Newcastle & the Hunter · Treated at Fletcher

Tongue Tie Removal in Newcastle

MS Dental provides tongue tie (ankyloglossia) assessment and release for patients across Newcastle and the Hunter. All tongue and lip-tie treatment within our practice is carried out at the MS Dental Fletcher clinic, 9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287 – typically a 15 to 25 minute drive from the Newcastle CBD.

Patients travel to us from Newcastle city, Mayfield, Waratah, Hamilton, Cardiff, Glendale, Charlestown and the Lake Macquarie suburbs, as well as from Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi, Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Rankin Park, Blue Gum Hills, Cameron Park, Killingworth, Seahampton and Birmingham Gardens. Whether release is the right answer for you is decided at an examination, not before it.

Call (02) 4953 8614 to book Fletcher clinic page

Tongue tie appointments cannot be booked online

In shortTongue tie release, or frenectomy, frees a restrictive band of tissue beneath the tongue. In Newcastle, MS Dental assesses infants, children and adults at its Fletcher clinic, with the consultation and the release booked as separate appointments. Children and adults receive local anaesthetic; anaesthetic is not used for infants.

Assessment firstRelease only where clinically justified
All ages, one placeInfants, children and adults
Follow-up built inA review appointment is part of treatment
Connected careLactation, speech, body work and OMT

01The treatment

Tongue Tie Treatment in Newcastle

Families across Newcastle usually reach tongue tie assessment by one of two routes.

Route 1Referred by a professional

Some are referred by a midwife, child and family health nurse, lactation consultant, GP or speech pathologist, or by a body worker such as a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist.

Route 2Researched the symptoms

Others arrive having researched the symptoms themselves after weeks of difficult feeding or unexplained speech trouble.

The same placeA clinical examination of function

Both routes end at the same place: a clinical examination that assesses how the tongue functions, not simply how the frenulum looks.

Many restricted frenulums never cause a problem and require no treatment at all. Our job is to determine whether the restriction actually explains the symptoms in front of us – and to recommend release only when it does.

Clinical photograph of the underside of a lifted tongue, showing a short, tight lingual frenulum attached towards the tongue tip — **What a tongue tie can look like.** With the tongue lifted, the lingual frenulum is the band joining the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Appearance alone does not decide treatment – function does.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, describes a lingual frenulum that is short, tight or attached close to the tongue tip, limiting how far the tongue can lift, extend or move sideways. It is a variation present from birth. Lip tie refers to a comparable restriction between the upper lip and the gum.

These terms describe anatomy. Whether that anatomy matters clinically depends entirely on function, which is why two people with a similar-looking frenulum can have entirely different recommendations.

Why Tongue Tie Has Become a Talking Point

Tongue tie is discussed far more now than it was a generation ago, and awareness has genuinely helped families who previously struggled without an explanation. It has also produced over-diagnosis in some quarters, with procedures performed on the basis of appearance alone or on symptom checklists completed online.

Our position

Our position is deliberately conservative. A restricted frenulum is a finding, not a diagnosis. Treatment follows only where a functional problem is demonstrated and where release is a reasonable way to address it.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie

It helps to think by life stage rather than as one undifferentiated list.

Life stage 1Newborns and infants
- Shallow or slipping latch
- Clicking during feeds
- Very long feeds
- Unsettled feeding
- Slow weight gain
- Excessive wind
- Persistent nipple pain and damage for the feeding parent
Life stage 2Toddlers and school-age children
- Difficulty with sounds such as l, r, t, d, s and th
- Trouble licking, blowing or clearing food from around the teeth
- Visible notching of the tongue tip on lifting
- Food pocketing in the cheeks
Life stage 3Teenagers and adults
- Restricted tongue elevation noticed at a dental check-up
- Difficulty cleaning the back teeth, which can raise plaque and gum disease risk
- Discomfort with prolonged speaking
- Reported tension around the jaw, neck and floor of the mouth

These are indicators for assessment, not a diagnosis. Feeding and speech difficulties have many possible causes, and tongue tie is only one of them.

