Tongue Tie Release & Resources

Are you wondering if your baby is tongue tied or has a lip tie? Be sure to include a functional assessment in your journey. Book here to schedule a consult.

This resource has information for all, and some specific resources for those close to Ottawa.

• General information:

  • IBCLC, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, often picks up potential ties. An IBCLC should assess if the tie creates functional feeding issues. She may refer for gentle bodywork, and then reassess the need for release.

  • Terms. Tongue ties involve the frenulum of the tongue (lingual), and lip ties involve the frenulum of the upper lip (labial). Frenotomy refers to when a frenulum is cut, whereas frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, often by laser.

  • Method. Scissors, lasers, (or electrocautery) may be used for the procedure; can ask about the method when you call.

  • Physicians (OHIP-funded MDs) may be able to release the anterior (front, near tip) part of the tongue using scissors (not lip ties). This may be an adequate release for some, but not for others. A few MDs in Ottawa do this.

  • Dentists who have training and experience, can release the whole tongue tie as well as a lip tie. Can ask ahead, how your baby is held during the procedure (parent, staff, on a board).

  • After Care Team: 1) Consult with an IBCLC within a few days of the procedure and until feeding problems resolve; 2) Bodywork, gentle and effective for e.g., with specifically trained RMT, physio, chiro etc., will likely be recommended before and after a release.

  • Care of released areas: To prevent reattachment, parents stretch the affected areas multiple times per day and night. If you have not received instructions or are unclear, consult your provider or IBCLC.

• Physicians, OHIP covered:

  1. Monarch Centre, Phone: 613-627-0795; Fax: 613-226-7059. Referrals from physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners (NP), and community lactation consultants, may go on a waiting list. Babies 4 weeks and under only. Release anterior tongue ties.

  2. Kilborn Medical Centre, Dr Sherer; Phone: 613-562-9000 ext. 103; Fax: 613-562-9898. Referring professional, MD, NP. Infants under 3 months only. Seen at Montfort Hospital Outpatient Clinic on Tuesdays. Call for an appointment. May take 1– 2 weeks. Release anterior tongue ties.

  3. CHEO ENT clinic, Phone: 613-737-7600 ext. 3657. Fax: 613-738-4222. Referring professional LC, RN, MD, MW to fax or use the electronic form. CHEO now referring to Dr. Sherer so could send it straight to her. Release anterior tongue ties.

• Dentists:

  Insurance companies generally accept dental claims for frenotomies, call to learn about your company. Code numbers are 77801 (lip) and 77803 (tongue). Confirm cost and payment options with the dental office. The dentists listed below will treat lip ties and most types of tongue ties, using a laser. Clients may self-refer. Clients may ask to be on a cancellation list. In some cases, a parent needs to hold their baby during the procedure. In all cases, parents must do follow-up care.

  1. Dr. Fayad, Chapman Mills Dental; Phone: (613) 823-4001; Fax: (613) 823-2930; E-mail: info@chapmanmillsdental.com 50 Marketplace Avenue, Unit 11, Nepean, Ontario K2J 5G3. Cost: $750.00. If only consult, $150. May take 2 weeks to get in; a cancellation list is available.

  2. Dr. Ken Crossman, Hampton Park Dental; Phone: 613-792-4040; 1399 Carling Ave. at Kirkwood in Food Basics Mall. Consult $150 + each release is $275. May take 1-7 days to get in.

  3. Dr. Simi Silver, Silver Dental Centre; Phone: (613) 829-5921; 510 Richardson Ave, off Carling. Cost: $800. Done Tuesdays. May take 1 week to get in.

• Read all about it:

  • Buryk, Melissa., et al., (2011). Efficacy of Neonatal Release of Ankyloglossia: A Randomized Trial, Pediatrics, 128, 280.

  • Campanha, Silvia et al., (2021). Position of lips and tongue in rest in newborns with and without ankyloglossia. CoDAS.

  • Carole Dobrich, Frenotomy Decision Tool for Breastfeeding Dyads

  • Catherine Watson Genna

  • Dr. Bobby Ghaheri, How to assess a baby for ties

  • Hazelbaker Assessment Tool

  • Kelly Mom, Breastfeeding a Baby with Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie (Resources)

  • Khan, Usman., et al. (2020). Comparison of Frenotomy Techniques for the Treatment of Ankyloglossia in Children: A Systematic Review. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

  • Dr. Lawrence Kotlow. Breastfeeding Should be Fun & Enjoyable: Why Does it Hurt When I Breastfeed?

  • Multiple links at Nurtured Child, Fleur Bickford

  • Sarah Hornsby (2021) Tongue Tie: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Surgery, & More

© Sonya Boersma, MScN, RN, IBCLC/Lactation Care. (Updated November 2022)