Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley

Infant & Toddler Tongue-Tied Release 

Infant & Toddler Tongue-Tied Release 

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Empty white background.
Empty white space.
Empty white space.
Empty white space.

What is a Tongue-Tie?

Based on functional limitations, a tongue tie diagnosis and treatment recommendation should be made by an experienced provider. Feeding assessments from appropriate specialists and investigation of anatomical presentation and associated symptoms are crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of TOTs.

Blue outline of a tooth, dental symbol.

What Is A Frenulum?

Frenulums are the connective pieces of tissues between either: the tongue and the floor of the mouth, or the lip/cheek and gum tissue. Their purpose is to limit the movement of the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Blue outline of a tooth, dental office symbol.

What Is A Tethered Oral Tie?

Tethered oral ties, or TOTs, can include lip-ties, cheek-ties, and/or tongue-ties in infants and children. If left untreated, these short or thick frenulums can cause disruptions in the child’s oral and overall development.

Blue outline of a tooth; symbol for dentistry.

Ankyloglossia

In approximately 5-10% of babies a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is present. Frenulum attachment may restrict the tongue’s range of motion to varying degrees, impacting feeding and breathing skills and oral motor development.

Blue outline of a tooth, a symbol for dentistry or dental health.

What Is A Frenulum?

Frenulums are the connective pieces of tissues between either: the tongue and the floor of the mouth, or the lip/cheek and gum tissue. Their purpose is to limit the movement of the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Blue outline of a tooth, used as a dental clinic logo.

What Is A Tethered Oral Tie?

Tethered oral ties, or TOTs, can include lip-ties, cheek-ties, and/or tongue-ties in infants and children. If left untreated, these short or thick frenulums can cause disruptions in the child’s oral and overall development.

Blue outline of a tooth, used as a dental office logo.

Ankyloglossia

In approximately 5-10% of babies a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is present. Frenulum attachment may restrict the tongue’s range of motion to varying degrees, impacting feeding and breathing skills and oral motor development.

Trusted Family Dentistry in Hunt Valley

Finding a dentist who can take care of the diverse needs of your family is a vital part of safeguarding their oral and overall health. Our team at Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley is committed to providing outstanding care with a personal touch for patients at every stage of life. We've worked hard to create a state-of-the-art facility that offers a spa-like environment, making your visit a unique and relaxing experience.


Every person has different oral health care needs throughout life, and we've created a list of customized dental services that work to promote individual smiles on a case-by-case basis. From a child's first dental experience to advanced treatments for adults and seniors, Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley is equipped to care for all your family's oral health requirements including tooth extractions in Hunt Valley, MD. Contact us today and become a part of our family of satisfied patients!

Trusted Family Dentistry in Hunt Valley

Finding a dentist who can take care of the diverse needs of your family is a vital part of safeguarding their oral and overall health. Our team at Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley is committed to providing outstanding care with a personal touch for patients at every stage of life. We've worked hard to create a state-of-the-art facility that offers a spa-like environment, making your visit a unique and relaxing experience.


Every person has different oral health care needs throughout life, and we've created a list of customized dental services that work to promote individual smiles on a case-by-case basis. From a child's first dental experience to advanced treatments for adults and seniors, Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley is equipped to care for all your family's oral health requirements including tooth extractions in Hunt Valley, MD. Contact us today and become a part of our family of satisfied patients!

Why is it Important to treat tethered oral ties, "TOTs"?

While some "TOTs" may self-resolve over time, others can lead to detrimental effects on oral and overall development. Lack of treatment can result in:

  • Difficulties with speech
  • Head and Neck posture issues
  • Teeth Grinding or Bruxism
  • Need for extensive orthodontic treatment
  • Airway and Sleep Disorders
  • Digestive Problems
  • Difficulties with Breast or Bottle feeding

Waterlase iPlus

Dr. Vail uses the latest Waterlase iPlus technology to ensure optimal comfort for her patients. Due to the Waterlase's innovative design, surgical procedures and post-operative bleeding and discomfort are minimized or even completely diminished. To see more about Waterlase, go to Our Technology page.


Faster Healing!


Upper lip, cheek, and tongue-tie laser releasing procedures use a simple technique, resulting in minimal or NO postoperative swelling or pain. With appropriate release of oral ties, your little one can soon be thriving in their oral and overall development.

Waterlase iPlus

Dr. Vail uses the latest Waterlase iPlus technology to ensure optimal comfort for her patients. Due to the Waterlase's innovative design, surgical procedures and post-operative bleeding and discomfort are minimized or even completely diminished. To see more about Waterlase, go to Our Technology page.


Faster Healing!


Upper lip, cheek, and tongue-tie laser releasing procedures use a simple technique, resulting in minimal or NO postoperative swelling or pain. With appropriate release of oral ties, your little one can soon be thriving in their oral and overall development.

Meet Dr. Shannon Vail

Dr. Vail is a Baltimore native and a mom of three little ones, all of whom had oral tie revisions as infants. Since entering the dental field in 2014, she has strived to provide all of her patients with caring, compassionate, comprehensive care. As a member of the Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley team, Dr. Vail has set out to ensure mothers and families feel confident and comfortable knowing that they are receiving the best care available.

Meet Dr. Shannon Vail

Dr. Vail is a Baltimore native and a mom of three little ones, all of whom had oral tie revisions as infants. Since entering the dental field in 2014, she has strived to provide all of her patients with caring, compassionate, comprehensive care. As a member of the Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley team, Dr. Vail has set out to ensure mothers and families feel confident and comfortable knowing that they are receiving the best care available.

Meeting Your Family's Dental Care Needs in Hunt Valley

Our goal at Vail Dental Associates of Hunt Valley is to be a valuable part of promoting healthy smiles for life for you and yours. From providing sports guards for children to advanced gum disease treatment for older patients, our team is ready to offer exceptional care. We look forward to meeting you and understanding how we can contribute to your and your loved ones' oral health. Contact our Hunt Valley family dental practice today to schedule your appointment!