision, Dr. Joon Woo Sohn offers tongue tie treatment that improves mobility, function, and overall oral health — often in just one short visit.What Is A Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie happens when the frenulum beneath the tongue does not separate properly during early development. This can limit how far the tongue can move, affecting a variety of daily activities. While the condition is often noticed in infants who have difficulty breastfeeding, it can persist into childhood or adulthood if left untreated.
In infants, a tongue tie may interfere with proper feeding and cause frustration for both the baby and the mother. Older children may struggle with speech development or difficulty swallowing, and adults may experience discomfort, restricted movement, or even oral hygiene challenges.
Signs Of A Tongue Tie
Because the symptoms can vary by age and severity, it’s important to know what to look for. Common signs include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or maintaining a latch in infants
- Prolonged feeding times or clicking sounds during feeding
- Challenges with swallowing, speech, or pronunciation in children and adults
- Inability to stick out the tongue past the lower front teeth
- Discomfort or tightness under the tongue when eating or speaking
- Gum recession or spacing issues caused by tension
If you suspect that you or your child may have a tongue tie, Dr. Sohn can perform a quick, gentle examination to determine whether treatment is recommended.
Laser Frenectomy: A Modern, Gentle Solution
At JW Dentistry, we treat tongue ties using advanced laser dentistry — a state-of-the-art technique that replaces scalpels and sutures with gentle light energy. This procedure, called a frenectomy, releases the tight frenulum and restores natural tongue mobility.
Laser frenectomy offers several advantages over traditional surgery:
- Precise and gentle removal of restrictive tissue
- Minimal discomfort and reduced need for anesthesia
- Little to no bleeding during the procedure
- Shorter healing time and lower risk of infection
- Smoother results with minimal swelling or scarring
Because the laser simultaneously seals tissue as it works, patients — even infants — often experience immediate improvement in comfort and function.
Tongue Tie Treatment For Infants
A tongue tie can cause significant feeding challenges for babies, including difficulty latching, prolonged nursing sessions, or poor weight gain. It can also lead to discomfort for nursing mothers. By gently releasing the frenulum with laser technology, Dr. Sohn helps babies feed more effectively and comfortably.
The procedure is quick, typically lasting only a few minutes. Most infants can feed immediately afterward, which both soothes the area and helps reinforce proper tongue movement. Parents often notice improvements in feeding patterns, reduced fussiness, and greater overall comfort within hours of treatment.
Tongue Tie Treatment For Children & Adults
While tongue ties are most commonly treated in infancy, older children and adults can benefit greatly from laser frenectomy as well. Untreated tongue ties can contribute to speech difficulties, restricted oral motion, and even tension in the jaw and neck.
For children, improving tongue movement can enhance speech clarity and oral coordination. For adults, it can make eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene more comfortable. Dr. Sohn uses a gentle, precise approach tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a smooth, fast recovery and long-lasting results.
What To Expect During & After Treatment
Before your procedure, Dr. Sohn will discuss your concerns and perform a thorough exam to determine the best treatment plan. A local anesthetic is applied if needed, and the laser is used to release the tight frenulum in a matter of minutes. Most patients report little to no discomfort, and bleeding is minimal due to the laser’s sealing properties.
After treatment, mild tenderness is normal for a day or two, but recovery is typically fast. Infants can nurse immediately; older patients may be advised to perform simple stretching exercises to maintain mobility as the area heals. With proper care, most patients heal completely within a few days and notice an immediate improvement in tongue movement.
Benefits Of Laser Tongue Tie Treatment
Laser-assisted treatment offers a modern, patient-friendly solution that improves both comfort and results. Key benefits include:
- Improved feeding and swallowing for infants
- Enhanced speech clarity and tongue movement for children and adults
- Minimal discomfort, swelling, or bleeding
- Faster healing and reduced infection risk
- Long-lasting functional and cosmetic results
Experience Advanced, Compassionate Care At JW Dentistry
At JW Dentistry in La Mirada, CA, your family’s comfort and care come first. Dr. Joon Woo Sohn combines advanced laser technology with years of experience and over 100 hours of continuing education each year to ensure you receive the safest, most effective treatment available. His gentle, patient-centered approach makes tongue tie treatment simple, stress-free, and rewarding for patients of all ages.
If you suspect you or your child may have a tongue tie, don’t wait to get help. Schedule your consultation with JW Dentistry today — and discover how modern, minimally invasive dentistry can make every smile more functional, comfortable, and confident.