02Assessment

Tongue Tie Assessment in Newcastle

The consultation takes about 60 minutes and is carried out by a dentist together with a lactation consultant (midwife). It covers history, examination and a frank discussion of options. We check tongue elevation, extension and lateral movement, examine the attachment point, and connect those findings to the difficulties described. Posterior tongue ties are assessed case by case, and some patients may be referred to an ENT or paediatric doctor to discuss further options.

We then explain what we recommend and why – including, where appropriate, the option of monitoring rather than treating. Where a non-surgical route is likely to help, we say so. That might mean:

Dr Monika Shah, Principal Dentist at MS Dental — **Dr Monika Shah**Assesses Newcastle patients at our Fletcher clinic

Feeding support from a lactation consultant
Speech pathology input
Orofacial myofunctional therapy to retrain muscle habits

Some patients need one of these, some a combination, and some need nothing at all.

Children

Tongue Tie Assessment for Children

For children, the examination is quick, gentle and explained as it happens, with parents involved throughout. We review speech and eating history, growth where relevant, and any input already received from other health professionals.

If release is recommended, we set out what it involves, what improvement is reasonable to expect, and what aftercare the family will need to carry out at home – because that aftercare is the family’s responsibility and it materially affects the outcome.

Adults

Adult Tongue Tie Assessment

Adults frequently come to us after years of quietly working around a restriction. The assessment examines range of movement, oral hygiene access, speech comfort and any related concerns.

We are careful to set realistic expectations. Release improves the mechanical limit; the functional gain comes from the exercises done afterwards. Without that work, many adults notice little change.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Your health fund card and your referral (a referral is required for infant and toddler appointments)
Notes, letters or referrals from your midwife, child and family health nurse, lactation consultant, GP, speech pathologist, chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist
For infants, recent feed durations and weight measurements, and confirmation that your baby has received Vitamin K (by injection at birth or an oral course through your GP)
A list of current medications and relevant medical history
Your written questions, so nothing is forgotten in the room

03The release

Tongue Tie Release and Frenectomy in Newcastle

A frenectomy releases the restrictive tissue. It is performed at our Fletcher clinic using a Waterlase dental laser, part of our laser dental treatment service. The laser removes tissue layer by layer rather than cutting it, which helps to limit bleeding and swelling.

Dr Monika Shah treating a patient, with laser equipment beside the chair — **MS Dental Fletcher**Where every tongue and lip-tie release in our practice takes place

What Happens During Tongue Tie Release?

1Before
Consent, an explanation of benefits and risks, and a written cost estimate.
2Anaesthetic
For children and adults, local anaesthetic numbs the area. Anaesthetic is not used for infants, as they are too young. Every baby must have received Vitamin K before release, because it supports blood clotting and reduces the risk of bleeding.
3The release
The restrictive band is released with the laser; this typically takes one to two minutes.
4Straight after
Babies are offered a feed; older patients have tongue movement checked.
5Going home
Written aftercare instructions and a booked review appointment.

Informed consent

Risks You Should Know About

Informed consent means hearing the downside. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, discomfort during healing, scarring or reattachment of the released tissue, and – in a minority of cases – no meaningful improvement in the symptom that prompted treatment. Temporary feeding aversion in infants is uncommon but recognised.

These risks are generally low. They are also the reason we decline to treat where there is no clear functional problem to solve.

Aftercare at a glance

First 24 hours
Soft foods for the first day and leaving the site undisturbed both support healing.
24 to 48 hours
We also recommend a session with an experienced chiropractor or osteopath within 24 to 48 hours of the release.
First seven days
Avoid swimming and other medical procedures, such as immunisations, for seven days.
Up to four weeks
The prescribed stretching exercises reduce the risk of reattachment and vary by age:
InfantsEvery 4–6 hoursfor up to four weeks
Toddlers to adultsThree times a dayfor four weeks

Recovery and Aftercare

Expect mild soreness for a day or two, managed with simple pain relief.

Normal healingA white or yellow area at the site during healing is normal granulation tissue, not an infection – this is the most frequent post-procedure question we receive.

Call the clinic if

Bleeding does not settle
Swelling spreads
There is a fever
A baby refuses to feed

Call (02) 4953 8614

04Adults

Adult Tongue Tie Release in Newcastle

Adult release is a distinct pathway and deserves separate planning. Adults carry decades of compensatory muscle habits, so the tongue does not automatically use its new range of movement once the restriction is gone.

