About Our Practice
(why choose us, insurance, scheduling)
At Family Dental Guelph, we are committed to being Canada’s leading experts in tongue tie assessment and release. Our practice offers:
- Over 9 years of specialized experience in tongue tie diagnosis and treatment
- Advanced laser technology for precise, comfortable treatment
- Comprehensive functional assessments based on the latest research—not just looking at appearance
- Experience treating patients of all ages, from newborns to adults
- Collaborative approach working closely with IBCLCs, bodyworkers, and therapists
- Evidence-based protocols informed by leaders like Dr. Richard Baxter, Dr. Bobby Ghaheri, and Dr. Soroush Zaghi
- Thorough follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes
- Commitment to education for patients and healthcare providers
As a general dentist with extensive specialized training and years of dedicated experience in tongue tie treatment, Dr. Mandeep Johal combines the accessibility of general dentistry with the expertise of a specialist practice.
Seek a provider who has:
- Specialized training in tongue tie assessment and release (not just general dental or medical training)
- Extensive experience performing laser frenectomy procedures
- Understanding of functional anatomy and the impact on feeding, speech, and development
- Commitment to comprehensive functional assessment, not just visual inspection
- Willingness to work collaboratively with lactation consultants and other specialists
- Emphasis on proper aftercare and follow-up
- Evidence-based practice approach
The provider does not need to be a pediatric dentist specifically. Many highly skilled tongue tie providers are general dentists, ENTs, or other specialists who have pursued advanced training and developed expertise in this area through years of dedicated practice.
- How many tongue tie procedures have you performed?
- What assessment tools do you use?
- Do you release posterior tongue ties?
- What technique do you use (laser vs. scissors)?
- What is your revision rate?
- Do you work with lactation consultants and other specialists?
- What does aftercare involve?
- Do you provide follow-up support?
Coverage varies by province and insurance plan. In Canada:
- Some procedures may be covered under provincial health plans when performed by certain specialists
- Private dental insurance may provide partial or full coverage
- Medical justification (feeding difficulties, failure to thrive) may improve coverage likelihood
- We can provide documentation for insurance submission
Contact our office for specific information about your situation and coverage options.
For infants: As soon as breastfeeding difficulties are identified. Early intervention prevents weeks of painful nursing for mother, poor weight gain for baby, and potential breastfeeding relationship breakdown.
For children: When symptoms are identified—speech delays, feeding difficulties, dental concerns, or sleep issues.
For adults: When ready to address lifelong compensations and improve quality of life.
There’s no “too late” for treatment, though earlier intervention typically yields easier adaptation and prevents secondary problems.
Contact Family Dental Guelph to schedule a tongue tie assessment. During your consultation, we will:
- Take a comprehensive history
- Perform a thorough oral examination
- Observe feeding (for infants)
- Discuss symptoms and functional limitations
- Review treatment options and expected outcomes
- Answer all your questions
- Provide information about the procedure and aftercare
No referral is necessary to schedule your assessment.
Yes. A growing body of research supports tongue tie release for symptomatic patients. Studies have demonstrated improvements in:
- Breastfeeding outcomes and maternal nipple pain
- Infant weight gain and feeding efficiency
- Speech articulation and clarity
- Dental development and oral hygiene
- Sleep quality and breathing
- Quality of life for children and adults
While research continues to evolve, the clinical experience of thousands of providers and families confirms the life-changing benefits of appropriate tongue tie treatment.
Leading tongue tie experts emphasize the critical importance of functional assessment and comprehensive treatment:
Dr. Richard Baxter, board-certified pediatric dentist and laser surgeon, emphasizes that tongue ties affect nursing, feeding, speech, sleep, and dental development throughout the lifespan. His book “Tongue-Tied” is considered the definitive resource for parents and professionals.
Dr. Bobby Ghaheri, board-certified ENT and researcher, has treated over 15,000 patients and integrated nearly 100 research papers into his work. His studies have demonstrated significant improvements in breastfeeding outcomes following tongue tie release.
Dr. Soroush Zaghi, ENT and sleep surgeon at The Breathe Institute, is a Harvard Medical School graduate who completed his residency at UCLA and Sleep Surgery Fellowship at Stanford. With over 97 peer-reviewed research publications, Dr. Zaghi is particularly focused on the impact of tethered oral tissues on maxillofacial development, upper airway resistance syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. His “Functional Frenuloplasty” approach integrates myofunctional therapy before, during, and after surgery and emphasizes the connection between tongue restriction and whole-body fascia systems. The Breathe Institute has grown into a global network of over 3,000 airway-centered healthcare professionals.
All three experts emphasize functional assessment over appearance alone and stress the importance of comprehensive treatment including proper release technique, myofunctional therapy, and appropriate aftercare for optimal outcomes.
Tongue Tie Resources & FAQs
