Tongue Ties & Frenectomies
At Champions Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how important your child’s oral health is to their overall well-being. One common concern for newborns and children is a condition known as tongue tie (ankyloglossia), which can affect their ability to eat, speak, and grow comfortably.
Our team is here to help identify and treat tongue ties through a simple procedure called a frenectomy, ensuring your child has the best chance for a healthy, happy smile.
A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum — the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth — is too short or tight, restricting the tongue’s movement. This condition can affect infants, toddlers, and older children, often presenting challenges with breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene. In some cases, a tongue tie may be noticeable from birth, but in other instances, it becomes more apparent as a child grows.
Parents may notice signs of a tongue tie in their child, including difficulty breastfeeding, issues with bottle feeding, or slow weight gain in infancy. As children age, tongue ties may cause speech difficulties, trouble sticking out the tongue, or problems with dental hygiene, like being unable to sweep food away from the teeth and gums effectively. Children with tongue ties might also struggle with eating solid foods or experience discomfort when trying to move their tongue freely.
If you’re concerned that your child may have a tongue tie, Champions Pediatric Dentistry offers a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action.
The solution to a tongue tie is often a frenectomy, a simple and quick procedure that releases the tight or short frenulum, allowing for greater tongue mobility. At Champions Pediatric Dentistry, our expert team performs frenectomies with precision and care. We use modern techniques and tools, such as laser technology, which minimizes discomfort and speeds up recovery time for your child.
A frenectomy can bring immediate relief, improving your child’s ability to breastfeed, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral hygiene. This procedure is usually completed within minutes, and children often experience noticeable improvements right away.
At Champions Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in offering the most advanced treatments for our patients. That’s why we use laser technology for frenectomies. Unlike traditional methods that use scissors or a scalpel, laser frenectomies are minimally invasive, reducing the risk of infection and promoting faster healing. The laser also seals the tissue as it cuts, minimizing bleeding and reducing post-procedure discomfort.
Most children tolerate the laser frenectomy well, and in many cases, there’s no need for stitches or a long recovery period. After the procedure, parents often report immediate improvements in their child’s breastfeeding, speech, and eating habits.
Not every child with a tongue tie will require a frenectomy. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional evaluation by a pediatric dentist. If your child is experiencing feeding difficulties, speech delays, or other oral health challenges, a frenectomy might be the appropriate solution.
Our team will carefully assess your child’s condition and provide recommendations based on their unique needs. We also work closely with speech therapists and lactation consultants when necessary to ensure a comprehensive approach to your child’s care.
After your child’s frenectomy, the healing process is generally swift. In most cases, children experience minimal discomfort and can return to their regular activities within a day or two. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your child’s recovery is smooth, and our team is available to answer any questions you might have.
You can expect to see improvements in your child’s feeding, speech, or oral habits within a few weeks, though some children may benefit from follow-up support, such as speech therapy, to reinforce proper tongue function.
Choosing the right pediatric dental practice for your child’s care is crucial, especially when it comes to specialized procedures like frenectomies. At Champions Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care tailored to your child’s needs. Here’s why families in Spring, TX, trust us:
- Expertise in pediatric dentistry: Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating tongue ties in children, ensuring that every procedure is performed with the utmost care.
- State-of-the-art technology: We use the latest laser technology to make the frenectomy procedure as quick and comfortable as possible.
- Comfortable environment: We strive to make every visit to our office a positive experience for both parents and children, with a friendly staff and a kid-friendly environment.
If you suspect your child has a tongue tie or if feeding and speech issues concern you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Champions Pediatric Dentistry. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help your child thrive with the care and attention they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward ensuring your child’s healthy oral development.
