Tongue and Lip Tie Services
Stone Oak Pediatric Dentistry and Dominion Pediatric Dentistry offer state-of-the-art laser services to infants and children who have conditions commonly referred to as tongue-tie or lip tie in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Our pediatric dentist uses a CO2 soft tissue laser to provide precise, minimally invasive treatment to release the tongue or lip tie which can be done in our Stone Oak office. This common dental surgical procedure is known as laser frenectomy. There are many benefits of laser frenectomy which include the following: promotes healing and reduces post-procedural discomfort, minimizes bleeding, shorter procedure and healing time, reduced risk of infection, and is safe for newborns with immediate results.
Our pediatric dentists work together with your pediatrician, lactation consultant, oral myofunctional therapist, speech pathologist, and other health care providers to ensure that the frenectomy procedure is the best course of treatment for your baby/child. This “team approach” often helps rule out other problems that may be contributing to the difficulties your child may be experiencing as a result of tongue or lip tie. Our services include an exam and consultation visit, treatment visit and post-treatment visit with instructions and demonstration of recommended stretching/healing exercises to minimize the risk of reattachment.
Dr. Susie S. Hayden
Dr. Susie earned her undergraduate degree from Texas Lutheran College in 1987, followed by her dental degree from UTHSC San Antonio in 1992, and her pediatric certification in 2000. She is married to Dr. Bill Cruse, and they have two children, Forrest and Will. During Bill’s service as a U.S. Army dentist, they traveled to Europe, where Dr. Susie worked as a civilian dentist and was recognized as the “children’s dentist,” inspiring her passion for pediatric care. After returning to San Antonio, she entered UTHSC’s Pediatric Program in 1998. Dr. Susie is a member of several dental organizations and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She has trained extensively in laser and airway treatments, including working with Dr. Richard Baxter, author of The Tongue Tie Book, and completing training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
Tiffani Murray, RDA, CBC
Tiffani Murray has been in the dental industry for over 15 years and has been with Stone Oak & Dominion Pediatric Dentistry since 2014. She is a Pediatric Registered Dental Assistant, Certified Lactation Counselor, Doula, and SOFFI Certified (Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants). She continues her education in airway and laser procedures and will be taking her IBCLC test in 2025. She has been married to her husband since 2010 and is a mother to five beautiful children. Tiffani is passionate about helping families navigate their journeys with oral ties and post-partum care.
Anna Marie Castillo, RDA
Frenectomy (Tongue Tie) FAQ
A tongue tie is a condition present at birth that limits the range of motion of the tongue because the frenum (connective tissue) located under the tongue is too tight or fails to recede during normal development in the womb.
A lip tie is a condition where the frenum (connective tissue) located between the lips and the gums is short or connected too tightly to the gums or upper teeth. This can lead to food entrapment or plaque development and decay.
Children –In children these conditions may result in speech disorders, problems with chewing and swallowing, sleep disordered breathing (apnea), severe bruxism, malocclusion and difficulties related to dental hygiene resulting in tooth decay and gum problems.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) helps the orofacial muscles (tongue, lips, cheeks, and surrounding musculatures) to work independently of each other by gaining strength to perform function without compensations. We have a Myofunctional Therapist available in office for your convenience. Myofunctional Therapy is necessary to prevent reattachment and help strengthen muscles before and after a tongue release procedure.