Tongue Tie Surgery in San Diego, CA

If you or your child has difficulty moving the tongue, speaking clearly, or breastfeeding effectively, a condition called tongue tie may be the cause. A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (known as the frenulum) is too short or tight, limiting your natural tongue movement. Left untreated, tongue ties can affect speech, feeding, and oral development at any stage of life.

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer precise, gentle tongue tie release surgery designed to restore full tongue mobility and improve your comfort, function, and overall quality of life. Using advanced technology and a patient-centered approach, our team ensures a safe, quick, and stress-free tongue tie release procedure for infants, children, and adults alike.

Request a Consultation

Model

What Is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth where the thin piece of tissue connecting the bottom of your tongue to the floor of the mouth (called the lingual frenulum) is shorter, tighter, or thicker than usual. This restricts your tongue’s range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday functions like speaking, eating, and swallowing.

In infants, a tongue tie often becomes noticeable when breastfeeding is challenging—the baby may have trouble latching properly or may not gain enough weight. In older children and adults, symptoms may include speech difficulties, trouble licking or cleaning their mouth, and, in some cases, dental or jaw alignment issues that can develop over time.

While mild tongue tie cases may not require intervention, more severe cases can interfere with oral function, comfort, and development, making surgical correction (frenotomy or frenuloplasty) a simple and effective solution.

What Is a Tongue Tie?
What Are the Benefits of Tongue Tie Surgery?
What Is the Process for Tongue Tie Surgery?
What Does Tongue Tie Surgery Involve?
What Is Recovery Like After Tongue Tie Surgery?
Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for Tongue Tie Surgery?
Tongue Tie Surgery FAQs

Model

What Are the Benefits of Tongue Tie Surgery?

Tongue tie surgery offers both immediate and long-term improvements by freeing the tongue to move as it should. The procedure benefits patients of all ages, from infants to adults, by resolving functional issues that affect feeding, speech, and overall quality of life.

Easier, More Effective Feeding

For newborns and infants, tongue tie surgery can immediately improve their ability to breastfeed or bottle-feed. A tongue tie in babies often prevents them from maintaining a good latch, leading to frustration, difficulty drawing milk from the nipple, and slow weight gain. Mothers may also experience discomfort because of improper or impeded latching and suction. Once the frenulum is released, babies can nurse and bottle feed more efficiently and comfortably, reducing stress for both parent and child. Older children and adults also benefit from tongue tie surgery, as resolving the issue can improve chewing and swallowing, making mealtimes more comfortable.

Improved Speech and Oral Development

If your tongue cannot move freely, you may struggle to form certain sounds, particularly “t,” “d,” “l,” “r,” and “th.” Children with tongue ties often experience speech delays or difficulty articulating words since the restricted tongue cannot move freely to form certain sounds. By releasing the tongue tie, the muscles of the mouth can function properly, allowing for clearer pronunciation and improved articulation. Speech therapy after tongue tie surgery becomes more effective because the tongue can finally achieve full range of motion. For adults who have lived with this limitation for years, the improvement in their communication and the resulting confidence can be significant.

Better Long-Term Oral Health and Comfort

Your tongue plays a vital role in maintaining your oral hygiene by helping to clear food debris and bacteria from your teeth and gums. When it’s restricted, it becomes harder to clear food particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum issues, which also leads to an increase in bad breath. A tight frenulum can also subtly affect how the mouth and jaw develop over time and may contribute to muscle tension, jaw discomfort, or alignment issues. After tongue tie surgery, patients often experience relief from jaw and facial tension, improved oral function, and healthier teeth and gums. The added benefit of enhanced tongue mobility can also improve airway function in some cases, especially when combined with myofunctional therapy (therapy that focuses on the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face).

“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani

How It Works

What Is the Process for Tongue Tie Surgery?

Step One

Contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at (858) 295-0603 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.

Step Two

Meet with Dr. Kohani to discuss your tongue tie concerns (whether for you or your child), undergo an examination to determine candidacy for tongue tie surgery, and learn more about the procedure.

Step Three

The frenulum is gently released using one of two techniques (frenotomy or frenuloplasty).

Step Four

In the case of a frenuloplasty, small sutures will be placed.

Step Five

Once the frenulum has healed, you will be able to speak and eat more easily.

What Does Tongue Tie Surgery Involve?

Consultation
Frenotomy (Simple Release)
Frenuloplasty (Advanced Release and Reconstruction)

Consultation

When you come in for your tongue tie surgery consultation, Dr. Kohani will talk with you about your medical and dental history and the concerns and issues you have regarding the tongue tie. He will then perform a thorough examination to assess the degree of restriction and anatomy of the tongue tie. He may also ask you to say certain words so he can assess the clarity of your speech and check the mobility of your lips and tongue. Once the examination is complete, Dr. Kohani will review his assessment findings and outline the tongue tie treatment he recommends for you.

Depending on the patient’s age, anatomy, and the severity of the tongue tie, the procedure is typically performed using one of two techniques:
Frenotomy (Simple Release)

A frenotomy is the most common tongue tie surgery technique, especially in cases involving infants. Using sterile scissors or a laser, Dr. Kohani makes a small incision in the frenulum to release the tissue causing the tongue tie. The procedure is brief (typically lasting only a few minutes), requires little to no anesthesia, and involves minimal discomfort. Babies can often breastfeed immediately afterward.
Frenuloplasty (Advanced Release and Reconstruction)

For older children or adults with thicker or more complex tongue ties, a frenuloplasty may be recommended. This involves a more precise surgical release of the frenulum, followed by strategic placement of sutures to promote optimal healing and flexibility of the tongue. Local or general anesthesia may be used, and absorbable stitches are typically used.

