Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Treatment for Infants

Frequently Asked Questions – Kempsey Dental Centre

1. Why Was My Baby’s Tongue-Tie Not Identified Earlier?

Many parents wonder why their baby’s tongue-tie or lip-tie was not identified earlier by their doctor or health provider.

In most universities, tongue-tie and lip-tie assessment and treatment are not routinely taught as part of basic medical or dental degrees. Because of this, some health professionals may have limited experience assessing tongue function in babies, especially when signs are subtle.

For this reason, babies with feeding or functional concerns often benefit from assessment by a team familiar with tongue-tie, such as a dentist with additional training, a lactation consultant, and where appropriate, a body-work practitioner.

Why Kempsey Dental Centre?

After graduating with his dental degree, Dr Nathan Le completed additional training in dental laser use beginning in 2001. Over time, he also expanded his clinical focus into orthodontics and has performed frenectomies as part of orthodontic care since 2005.

In addition, Dr Le has completed formal training specific to the assessment and management of oral restrictions, including Foundation and Advanced Tongue Tie Institute courses covering infants, toddlers, children, and adults. He has also completed certified Waterlase laser training, where laser release is clinically indicated.

The Tongue Tie Institute is an Australian-based organisation that provides advanced education in tongue-tie and lip-tie assessment and management.

2. What Happens If Tongue-Tie Is Not Treated in Infants?

When tongue movement is restricted, normal tongue function can be affected. As a result, some babies experience feeding and comfort issues.

Depending on the baby and the degree of restriction, this may be associated with:

Difficulty latching or staying latched
Long or inefficient feeds
Clicking sounds during feeding
Milk leaking from the mouth
Poor weight gain in some babies
Reflux-like or colic-type symptoms

Importantly, not all babies with tongue-tie experience these issues. Feeding concerns are multifactorial, and tongue-tie is considered one possible contributing factor, not the only cause.

3. Is Tongue-Tie Treatment Always Necessary for Infants?

Tongue-tie treatment is not always necessary. However, when a tongue-tie affects normal tongue function, treatment may be considered.

Normal tongue movement plays an important role in:

Feeding
Swallowing
Early oral development
Supporting normal breathing patterns

When movement is restricted, some babies develop compensatory feeding patterns. Early assessment helps parents make informed decisions about whether treatment is appropriate for their child.

4. About Laser Frenectomy

4.1 Is Laser Better Than Scissors for Tongue-Tie Surgery?

The most important factor in any frenectomy is the training and experience of the clinician performing the procedure.

Dr Le has completed advanced training through the Tongue Tie Institute and has performed numerous tongue-tie and lip-tie releases for infants, children, and adults.

Compared with scissors, laser frenectomy:

Vaporises (ablates) tissue rather than cutting or crushing it
Helps seal small blood vessels, which reduces bleeding
Allows precise tissue release with minimal trauma

When an experienced clinician performs the procedure, laser frenectomy may support smoother healing.

4.2 Are All Dental Lasers the Same?

No. Different dental lasers serve different purposes.

For infants, the procedure needs to be quick, gentle, and precise, so babies can return to feeding shortly afterwards. The Waterlase iPlus 2.0 (Er,Cr:YSGG laser) produces minimal heat and shallow tissue penetration, which supports healing.

For this reason, Kempsey Dental Centre uses Waterlase technology for infant tongue-tie and lip-tie treatment.

4.3 Why Don’t All Clinics Use Laser?

Dental lasers:

Require specialised training
Are highly regulated
Represent a significant financial investment

While basic diode lasers are less expensive, Waterlase systems involve a much larger investment. After observing the clinical benefits for infants, Dr Le chose to use this technology to support patient care.

5. What Happens at a Tongue-Tie Appointment for Infants?

Before the Consultation

Before your visit, we provide parents with information to help them prepare. Many families have already seen a lactation consultant or body-work practitioner.

The Consultation

During the consultation, we assess tongue and lip function and explain aftercare in clear, practical terms.

The Procedure

Laser tongue-tie and lip-tie release is quick and effective. To maintain focus and safety, parents usually wait outside the procedure room.

After the Procedure

We encourage feeding shortly after the procedure, as feeding helps with comfort and settling.

Follow-Up

Our team contacts you the next working day
We provide a free 1-week review appointment to check healing

6. Is Anaesthetic Used for Infants?

We do not routinely use local anaesthetic for infants.

Immediate feeding after the procedure supports comfort and healing. Because anaesthetic can interfere with feeding, we often avoid its routine use.

In non-breastfed babies, the taste and numb sensation from anaesthetic may be more upsetting than the brief laser procedure itself. However, parents can request anaesthetic, and we discuss this during the consultation.

7. Will My Baby Need Pain Relief After Surgery?

For babies over one month of age, pain relief may be helpful, especially during the first few days.

We recommend:

Giving pain relief 30 minutes before the procedure
Giving pain relief before stretches, particularly in the first 24 hours
Using pain relief for up to 5 days only if needed

Parents may use Panadol Baby Drops according to weight-based dosing. If additional pain relief is required, Nurofen for Children may be used if age-appropriate.

8. How Long Will the Appointment Take?

The appointment usually takes up to one hour, including:

Consultation
Preparation
The procedure (typically 1–3 minutes)
Post-procedure feeding

Parents should bring a thick baby wrap and a bottle if the baby is not breastfeeding.

9. Is Tongue-Tie Treatment Covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover dental treatment.

For private health insurance, commonly used item numbers include:

014 – Consultation
391 – Frenectomy

Coverage depends on your individual policy.

10. What Aftercare Do You Provide?

We support families after treatment by:

Calling 1–2 days after the procedure
Providing a free 1-week review appointment

If you need additional support, please contact our clinic. In many cases, a lactation consultant is best placed to assess feeding function, which is why we encourage teamwork before and after treatment.

11. Are Stretching Exercises Required After Tongue-Tie Treatment?

Yes. Stretching helps reduce the risk of re-attachment during healing.