Before & After Care
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Guiding You—and Your Child—Every Step of the Way.
We know having your baby or child undergo a tongue or lip tie release can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone.
At Sawgrass Untied, Dr. Ryan and our team make sure you’re fully prepared before the procedure—and supported afterward.
Here’s what you can expect, from start to finish.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s Appointment
Before your child’s laser procedure, we’ll:
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Complete a thorough evaluation of your child’s tongue or lip tie.
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Discuss any feeding, speech, or dental concerns you’ve noticed.
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Review your child’s medical history to ensure safety.
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Explain exactly what the laser release involves—in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
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Answer all your questions about the procedure and aftercare.
There’s no special prep required. On the day of the appointment:
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Dress your baby or child in comfortable clothes.
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Bring any feeding supplies you may need, like bottles or nipple shields for babies.
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Feel free to bring a favorite toy or comfort item for older children.
What Happens During Treatment?
The laser procedure is:
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Very quick—often just a few minutes.
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Gentle and precise, targeting only the tight tissue.
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Designed to minimize bleeding and discomfort.
For babies, Dr. Ryan often encourages a feeding session right afterward to help soothe them and confirm the release was effective. Older kids usually tolerate the procedure well, especially with Dr. Ryan’s gentle, reassuring approach.
Caring for Your Baby After Treatment
Most babies recover very quickly after a laser release. You might notice:
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A little fussiness right after the procedure.
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Mild swelling under the tongue or lip.
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A small white or yellow spot where the tissue was released—this is normal healing tissue, not an infection.
Feeding Support:
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We encourage nursing or bottle feeding as soon as possible.
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Feeding might feel different as your baby learns to move their tongue or lip in new ways.
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Many parents see immediate improvements in latch and comfort.
Stretches & Exercises:
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Gentle exercises may be recommended to prevent the tissue from reattaching.
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Dr. Ryan will show you exactly how to do them safely and comfortably.
Caring for Toddlers & Older Kids
For older children:
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Mild soreness for a few days is normal.
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A soft diet might be helpful for the first day or two (yogurt, applesauce, smoothies).
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Good oral hygiene is important to keep the area clean.
Stretches & Exercises:
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Dr. Ryan may recommend specific movements or stretches to prevent the tissue from reattaching.
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These are quick, gentle, and easy to practice at home.
Speech & Feeding Follow-Up:
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Some children might benefit from working with a speech therapist or feeding specialist after treatment.
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Dr. Ryan collaborates with local specialists to ensure your child gets the best support.
How Long is the Recovery?
Healing varies a bit for each child, but:
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Babies often feed normally the same day or within a few days.
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Mild soreness generally improves within 2-3 days.
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Complete healing usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to check progress and answer any questions. Our goal is to ensure your child’s recovery is smooth and comfortable.
Your Partner in Care
As a mom and pediatric dentist, Dr. Ryan knows how emotional it can feel when your child needs treatment. You’ll never be left wondering what to do next.
We’re here to:
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Guide you through every step.
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Answer your questions—even after hours if something worries you.
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Provide ongoing support until your child is fully healed.
You’re not just patients to us—you’re part of our Sawgrass family.
