For many parents, the early days with a newborn are filled with love, discovery, and unexpected challenges. One of the most common yet often overlooked issues that can arise in infancy is feeding difficulty. If your baby is struggling to latch properly during breastfeeding or is unusually fussy after feedings, the root cause might be something you haven’t considered: a tongue tie.

At Floss Academy in Chicago, our board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Deric Truskoski and Dr. Amanda Shaffer, specialize in diagnosing and treating tongue ties with precision and compassion. We use state-of-the-art CO2 laser technology to perform gentle, minimally invasive tongue tie releases that can make an immediate and lasting difference for your child.

Whether your infant is struggling to breastfeed or your toddler is showing early signs of speech delay, a tongue tie release, also known as a frenectomy, could be the key to unlocking healthier, happier development.

Understanding Tongue Tie and Its Symptoms

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where the thin piece of tissue (the lingual frenulum) connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually short, tight, or thick. This tissue can restrict the tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult for a child to perform essential tasks like latching, swallowing, and speaking.

While some tongue ties are obvious, others are more subtle and may go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Unfortunately, these undiagnosed ties can lead to frustration for both baby and parent, especially during feedings. Common signs of a tongue tie include:

• Difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding
• Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
• Prolonged or frequent feeding sessions
• Inadequate weight gain
• Gassiness, reflux, or colic-like symptoms
• Irritability or fussiness during or after feedings
• Speech delays or unclear speech in toddlers and school-aged children

At Floss Academy, we take the time to evaluate your child carefully, not only to diagnose a tongue tie but also to rule out other causes of feeding or speech issues. We know how stressful this can be for parents, especially new moms, so we prioritize emotional reassurance along with expert clinical care.

What Happens During a Tongue Tie Release?

A tongue tie release, or frenectomy, is a minor procedure that involves cutting or vaporizing the restrictive frenulum tissue to allow for better tongue mobility. While the concept may sound intimidating, the procedure is quick, safe, and relatively painless, especially when performed using advanced CO2 laser technology. At Floss Academy, we’ve invested in top-tier laser equipment that offers numerous benefits over traditional surgical methods:

• Minimally invasive: No need for scalpels or sutures, unlike with traditional dental tools
• Reduced bleeding and infection risk: The laser sterilizes as it cuts through tissue, destroying bacteria and sealing the area
  Faster healing: Most babies experience minimal discomfort post-procedure, and can go back to nursing or bottle feeding immediately
• Precision: The laser allows for exact targeting of tissue, minimizing trauma
• Immediate improvement: Many infants show better feeding ability to latch to the breast right after the release

The entire process typically takes just a few minutes, and we encourage parents to be present for comfort and support. In most cases, babies can feed immediately after the procedure, which allows for a natural reassessment of their latch and sucking ability.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for a Frenectomy?

While tongue tie releases can also be performed by other providers such as ENT specialists or lactation consultants, there are unique advantages to choosing a board-certified pediatric dentist like Dr. Truskoski or Dr. Shaffer. Pediatric dentists have specialized training in the oral anatomy, growth patterns, and behavioral needs of infants and children, making them uniquely qualified to perform these procedures with accuracy and care.

At Floss Academy, we take a whole-child approach that focuses not just on the tongue tie itself but also on your child’s long-term oral, developmental, and emotional health. Here’s what sets our practice apart:

• Extensive experience in diagnosing and treating tongue and lip ties in infants, toddlers, and young children
• Collaborative care model involving pediatricians, lactation consultants, and speech-language pathologists
• Family-centered environment where comfort, understanding, and support are prioritized
• Comprehensive dental services, from sedation options to emergency care, available under one roof

Our goal is to make your experience as smooth, informative, and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re here for an evaluation or a procedure, we’re committed to treating your family with empathy, respect, and the highest standard of care.

Life After Tongue Tie Treatment

Many parents report a dramatic improvement in their baby’s ability to feed within hours or days of the procedure. Others notice more gradual changes as healing progresses and post-treatment exercises are incorporated. Common benefits following a tongue tie release include:

• More effective and comfortable breastfeeding
• Shorter and more productive feeding sessions
• Reduction in reflux, gassiness, and fussiness
  Improved weight gain and better sleep patterns
  Clearer speech and articulation as children grow

That said, the frenectomy is only one part of the treatment journey. To ensure the best outcomes, we provide comprehensive aftercare, including:

• Instruction and demonstrations for tongue stretching exercises to prevent reattachment
• Follow-up support to monitor healing and progress
• Referrals to trusted local providers for lactation consulting, speech therapy, or myofunctional therapy if needed

Our team remains available to answer questions and guide you through the weeks following the procedure. You’re not just getting a one-time treatment for your child at our office. Rather, you’re gaining a supportive care team dedicated to your child’s long-term health and development.

Contact Us for Expert Tongue Tie Release in Chicago

If you suspect your child may have a tongue tie or you’ve already been advised to seek treatment by your pediatrician, don’t wait to reach out. The earlier a tongue tie is addressed, the sooner your child can experience the benefits of easier feeding, improved comfort, and better developmental support.

At Floss Academy Pediatric Dentistry in Chicago, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. From initial evaluation to post-procedure follow-up, you’ll receive personalized care tailored to your child’s age, anatomy, and unique needs.

Call us today at (312) 584-0447 to schedule a consultation or learn more about laser tongue tie release. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We’re here to support you with expert care and a compassionate touch.