Laser Dentistry
& TONGUE TIE TREATMENT
Treating Tongue Tie for Patients of All Ages
Our team is committed to the highest levels of advanced dentistry, providing the best treatments available with state-of-the-art technology to help our patients achieve their best oral and overall health.
We offer tongue tie releases for infants through adults using a LightScalpel CO2 laser procedure. Tongue tie is a condition that reduces the mobility of the tongue and causes health issues in patients of all ages, including breastfeeding problems in babies, behavioral issues in children, and breathing, sleeping, speech, and pain issues in people of all ages. For more info on the symptoms, risks, and treatments for tongue tie, scroll further down the page to our FAQ.
After proper diagnosis, releasing a tongue tie with the LightScalpel laser is a quick and gentle procedure that, in most cases, is bloodless and requires no sutures. Physical therapy can also be implemented in many situations, alone or in conjunction with laser surgery.
Dr. Favre always prioritizes making time in his schedule for continuing education courses in advanced dentistry. To stay apprised of current research and skilled in the best treatments for tongue tie, Dr. Favre completed the Tongue Tied Academy’s courses as well as completed hands-on training with Dr Richard Baxter of the Alabama Tongue-Tie Center, which is considered one of the preeminent centers in the nation for the treatment of tongue tie. Dr. Baxter is also the author of the book Tongue-Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More.
Advantages of the LightScalpel Laser
We are excited to provide our patients with treatments using the best soft tissue laser available. LightScalpel is an American-made CO2 laser that is FDA-approved for numerous soft tissue surgical procedures, including tongue-tie releases (frenectomy), gum recontouring (gingivectomy), unerupted tooth exposure, and more.
The LightScalpel laser offers many advantages over traditional surgical methods and in comparison with other common dental lasers, such as the diode laser. You’ll experience a shortened procedure time as the laser is very precise with better and faster cutting abilities and therefore less swelling, discomfort, minimized bleeding, reduced risk of infection, and smoother recovery.
BREASTFEEDING
SOLUTIONS
Tongue tie releases have been shown to improve a baby’s breastfeeding ability and overall health by enabling a better latch and reducing discomfort during feeding.
The Inspiration
“During my dental residency, one of my co-residents had a son that he took to Dr. Richard Baxter for a tongue tie release. He shared the experience with me and the other co-residents, but we all felt skeptical because tongue tie procedures were barely even mentioned in dental school. However, it planted a seed in my brain.
Years later, when my wife was experiencing pain while breastfeeding and my baby daughter was making a clicking noise, the memories of my co-resident’s story came back to me. This set me on a pathway of education into tongue ties so I could help my daughter get treatment. When my second daughter was also born with a tongue tie, I was able to recognize the signs even earlier and bring her to Dr. Suzie Hayden, a well-respected pediatric dentist in San Antonio who used a CO2 Lightscapel laser, the same one I now use, to correct the tie.
When I moved back home to open my practice on the Mississippi Coast, I realized no one was performing tongue tie releases in our area. After talking with lactation consultants locally, I found out that most of the tied babies were being sent over an hour away to Hattiesburg. This was the final step in motivating me to seek advanced education, training, and certification in tongue tie treatments. I’m proud to offer this service and perform the highest quality revisions with a five star experience for moms and babies.”
– TRACE FAVRE, DDS, FAGD
Our Partnership with Faceology
We have partnered with Faceology to offer virtual physical therapy programs that you can do from the comfort of your own home in just 10 minutes a day. These programs can bring relief to our patients with tongue tie, as well as patients who suffer from sleep apnea, snoring, jaw pain, headaches, or issues associated with mouth breathing.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy, for your face. It’s designed to restore proper breathing and oral function through simple exercises focused on the muscles of the mouth, face, head, and neck.
With Faceology’s myofunctional therapy programs, you can achieve better quality sleep, stop headaches and jaw pain, increase energy levels, and improve effectiveness of CPAPs, orthodontics, oral appliances, and more.
Tongue Tie FAQ
What is tongue tie?
Tongue-tie is a condition that reduces the mobility of the tongue, and some people are born with it. With tongue tie, the band of tissue that connects the bottom of your tongue to the floor of the mouth (a.k.a. the lingual frenulum) is restrictive in some manner. It may be too short, too tight, too thick, or it may connect in an abnormal place in the mouth.
How do I know if I, or my child, have tongue tie?
A dentist is the best person to diagnose this condition and help you identify any problems that it may be causing. However, you may already be aware of breathing, eating, or speaking issues. Or you may notice that if your mouth is wide open, you are unable to lift your tongue and touch the back of your top teeth.
Could I have tongue tie and not be aware of it?
It’s certainly possible, especially if you have a mild case. You may have adapted to living with it and made adjustments in the way you breathe, speak, and eat. However, it still could be affecting your health in ways that you don’t realize are related to your tongue tie. Some problems may worsen over time.
How does tongue tie affect infants?
Tongue tie can have a major impact on a baby’s ability to breastfeed and sleep properly. Early diagnosis and treatment can correct issues before they get worse.
How does tongue tie affect children?
Tongue tie problems can show up in a variety of ways in children. They may be unable to chew age-appropriate foods or have problems with gagging or choking on food. There could be speech, dental, and breathing problems as well as behaviorial issues that can be resolved with tongue tie treatment.
How does tongue tie affect adults?
To compensate for years of inadequate tongue mobility, adults have typically developed many bad habits (consciously or subconsciously) to try to live with the challenges of tongue tie. Adults often experience problems with speech, eating, or breathing, and they may develop issues such as sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, headaches, protrusion of the lower jaw, and more. Tongue tie can also make it harder to maintain proper oral hygiene self-care, because it can make brushing all areas of the mouth difficult. Some activities, such as kissing or playing wind instruments may be affected. Left untreated, it can worsen over time and have a major impact on quality of life.
Is it too late for me to fix my tongue tie?
It’s never too late to seek treatment. In fact, it’s not uncommon for someone to reach adulthood not realizing they have been dealing with tongue tie their entire life. However, the earlier tongue tie is corrected, the fewer issues this condition will likely cause. Depending on your particular needs, surgery may be the best treatment option for you. Surgery with the LightScalpel CO2 laser is a minimally invasive procedure that is quick and gentle. Additionally, tongue tie exercises (i.e. physical therapy) also can help patients improve tongue control and alleviate symptoms. Our partner, Faceology, is a myofunctional therapy group that provides virtual care to patients in need of oral facial muscle therapy.
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121 E. Second St.
Pass Christian, MS 39571
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(228) 254-1212
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Open Hours
M-Th: 8am-3pm
Fri: By Appointment
Sat-Sun: Closed