tongue tie treatment
oklahoma city OK
Tongue-tie and lip-tie can affect feeding, speech, and oral development. At Oklahoma Smiles, Dr. Hulsey offers minimally invasive laser treatment for infants and children in Oklahoma City.
Understanding
Tongue-Tie &
Lip-Tie
Tongue-tie, clinically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the lingual frenum, the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can interfere with a variety of functions depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the restriction.
Lip-tie refers to a similar condition affecting the labial frenum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. When this tissue is too tight, it can restrict lip movement and create challenges with breastfeeding, oral hygiene, and spacing of the front teeth. Both tongue-tie and lip-tie can occur together or independently.
Dr. James Hulsey is specifically trained to evaluate and treat tongue-tie and lip-tie in infants and children using Solea laser dentistry. Oklahoma Smiles is one of a limited number of practices in the Oklahoma City metro area offering this specialized care, making it a meaningful resource for local families seeking a diagnosis and a treatment path.
How to Know If
Your Child May
Have Tongue-Tie
In infants, tongue-tie most commonly presents as difficulty breastfeeding. Signs include trouble latching or maintaining a latch, clicking sounds during feeding, poor weight gain, and nipple pain or damage for nursing mothers. A baby who is not feeding efficiently due to tongue-tie may also show signs of frustration, gassiness, or colic.
In older children, tongue-tie may affect speech — particularly the production of sounds that require the tongue to move freely, such as “l,” “r,” “t,” “d,” “n,” and “th.” Children may also have difficulty licking, sticking their tongue out past their lower teeth, or moving their tongue side to side. Some children compensate naturally, while others benefit from a release to address these functional limitations.
Laser Frenectomy & Frenotomy at Oklahoma Smiles
Step 1: Evaluation & Diagnosis
Dr. Hulsey begins with a thorough evaluation of the frenum tissue and a review of your child’s symptoms and history. He will assess the degree of restriction, discuss how it is affecting your child’s function, and explain whether a release is recommended. If a release is indicated, he will walk you through the procedure in detail so you feel fully prepared before any treatment begins.
Step 2: Laser Release Procedure
The frenectomy or frenotomy is performed using the Solea CO2 laser, which precisely releases the restrictive tissue without the need for scalpels or sutures. The laser cauterizes as it works, which significantly reduces bleeding. The procedure is quick, typically completed in a matter of minutes, and the laser’s precision minimizes discomfort and tissue trauma compared to traditional surgical techniques.
Step 3: Recovery & Follow-Up
Because the Solea laser promotes faster tissue healing than traditional methods, most patients experience a quicker and more comfortable recovery. Dr. Hulsey will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including any stretching exercises recommended to prevent reattachment of the tissue. He will schedule a follow-up visit to confirm healing is progressing well and address any questions or concerns.
The Advantage of
Laser Treatment
for Tongue-Tie
Traditional tongue-tie and lip-tie releases performed with scissors or a scalpel are effective but involve more bleeding, greater tissue trauma, and a longer recovery period. Laser treatment using the Solea CO2 system offers a significantly more precise and gentle alternative. Because the laser seals tissue as it cuts, there is minimal bleeding, and no sutures are required.
Many families seek out laser frenectomy specifically because of the reduced recovery time and the gentler experience for their child. Dr. Hulsey’s Solea LEAP Certification reflects his advanced training and proficiency with the laser system, and his experience with tongue-tie procedures gives families the confidence of working with a provider who performs these releases regularly.
Tongue-Tie Treatment at Oklahoma Smiles
- Laser frenectomy and frenotomy for tongue-tie and lip-tie
- Performed with Solea CO2 laser; no scalpel, no sutures
- Minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and faster healing
- Dr. James Hulsey is Solea LEAP Certified with specialized tongue-tie training
- One of a limited number of providers offering this care in Oklahoma City
Schedule Your
Tongue-Tie
Evaluation
If you suspect your infant or child may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie, the first step is a thorough evaluation with Dr. Hulsey. Many families wait longer than necessary because they aren’t sure where to turn or whether the issue warrants treatment. Dr. Hulsey will give you a clear, honest assessment, and will only recommend a release if he genuinely believes it will make a meaningful difference for your child.
Oklahoma Smiles sees patients of all ages for tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluations, from newborns struggling with breastfeeding to older children or adults whose symptoms were never addressed. No matter where your child is in that spectrum, Dr. Hulsey will take the time to understand the full picture before making a recommendation.
To schedule a tongue-tie evaluation at our Oklahoma City office, fill out our online form or give us a call. We look forward to helping your child get the relief and function they need.
WHAT YOU GET WITH EVERY VISIT TO OKLAHOMA SMILES
Lasting
Results
Genuine
Care
Advanced
Technology
FAQS
Is laser tongue-tie treatment safe for infants?
Yes. Laser frenectomy using the Solea CO2 system is a safe and well-established treatment for infants and young children. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and causes significantly less tissue trauma than traditional surgical methods. Dr. Hulsey will evaluate your infant thoroughly before recommending any treatment and will walk you through the procedure in detail so you feel fully informed and comfortable before moving forward.
What is the difference between a frenectomy and a frenotomy?
A frenotomy is a simple release of the frenum tissue; a small incision to relieve the restriction and improve range of motion. A frenectomy involves the complete removal of the frenum tissue. The appropriate procedure depends on the severity of the restriction and the functional goals of treatment. Dr. Hulsey will determine which approach is indicated for your child during the evaluation and explain his recommendation before proceeding.