Will a Tongue Tie Release Hurt My Baby?

If your baby has been diagnosed with a tongue tie or lip tie, you may be concerned about whether a release procedure is painful. Dr. Gregory Levitin at NYC Tongue Tie in Midtown Manhattan offers a gentle, effective approach to address tongue and lip ties in infants, designed with your baby’s comfort and long-term health in mind. Using a quick, virtually pain-free release technique, Dr. Levitin ensures that your baby experiences minimal discomfort, allowing for an immediate return to normal feeding and comfort.

Understanding Infant Tongue Tie Release

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the lip to the upper gum, is too tight or short, restricting movement. This condition can cause challenges with breastfeeding, speech, and oral development. Early treatment, ideally during infancy, is the best way to address these issues. Dr. Levitin’s procedure for tongue tie release is a fast, straightforward process that typically takes no more than 10 minutes. Often, parents can hold their newborn during the procedure, providing comfort and reassurance to both the baby and parent.

The release involves gently loosening the tight tissue without the need for sutures, lasers, or extensive anesthesia. In most cases, anesthesia is minimized, if used at all, ensuring the procedure is as gentle as possible. Due to the delicate approach taken by Dr. Levitin, babies can start feeding immediately afterward, with minimal interruption to their routine.

Benefits of Early Tongue Tie Release

Addressing tongue ties during infancy has several long-term benefits, making it worthwhile to act promptly upon diagnosis. The most immediate benefit is improved feeding, which is crucial for your baby’s nutrition, growth, and development. Without a tongue or lip tie inhibiting their ability to latch, babies can breastfeed or bottle-feed more effectively, reducing both feeding time and frustration for both baby and parent.

In the long term, releasing a tongue or lip tie during infancy supports optimal oral development. With unrestricted movement, the tongue and lips contribute to healthy jaw and dental alignment as the child grows. Studies indicate that individuals who do not have tongue or lip ties experience fewer sleep disruptions and are less likely to develop sleep apnea and other airway-related issues later in life. These benefits extend well into childhood and adulthood, contributing to overall health and quality of life.

A Quick, Comfortable Experience for Infants and Parents

One of the primary concerns for parents is whether their baby will experience pain during or after the procedure. Thankfully, infants tolerate tongue tie release extremely well. Unlike older children, infants respond quickly to the gentle release, often showing little or no signs of discomfort. Since the procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve sutures, babies can return to feeding and normal activities immediately after. In addition, there is rarely a need for a follow-up visit, making the process as convenient as it is effective.

Trust Dr. Gregory Levitin and NYC Tongue Tie

At NYC Tongue Tie, Dr. Gregory Levitin has extensive experience in performing tongue and lip tie releases for infants, prioritizing comfort and effective results. Parents can feel confident that their baby’s procedure will be handled with the utmost care, utilizing a gentle approach that ensures both a positive experience and successful outcome. For questions or to schedule a consultation, contact NYC Tongue Tie today and give your child the foundation for healthier feeding, development, and lifelong oral health.