Baby sticking out tongue

Laser Frenectomy in Hurst, TX

Pediatric Dentist for Tongue Tie

Frenectomy Laser Dentistry in Hurst, TX

 

What Are Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie?

Inside our mouths we have several frenula. You might not have known what they were called, but you have undoubtedly seen them.

Frenula are the thin folds of soft tissue that help stabilize our lips and tongues. Two of the frenula in your child’s mouth are of particular interest here: the lingual frenulum and the maxillary labial frenulum. The maxillary labial frenulum is the fold of tissue that attaches the center of your upper lip to the gum tissue between your top two front teeth. The lingual frenulum is the fold of tissue that connects the base of your tongue to the floor of your mouth.

In most children, the maxillary labial frenulum and lingual frenulum function properly and do not cause any issues. Sometimes, however, children are born with an usually thick or tight maxillary labial frenulum that restricts the mobility of the upper lip (lip-tie) or with a lingual frenulum that is too short and thick, limiting the tongue’s ability to move (tongue-tie).

*Please note that, for all frenectomy-related appointments, we require a referral from your child's pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech therapist or orthodontist.*

What Is a Pediatric Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure in which the maxillary labial frenulum or the lingual frenulum is removed. At Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, we use a soft tissue laser to release the frenulum. The entire pediatric laser procedure takes only a few minutes.

When Are Frenectomies Performed?

At Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, we perform frenectomies only when a lip-tie or tongue-tie is negatively affecting a patient’s life. Accordingly, we request that patients receive a referral from a pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech therapist or orthodontist before making an appointment for a frenectomy consultation.

What types of problems can lip-ties and tongue-ties create? Some children with lip-tie or tongue-tie do not experience any significant problems. Other children may experience any of the following:

  • breastfeeding difficulties (including reflux, inadequate milk transfer and poor weight gain) due to ineffective latch,
  • speech issues, and/or
  • gum recession.

A frenectomy can be used to “release” the lip-tie or tongue-tie to reduce or eliminate these problems.

In certain cases, a lip-tie can also create a gap between a child’s two front teeth. When this happens, an orthodontist may ask for a pediatric dentist to remove the maxillary labial frenulum to prevent the two teeth from drifting apart after orthodontic correction.

Dr. Lin and his team will work closely with your child’s lactation consultant, pediatrician, speech therapist and/or orthodontist to determine if your child will benefit from a frenectomy to release the lip-tie or tongue-tie.

Advantages of Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie Laser Surgery for Kids 

Traditionally, lip-ties and tongue-ties were released using scalpels or scissors. At Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, we offer cutting-edge soft tissue laser technology for frenulum procedures.

Laser surgery offers many advantages over scalpels and scissors. Laser technology

  • helps patients bleed less;
  • makes the frenectomy procedure and the healing process less painful and more comfortable for your child; and
  • reduces the risk of postoperative complications, such as swelling and infection.

Tongue- and Lip-Tie Laser Surgery in DFW

Finding the right place to get lip-tie or tongue-tie laser surgery for your child is critical to feeling comfortable and positive about the procedure. You can feel confident that our team will do everything we can to provide a positive, uplifting experience for you, your child and your family.

Hurst Pediatric Dentistry is located in Hurst, Texas, and provides pediatric dental care to patients across Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, Keller, Southlake, Fort Worth and the surrounding area. Call the office at (817) 510-6400 to book an appointment today.

Please note that, for all frenectomy-related appointments, we require a referral from your child's pediatrician, lactation consultant, speech therapist or orthodontist.

Aaron AstonAaron Aston
22:02 09 May 24
Love this dentist for kids! They are very calm and patient with little ones, and take the time to discuss with parents any concerns or suggestions.
Friendly staff. Dr Lin is awesome and great with my kiddo! Highly recommend !
Lindsey ManleyLindsey Manley
01:16 07 May 24
Dr.Lin and his staff are so quick and effective with my toddlers dentist appointment. Makes everyone feel comfortable, and never scary. The office is very kid friendly and I am glad we found them!!
TylerGabbieKylohTylerGabbieKyloh
19:37 06 May 24
Excellent team! Our kids were always taken care of! Dr. Jin is the best!
Emily ProctorEmily Proctor
15:56 06 May 24
The best dentist we have ever been to! My son is actually excited to come here. Highly recommend to anyone with nervous children. Doc goes above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable!
Jordan BettingerJordan Bettinger
18:20 30 Apr 24
Dr. Lin is a godsend. He's incredible with kids and so good at calming them as they face "the chair". So kind, so patient...he even sings to them! The hygienists and office staff are very friendly and fantastic with children as well. Can't imagine a more ideal place for young ones to get their teeth (and their hearts!) cared for.
Laura WoodsideLaura Woodside
14:36 30 Apr 24
Today was our 4th visit to Hurst Pediatric Dentistry and my almost 5 year old daughter left saying “Mom I had so much fun at the dentist!!” I am continually blown away by the care, kindness and expertise from Dr. Lin and the whole office staff. Truly a unique pediatric dentist office and I could not recommend them more!!!!!
Lobat JamshidnejadLobat Jamshidnejad
15:07 28 Feb 24
I recently had the pleasure of taking my 3 years old baby to Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and professionalism we received. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming. Once inside, Dr. Lin and his assistant, Ashley, were fantastic with my baby. They were patient, gentle, and made sure my child felt comfortable throughout the entire appointment. I highly recommend Hurst Pediatric Dentistry to any parent looking for a dentist who truly cares about their little patients.
Alexandria TaylorAlexandria Taylor
01:43 06 Feb 24
I don’t have enough adjectives to describe how amazing this place is! As an adult who has past dental trauma, I prayed for a better experience for my daughter and I found it here. Dr. Lin was patient and easy-going with my daughter who can be quite stubborn. He made both of us so at ease and was so thorough. The entire experience from walking in to walking out was amazing. Kudos to the entire team and doctor. Can’t wait for her next appointment!
Krystal EaglesonKrystal Eagleson
16:28 29 Jan 24
Dr. Lin and staff are the best!My daughter had to have 4 baby teeth removed. They went above and beyond making her feel comfortable. My daughter couldn't even feel them being extracted. Everyone is so patient and nice! The best pediatric dentist ever! They have cool prizes for the end of the visit and movies to help kids stay occupied during the cleaning.We've been coming here for over 2 years. They always get us seated right away and are fast and efficient. Definitely recommend!
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This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any disease or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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