Laser Frenectomies
Rockwall, Texas
Witnessing every milestone in your child’s life is one of the greatest joys of being a parent, but if your little one struggles with nursing or speech development doesn’t seem quite on track, a tongue-tie may be interfering with normal growth and development. Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Collin Burns, may recommend a laser frenectomy using our Solea laser to gently release the restrictive tissue and restore natural tongue mobility. Our kid-friendly team at Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry strives to ensure your child's comfort at every step.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A frenum, or frenulum, is a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenulum. A tongue tie, known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the lingual frenulum is too short or tight, which can limit tongue movement. Most of the time, the tethered tissue poses no issue to function; there are times when a release may be recommended.
What Are Signs Your Child May Have a Tongue Tie?
The following are some signs your baby may benefit from an evaluation for a TOT:
- A shallow latch when nursing or bottle feeding
- Noticeable clicking or popping sounds while nursing
- Long feeds that can last over thirty minutes
- Poor weight gain despite constant hunger and frequent feedings
- Gas or colic from swallowing air during feedings
- Recommendation by a lactation consultant or Pediatrician
As your child grows, the following may be signs of a tongue-tie:
- Having trouble moving the tongue from side to side
- Gagging or choking when eating
- Speech delays or trouble pronouncing certain sounds, such as "l," "r," "t," "s," "d," or "th"
- A heart-shaped tongue tip appearance
- An inability to stick the tongue out past the lower teeth.
- Recommendation by a Speech Pathologist
The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to its size and plays an important role in feeding, swallowing, speaking, and even helping keep the mouth clean.
What Is a Laser Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a term describing a tongue-tie release, which traditionally involves cutting or modifying the frenulum using surgical tools under local anesthesia. Surgical frenectomies often require sutures to close the wound and may take several days to heal. Side effects may include pain or scarring, which can interfere with mobility once again.
At Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry, we offer minimally invasive tongue tie releases with our state-of-the-art Solea CO2 dental laser. Laser energy vaporizes the restrictive tissue in seconds with minimal discomfort and often without anesthesia or stitches.
Laser frenectomies offer many benefits for our young patients, including the following:
- The procedure takes a few minutes to complete, helping improve the overall experience.
- The laser targets the restrictive tissue with precision, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact.
- Our laser cauterizes during treatment, helping reduce bleeding and swelling in the treatment area.
- The laser energy reduces bacteria in the treatment area, minimizing the risk of infection complications.
- CO2 Laser frenectomies come with a much lower risk of scarring than traditional surgical procedures, helping improve treatment outcomes.
- Your little one can resume feeding right after the procedure.
- You may see increased tongue range of motion right away, enhancing your little one's range of motion and quality of life.
Laser Frenectomies Near Me in Rockwall, TX
If your child needs a tongue tie release, you're in capable hands at Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Burns and our kid-friendly team offer gentle laser frenectomies to restore a natural range of motion and enhance your little one's quality of life. We strive to provide our young patients with the highest-quality care with a gentle, compassionate touch.
We invite you to call us at 469-887-9292 to schedule your child's appointment or request one online today!
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Chart a Course to a Healthy Smile!
Your child's journey to a confident, healthy smile starts here. Whether it's their first appointment or you're already part of our Happy Harbor Pediatric Dentistry family, we're here to make every visit one your child will enjoy again and again. We invite you to schedule your child's appointment today!