Tongue Tie treatment for Infants FAQs, asked by parents in relation to Infant tongue tied and lip tied revision visit.
1. Why didn’t my doctor tell me my child has tongue tie? Why Best Western Dental Centre?
Diagnosis and treatment of tongue and lip ties are not commonly included in standard medical or dental university training. This means your GP, paediatrician, or general dentist may not have received formal education on how to identify or manage tongue ties.
Dr Nathan Le, principal dentist at Best Western Dental Centre, has undergone extensive post-graduate training in laser dentistry (since 2001) and orthodontics (since 2005), with advanced training in functional frenectomy techniques through the Tongue Tie Institute—a world leader in tongue tie education.
2. What happens if we don’t treat tongue tie in infants?
A tongue tie can lead to long-term functional challenges:
Infancy: Difficulty breastfeeding, colic, reflux
Childhood: Speech issues, mouth breathing, narrow jaw, and crooked teeth
Adulthood: Snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea, poor posture, head and neck tension
3. Does every tongue tie need treatment?
Only if the tongue tie affects function. If your baby struggles with latching, feeding, or has signs of restricted tongue movement, treatment is likely beneficial. Tongue function is critical for jaw and airway development, speech, posture, and more.
4. About Laser Treatment
4.1 Is laser better than scissors?
Yes, especially when performed by an experienced operator like Dr Le. Our Waterlase iPlus 2.0 laser vaporises tissue gently without crushing or cutting, sealing nerve endings to reduce pain and minimising bleeding.
4.2 Are all lasers the same?
No. Dr Le uses a Waterlase – Waterlase iPlus 2 – laser for infant frenectomy due to its precision, minimal heat, and faster healing outcomes compared to diode lasers or scissors.
4.3 Why don’t all clinics use laser?
Laser technology requires specialised training and substantial investment. Our Waterlase system cost over $100,000—a decision made to provide optimal care.
5. What happens at the appointment?
Before the Consultation
You’ll receive consent forms and post-op instructions via email. We strongly recommend an assessment from a Lactation Consultant or Osteopath/Chiropractor experienced with infants.
The Consultation
A full oral functional assessment is completed. If treatment is advised, we will explain the steps and aftercare.
The Procedure
Baby is swaddled
One staff member holds the head
Another gently opens the jaw
Dr Le performs the laser release
We prefer parents wait outside the room during the procedure
Post-Treatment Feed
You are reunited immediately after for a private feed (breast or bottle). This comforts the baby and helps begin functional recovery.
Follow-Up
We call you the next working day
Free 1-week review at Best Western Dental Centre
6. Is anaesthetic used?
We usually do not use anaesthetic for infants. It can interfere with breastfeeding and often causes more distress than the laser itself. Most babies settle within 1 minute post-surgery.
Anaesthetic can be used if parents request it.
7. Will my baby need pain relief after?
Yes, if your baby is over 1 month.
Give Panadol Baby Drops 30 mins before surgery and before each stretch for Day 1
Use up to 5 days if needed. If a fifth dose is needed within 24 hrs, substitute with Nurofen for Children, if your child is over 3 months old.
Follow dosage by baby’s weight
8. How long does the appointment take?
Allow up to 1 hour, including:
Oral function assessment
Procedure: a few minutes
Post-op feeding
Bring a thick baby wrap and bottle (if not breastfeeding).
9. Is this covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover dental. Check your private health fund. Common item codes:
014: Consultation
391: Frenectomy
10. What is involved in aftercare?
A phone follow-up in 1-2 days
Free 1-week in-clinic review
Ongoing support via phone
We strongly advise seeing a Lactation Consultant post-surgery to ensure functional improvement.
11. Will I need to do stretches?
Yes.
Stretch for 3 seconds every 5 hours for 4 weeks
Then massage gently 3x daily for another 2 weeks.
A white diamond-shaped healing patch is normal and may last up to 2 weeks.
12. Do I need to do anything else?
Supportive therapy helps healing. We recommend:
Dr Reena Murray – Osteopath & Lactation Consultant
(02) 4655 5588
Shop 10/180-186 Argyle St, Camden
Sharon (Blissful Babies) – Lactation Consultant
Phone: 0400 673 881
Tongue Tie treatment for Infants FAQs above should answer all the questions you may have. If you still have questions, please call Best Western Dental Centre on 02 4731 4655
Dr Nathan Le also offer this treatment at Kempsey Dental Centre