Adults should understand that outcomes vary and improvement is not guaranteed.

Likely to be satisfied

Someone whose goal is easier cleaning of the back teeth

May not be

Someone expecting a wholesale change in speech clarity

We will give you an honest view of the likely benefit in your case before you commit.

For that reason we usually:

Assess movement, hygiene access and speech comfort, and identify the specific functional goal.
Discuss whether myofunctional therapy should begin before the release, so the muscles are already being retrained.
Perform the release under local anaesthetic.
Follow with a structured exercise programme and review appointments.

05Costs

Costs, Health Funds and Payment

Fees depend on the examination findings, the patient’s age and the technique used, so we issue a written estimate before treatment rather than quoting a figure that may not apply to you.

MedicareTongue tie consultation and release are dental procedures and are not covered by Medicare. They may be claimable under private extras cover, using item 014 or 016 for the consultation and item 391 for each laser treatment.

Consultation014 or 016: Item number for the consultation
Laser treatment391: Item number for each laser treatment

$How payment works

All private health funds are welcome, and we claim on the spot through HICAPS
We are a preferred provider for HCF, Westfund and CBHS
Interest-free payments through Afterpay are available for this treatment

Call (02) 4953 8614

06Near you

Looking for a Tongue Tie Dentist Near You in Newcastle?

If you have searched for tongue tie removal near me anywhere in Newcastle, our Fletcher clinic is where this treatment is provided. It is reachable from the Newcastle CBD, Mayfield, Waratah, Hamilton, Cardiff, Glendale, Charlestown and the Lake Macquarie suburbs, and is local to Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi, Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Rankin Park, Blue Gum Hills, Cameron Park, Killingworth, Seahampton and Birmingham Gardens.

MS Dental CardiffGeneral, preventive, restorative and emergency dentistry

MS Dental MayfieldGeneral, preventive, restorative and emergency dentistry

Tongue tie clinicMS Dental Fletcher9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287 · assessment and release, Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays

Plainly statedOur Cardiff and Mayfield clinics provide general, preventive, restorative and emergency dentistry, and will refer you internally to Fletcher for tongue tie assessment and release. There are no separate Newcastle rooms – we would rather say that plainly than have you arrive at the wrong address.

07Your clinicians

Meet the Team Treating Tongue Tie in Newcastle

All MS Dental clinicians are registered with the Dental Board of Australia through AHPRA, and the practice follows the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.

Dr Monika Shah, Principal Dentist and Founder of MS Dental

Performs tongue tie release

Meet your principal dentist

Dr Monika Shah – Principal Dentist and Founder

Dr Monika Shah completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2006 and has practised in Australia since 2007, following her Australian Dental Council examinations. She founded MS Dental and has grown it into a three-clinic family practice serving Newcastle. Dr Monika is based at our Fletcher clinic, where she performs tongue and lip-tie release. She has a special interest in tongue and lip ties and has completed further training, including Waterlase-specific laser training; she is a general dentist, not a registered specialist. AHPRA registration DEN0001406036.

BDS, 2006AHPRA DEN0001406036Waterlase-specific laser trainingBased at Fletcher

Read the full profile

Dr Nikhil Kapoor – Dentist, Fletcher, Cardiff and Mayfield

Dr Nikhil Kapoor earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from James Cook University in 2019, then spent two years on placements across Darwin, Mackay, Cairns and Townsville, treating patients from rural and regional communities. He joined MS Dental in 2020 and works across all three Newcastle clinics, tailoring each plan to the individual. AHPRA registration DEN0002459331.

Read the full profile

Natasha – Oral Health Therapist

Natasha holds a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy from the University of Sydney (2021) and a Diploma in Oral Health Therapy from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore (2016). She sees patients across Cardiff, Fletcher and Mayfield, with extensive public dental service experience in preventive and children’s care.

Read the full profile

Support Team

Practice Manager Chantelle, Assistant Manager Lyndal, our reception team and our dental nurses coordinate appointments, health fund claiming and clinical support across all three Newcastle clinics.

