Lip and tongue ties (Frenulectonmy)

Gentle, Effective Care for Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties at Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics

At Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves to eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence. Sometimes, a small fold of tissue called the frenulum can get in the way of those important milestones — especially when it's too tight or thick. That’s where a frenulectomy comes in.

This simple, safe procedure can make a big difference in your child’s daily life — from easier feedings and clearer speech to better oral hygiene. If you're exploring options for tongue-tie or lip-tie treatment in Colorado Springs, you're in the right place.

What Is a Frenulectomy?

A frenulectomy (also called a frenectomy) is a minor procedure that removes or releases a restrictive frenulum — the small band of tissue connecting the lips or tongue to the mouth. While everyone has frenula, sometimes they can be too short or tight, limiting normal movement.

There are two main types we treat:

• Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia): Caused by a tight lingual frenulum, restricting the tongue’s ability to move freely.
• Lip-tie: Caused by a tight labial frenulum, often found between the upper lip and gums.

At Kids Rock, our experienced pediatric dentists use gentle, laser-assisted techniques to release this tissue and restore full range of motion.

Why Might a Frenulectomy Be Recommended?

A frenulectomy may be recommended when a tight frenulum is interfering with your child’s development or daily comfort. Some common signs include:

• 💡 Feeding Challenges (Especially in Infants)
  Babies with tongue-tie or lip-tie may have difficulty latching properly during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which can lead to poor weight gain and feeding frustration for both baby and parent.
• 💬 Speech Delays or Difficulty
  As children grow, restricted tongue movement can make it hard to form certain sounds clearly. If left untreated, it may impact your child’s ability to speak clearly and confidently.
• 😬 Oral Hygiene Issues
  A limited range of motion can make brushing and flossing more difficult, which increases the risk of cavities or gum problems.
• 🦷 Dental Development
  Tight frenula can sometimes lead to spacing issues, especially between the upper front teeth. Releasing the frenulum may help improve alignment and prevent long-term orthodontic problems.
• 😔 Discomfort or Social Hesitation
  Older children may feel discomfort while eating, speaking, or smiling. In some cases, they may feel self-conscious in social settings due to speech issues or mouth movement restrictions.

If you’re seeing any of these signs, our team in Colorado Springs is here to evaluate your child and talk through whether a frenulectomy is the right step forward.

What Happens During a Frenulectomy?

At Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics, your child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities. Frenulectomies are typically quick, gentle, and minimally invasive, especially when done with our state-of-the-art diode laser.

Here’s What to Expect:

1. Evaluation & Consultation
   We’ll start with a thorough exam, checking tongue and lip mobility, feeding/speech issues, and overall oral development. Our team takes the time to explain everything and answer your questions.
2. Comfort Measures
   We often use local anesthesia to numb the area. For younger or more anxious kids, we may recommend mild sedation to help them stay relaxed.
3. Laser Treatment
   Using a soft-tissue dental laser, the frenulum is gently released with minimal bleeding, discomfort, and no stitches required.
4. Fast Recovery
   The entire procedure typically takes just a few minutes, and most children recover very quickly. We’ll give you specific aftercare instructions and support you every step of the way.

Benefits of a Frenulectomy for Kids

Choosing to move forward with a frenulectomy can lead to meaningful improvements in your child’s quality of life. Benefits may include:

• ✅ Improved feeding for infants
• ✅ Clearer speech as your child learns to talk
• ✅ Better oral hygiene with improved tongue/lip mobility
• ✅ Straighter teeth and reduced spacing concerns
• ✅ Greater comfort and confidence in everyday activities

Many parents are surprised at how much one small change can impact so many areas of a child’s development.

Is a Frenulectomy Safe?

Yes — when performed by trained pediatric professionals, a frenulectomy is a safe and effective treatment. At Kids Rock, we use the latest technology and techniques to make the process as gentle as possible.

Our laser-assisted approach means:

• Less discomfort
• No sutures
• Minimal bleeding
• Faster healing

Complications are rare, and most children resume normal eating and speaking very soon after the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most children recover quickly after a frenulectomy. Here's what you can expect at home:

• 🩹 Mild Discomfort
  A little soreness or swelling is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter children’s pain relievers (like Tylenol) are usually enough to manage this.
• 🧼 Keep It Clean
  We’ll show you how to gently clean the area and encourage good oral hygiene during healing.
• 👅 Oral Exercises
  In some cases, we may recommend gentle stretching or mobility exercises to prevent the frenulum from reattaching and support proper healing.
• 🍦 Soft Foods
  For the first day or two, offer soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies to minimize irritation.

If anything seems unusual — such as heavy bleeding, prolonged pain, or signs of infection — don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re just a phone call away.

Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist for Frenulectomy in Colorado Springs, CO

A successful frenulectomy depends on choosing a provider who understands both the technical side of the procedure and the emotional needs of young patients.

At Kids Rock Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team is:

• ✅ Experienced in pediatric soft-tissue procedures
• ✅ Trained in laser dentistry for gentle, precise treatment
• ✅ Patient and compassionate with children of all ages
• ✅ Clear and communicative with parents

We create a calm, welcoming environment where your child can feel safe — and maybe even have a little fun along the way!

Help Your Child Thrive with a Frenulectomy at Kids Rock Dentistry

If a tight frenulum is holding your child back — whether it’s causing feeding trouble, affecting speech, or interfering with oral hygiene — a simple frenulectomy might be the solution.

Let our caring team in Colorado Springs evaluate your child and provide the expert guidance you need to make the best decision for their smile and development.