What is a pediatric tongue-tie release with laser?
A tongue-tie release, or frenectomy, frees a short or tight band of tissue under the tongue that can affect feeding, speech, and oral development. Using a precise dental laser, we perform the procedure in minutes with very little bleeding, no stitches, and minimal discomfort for your child.
When your child might need it
- Trouble breastfeeding, latching, or bottle-feeding in infants
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (like "l," "r," or "th")
- A heart-shaped or notched tongue tip when extended
- Trouble cleaning food off teeth with the tongue
How it works
- A topical numbing gel is applied to the area
- A safe, gentle laser releases the tight band in seconds
- The laser sterilizes and seals as it works, so bleeding is minimal
- Most procedures are complete in under 10 minutes
Benefits
- Fast, virtually bloodless procedure with no sutures
- Improves feeding, speech, and oral hygiene
- Lower risk of infection thanks to laser precision
- Quicker healing than traditional scalpel methods
What to expect
For infants, the visit is usually under 30 minutes from start to finish, and you can feed your baby right after. Older children may feel a brief warming sensation but rarely report pain, and they often go back to school the same day.
Recovery & aftercare
Gentle stretches under the tongue several times a day help prevent reattachment - we'll show you exactly how. Mild tenderness for 2-3 days is normal, and most parents see improvement in feeding or speech within the first week.
A note for parents
It's natural to feel nervous about any procedure on your little one, but the laser approach is one of the gentlest options available today. Holding your baby skin-to-skin or staying close throughout the visit brings them powerful comfort.