Call (02) 4953 8614

Meet the full MS Dental team

08Why us

Why Choose Us for Tongue Tie Treatment in Newcastle?

Independent and family-run

MS Dental has cared for Newcastle families across three clinics for more than a decade, and is not part of a corporate chain.

Assessment before treatment, always

We are comfortable telling patients that release is not indicated.

Infants through to adults

Treated by the same team at one location.

Care that joins up

With lactation consultants, speech pathologists, body workers such as chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists, and our in-house myofunctional therapy service.

Honest expectations

Including a clear account of what release will not fix.

Clear costs

Written estimates before treatment, all funds welcome, Afterpay available.

09Find us

Where to Find Us – Map and Directions

Tongue tie appointments for Newcastle patients are held at our Fletcher clinic on Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays only. Appointments must be booked by phone.

Google Map · 9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287

Front of MS Dental Fletcher on Churnwood Drive, with the clinic sign on the lawn — **MS Dental Fletcher**9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287

Find usMS Dental Fletcher

Address9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287

Phone(02) 4953 8614

HoursMonday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (every second week)

Tongue tie sessionsThursdays and alternate Wednesdays · book by phone

Call (02) 4953 8614 to book Get directions

15–25 min drive

Travelling From Newcastle City and the Inner Suburbs

From the Newcastle CBD, Mayfield, Waratah or Hamilton, Fletcher is generally a 15 to 25 minute drive depending on traffic, via the main western routes toward Wallsend and Maryland.

Via the Newcastle Link Road

Travelling From Lake Macquarie and the Western Suburbs

From Cardiff, Glendale, Edgeworth or Cameron Park, Fletcher is readily reached via the Newcastle Link Road. Patients from Maryland, Minmi, Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Rankin Park, Blue Gum Hills, Killingworth, Seahampton and Birmingham Gardens are only a short drive away.

10FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Tongue Tie Removal

What are the signs of tongue tie?

In babies: feeding difficulty, clicking during feeds, very long feeds, slow weight gain and nipple pain for the feeding parent. In children: difficulty with certain speech sounds and with clearing food from the teeth. In adults: restricted tongue movement and difficulty cleaning the back teeth. These warrant an assessment but do not confirm a diagnosis.

Can adults have tongue tie treatment?

Yes. Adult tongue tie release is available at MS Dental Fletcher. Adults generally benefit most when the procedure is combined with exercises to retrain tongue movement afterwards.

How long does tongue tie release take?

The consultation takes about 60 minutes. The laser release itself usually takes one to two minutes, and a review appointment follows.

Is there a tongue tie clinic in Newcastle city?

MS Dental does not operate a Newcastle CBD clinic. Our three clinics are at Fletcher, Cardiff and Mayfield, and all tongue and lip-tie assessment and release is provided at Fletcher, a short drive from the city.

Do I need a referral?

A referral is required for infant and toddler appointments. It can come from your GP, lactation consultant or a body worker such as a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist. Email your referral to [email protected] and call (02) 4953 8614 to book. Older children and adults can book an assessment directly by phone, without a referral.

Where can I find tongue tie treatment near me?

Within the MS Dental group, tongue and lip-tie assessment and release are provided at the Fletcher clinic, 9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287. Appointments must be booked by calling (02) 4953 8614; online booking is not available for this treatment.

Book a Tongue Tie Assessment in Newcastle

Call our Fletcher clinic to book. All tongue tie assessment and release takes place at Fletcher, and appointments cannot be booked online.

01Call the Fletcher clinic
Ring (02) 4953 8614, Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Tongue tie appointments cannot be booked online.
02Send the referral (infants and toddlers)
Email it to [email protected]. Older children and adults do not need one.
03Attend your consultation
About 60 minutes with a dentist and a lactation consultant, on a Thursday or alternate Wednesday.

Front of MS Dental Fletcher on Churnwood Drive — **MS Dental Fletcher**9 Churnwood Drive, Fletcher NSW 2287

Call to book(02) 4953 8614

Phone bookingsMonday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tongue tie sessionsThursdays and alternate Wednesdays
Referrals[email protected]
Getting hereGet directions

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This form requests a call back. It does not book an appointment. Booking for an infant or toddler? Email your referral to [email protected].

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