FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a tongue tie?

A tongue tie occurs when the tissue under the tongue (lingual frenulum) is tight or restrictive, limiting normal tongue movement and function.

What is a lip tie?

A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is overly restrictive and limits normal lip mobility.

Can lip and tongue ties affect speech?

Yes. Restricted tongue movement may impact articulation, speech clarity, and oral coordination in some children.

Can lip and tongue ties affect sleep and breathing?

Yes. Oral restrictions may contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, airway restriction, and poor sleep quality in some children.

Is the procedure painful?

Laser releases are typically very quick and well tolerated. Our advanced CO₂ laser technology allows for precise treatment with minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and faster healing compared to traditional methods.

When should my child be evaluated?

If you notice feeding challenges, speech concerns, sleep issues, mouth breathing, or other oral function difficulties, an evaluation may be beneficial. Early identification and intervention often lead to better long-term outcomes.

At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, we believe successful treatment involves more than the procedure itself. Before recommending treatment, we often encourage a functional evaluation with providers such as:

Lactation consultants
Speech-language pathologists
Occupational therapists
Myofunctional therapists

Will my child need therapy before or after treatment?

Depending on your child’s age and specific needs, we may recommend working with a lactation consultant, speech therapist, occupational therapist, or myofunctional therapist before and after treatment to support improved function and healing.