Regardless of the method used, tongue tie surgery is completed in a single appointment. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in tongue mobility, feeding, and comfort following the procedure.

Testimonials

Our patients LOVE us, and you will too!

Dr. Kohani changed my smile by using his special veneering technique with minimal alteration of my own teeth. He is an absolute perfectionist and does unbelievable work. No one can tell I have veneers; they just notice my bright and shining smile.

Brandon S.

I have gone to Dr. Kohani a few times now and have had nothing but great experiences. I was impressed with the friendly staff that is welcoming and organized. We all know these visits aren’t necessarily ones we look forward to, but Dr. Kohani makes this experience quite pleasant…

O. LaJeunesse

I was new to La Jolla, out looking for a dentist and I actually walked into Dr. Kohani’s office by mistake. Well, it was one of the best mistakes I made. My teeth needed a ton of work and Dr. Kohani did a beautiful job. I needed fillings, root canals and veneers. Dr. Kohani was able to do it all…

A. Samimi

Read Testimonials

What Is Recovery Like After Tongue Tie Surgery?

Recovery from tongue tie surgery is generally smooth and straightforward. Because the tissue under your tongue heals quickly, most patients experience only mild tenderness or swelling for a few days. Most patients experience minimal downtime, and improvements in feeding, speech, and comfort can be noticeable almost immediately.

Recovery After Tongue Tie Surgery for Infants

Babies can often feed immediately after tongue tie surgery, and mothers frequently report a significant improvement in both latch and feeding comfort right away. Side effects may include mild fussiness, drooling, or a small amount of blood-tinged saliva; however, these effects are normal, brief, and usually resolve within one to two days. Gentle tongue exercises or stretches may be prescribed to keep the tissue from reattaching and to help ensure full mobility.

Recovery After Tongue Tie Surgery for Children and Adults

Older patients typically recover from their tongue tie surgery within a week. You may experience mild soreness or a feeling of tightness under your tongue for a few days, which usually settles quickly. However, any discomfort can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or cold compresses. Speech and oral exercises are often prescribed to retrain your tongue movement and strengthen its flexibility.

To ensure a successful tongue tie surgery outcome, it is essential that you follow Dr. Kohani’s post-operative instructions carefully, including:

Following all prescribed tongue and mouth exercises to encourage mobility.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection.
Stick to soft foods (such as yogurt, soup, or smoothies) for the first day or two after surgery.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods that could irritate the surgical site.

Attend your follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and tongue function.

Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for Tongue Tie Surgery?

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kohani combines decades of experience with advanced aesthetic and functional dentistry to provide precise, comfortable tongue tie surgery. Each procedure is tailored to your individual needs, restoring optimal tongue mobility and oral function. Our patients appreciate our commitment to providing a welcoming environment, comprehensive dental care, and long-lasting results for patients of all ages seeking improvements in comfort, feeding, and speech.

We proudly serve patients across San Diego, Murrieta, and Temecula. Call (858) 295-0603 to schedule your personalized tongue tie surgery consultation today.

Tongue Tie Surgery FAQs

How much does tongue tie surgery cost in San Diego?

The cost of tongue tie surgery in San Diego can vary considerably depending on several factors, including age, surgical technique, and anesthesia requirements. Dr. Kohani will provide you with a personalized estimate of the cost of your tongue tie surgery during your consultation.

Is tongue tie surgery painful?

No. Tongue tie surgery is generally well-tolerated. Depending on the technique used for the procedure and the patient’s age, anesthesia options vary. Because there are minimal nerve endings in the area, topical or local anesthesia is typically used, or nitrous oxide for adults or older children. We also offer sedation dentistry options. Post-procedure, mild soreness or tenderness is normal, but will resolve quickly.

Will my tongue tie come back?

Recurrence of a tongue tie after your surgery is rare but possible. Proper post-operative care, including prescribed stretching or myofunctional exercises, is vital to minimize reattachment of the frenulum. The risk of tongue tie recurrence is higher if the tissue was particularly thick, the patient was older at the time of the procedure, or the prescribed exercises were not performed.

Is tongue tie surgery safe for children?

Yes. Tongue tie surgery is a common outpatient procedure for infants, children, and teens when necessary. As with any procedure, choosing a highly trained and experienced dentist (like Dr. Kohani) is essential, as well as following all instructions for post-surgical care.

At what age is tongue tie surgery best performed?

While tongue tie surgery can be performed at any age, an earlier frenulum release may yield better feeding outcomes and help prevent future speech and orthodontic issues. That said, older children and adults can still benefit greatly, especially if they struggle with speech or oral function.

What happens if I choose not to treat a tongue tie?

If the tongue tie is significant and left untreated, potential issues may include breastfeeding difficulties, speech or articulation difficulties, dental hygiene issues, or orthodontic complications (such as a narrow palate or misalignment) later in life. However, mild tongue ties without noticeable symptoms may not require surgery, which is why proper assessment by a highly trained and experienced dentist is important.