Tongue tie is one of those conditions that is at once very common and frequently missed. A new mother struggling with breastfeeding may spend weeks trying different positions and lactation consultants before anyone checks whether her baby's tongue is the issue. A toddler with unclear speech may go months in therapy before a tongue tie is identified as a contributing factor.

At Seaside ENT in Brooklyn and Staten Island, Dr. Ruwaa Samarrai evaluates infants and children for tongue tie and offers in-office frenotomy — a simple release procedure that can be performed without general anesthesia in most patients. If you suspect your baby or child has a tongue tie, here is what you need to know.

What is tongue tie (ankyloglossia)?

Tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum — the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is too short, too thick, or too tight. This restricts the tongue's range of motion, which can interfere with feeding, speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene depending on severity and age.

Tongue tie is present from birth and affects an estimated 4–10% of newborns. It runs in families and is more common in boys than girls. Not every tongue tie requires treatment — the decision depends on whether it is causing functional problems.

Signs & symptoms by age group

Infants & Newborns

  • Difficulty latching to the breast or bottle
  • Slipping off the nipple repeatedly
  • Clicking or smacking sounds while feeding
  • Poor weight gain or slow feeding
  • Excessive gas or colic from swallowing air
  • Nipple pain or damage in breastfeeding mothers
  • Frustration or falling asleep at the breast quickly

Toddlers & Older Children

  • Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (l, r, t, d, n, th)
  • Speech that is hard to understand
  • Difficulty licking ice cream or moving tongue side to side
  • Trouble sticking the tongue out past the lips
  • Difficulty eating certain textures or foods
  • Dental spacing issues or open bite
  • Snoring or mouth breathing

In-office frenotomy — no general anesthesia

In-Office Procedure  |  Seaside ENT Brooklyn

In-office frenotomy for infants — quick, safe, and no OR required

For infants, Dr. Samarrai performs frenotomy right in our Brooklyn or Staten Island office. No operating room, no general anesthesia required. Newborns can often feed immediately after the procedure.

A frenotomy is the simple division of the lingual frenulum to release the tongue tie. In newborns and young infants, the procedure is quick — the frenulum is thin and has few nerve endings at this age, so it can be released with minimal discomfort using sterile scissors or a laser, with topical anesthetic. The baby can usually feed right away afterward.

For older children, the procedure may require general anesthesia depending on the child's age, anatomy, and ability to cooperate. Dr. Samarrai will discuss the right approach at your consultation.

What to expect during the procedure

1

Evaluation & consultation

Dr. Samarrai examines the tongue and frenulum, discusses symptoms, and confirms whether frenotomy is appropriate and likely to help.

2

Topical or local anesthesia

A mild topical numbing agent may be applied to the area prior to the procedure.

3

Release

The frenulum is divided with sterile scissors or a laser. The procedure itself takes only seconds to a few minutes.

4

Immediate feeding (infants)

Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to nurse immediately after the procedure. Improved latch is often noticed right away.

Frequently asked questions

Will frenotomy fix my baby's breastfeeding immediately?
Many mothers notice an improvement in latch right after the procedure, and some see dramatic improvement within the first 24–48 hours. That said, the tongue has developed compensatory movement patterns, so continued support from a lactation consultant is often helpful alongside the procedure for best results.
Is it painful for my baby?
In newborns, the frenulum is very thin and has minimal nerve supply, so discomfort is brief. Babies typically cry for a short time but settle quickly, especially when offered the breast or bottle right after. For older children, topical or local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort.
My child is 3 — is it too late to treat tongue tie?
No. While earlier treatment is ideal for feeding concerns, tongue tie can be addressed at older ages to support speech and oral function. Dr. Samarrai sees children of all ages for tongue tie evaluation and will advise on the most appropriate treatment approach.
Does tongue tie always need to be treated?
Not always. If a tongue tie is not causing feeding, speech, or functional problems, many providers take a watchful waiting approach. Dr. Samarrai will give you an honest assessment of whether treatment is likely to help in your child's specific case.
Does insurance cover frenotomy?
Frenotomy is generally covered by insurance when there is a functional indication such as feeding difficulty or speech impairment. We will help you verify your coverage before your appointment.

Serving Brooklyn & Staten Island families

Seaside ENT sees patients at 6818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220 in Bay Ridge and 1191 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. Dr. Samarrai speaks both Arabic and English and welcomes families from across Brooklyn, Staten Island, and surrounding communities.

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid. Call us and we will help you understand your coverage options — no family should have to delay their child's care because of insurance.

In-Office Procedure  |  Brooklyn & Staten Island

Think your baby or child has a tongue tie?

Call Seaside ENT to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Samarrai. In-office frenotomy available for infants. Most major insurance accepted.

Call (917) 992-3873

 ·  Brooklyn & Staten Island

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Practice Info

Arabic-Speaking ENT Doctor in Brooklyn & Staten Island