Camp Little Tooth

Frenectomy

Tongue-tie & Lip-tie

What Are Tongue and Lip-Ties?

Some children are born with extra tissue called frenum under their tongue or upper lip. These are called tongue-ties and lip-ties and can cause difficulty with speech, breastfeeding, weight gain, and even dental decay.

If not treated during childhood, the adverse effects of tongue and lip-ties can follow children into adulthood. Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, sleep issues, mouth breathing, and speech problems are all signs of untreated tongue and lip-ties.

Tongue Tie Airway Center 9

Why Should My Child Undergo a Frenectomy?

Infants with tongue and lip-ties may:
  • Have difficulty nursing or taking a bottle
  • Drip milk out of their mouth when eating
  • Have trouble gaining weight
  • Click their tongue or smack their lips when eating
  • Have reflux or symptoms of colic
  • Be continually fussy, often due to gas

*We will begin offering infant frenectomies in summer 2025. 

Older children with tongue and lip-ties may:

  • Have trouble sleeping
  • Experience a strong gag reflex
  • Have delayed speech
  • Speak softer than average or have difficulty being understood
  • Choke when eating or drinking
  • Be a picky eater or eat their food slowly
  • Sleep with their mouth open, snore or grind their teeth

According to the National Institutes of Health, between four and ten percent of infants are born with a tongue-tie. We’re learning now more than ever why breastfeeding is so crucial to a child’s development. If your baby has difficulty latching on to the breast, they may be experiencing a tongue or lip-tie. 

However, there’s no reason for the bonding between a mother and her child to be disrupted. Frenectomies can improve latch, allowing babies (and mothers) to have a better nursing experience. 

Experience Almost Instant Benefits

Thanks to this quick and nearly painless treatment, your child or infant can resume their daily routine right away. Many older children return straight to the playground after their procedure. 

Since breast milk contains many healing properties, breastfed infants are encouraged to nurse immediately following the procedure. Our experience has also been that older children who may be picky eaters or children who have difficulty gaining weight will often experience better appetites.

Some smaller children introduce new words to their vocabulary the day of their procedure. Older children will speak clearly with fewer restrictions, boosting their confidence. You can also expect infants and children to sleep throughout the night, improving their behavior during the day. 

Our office believes oral restrictions shouldn’t hold children back, and tongue and lip-ties are entirely treatable. We invite you to schedule a consultation today to learn how a frenectomy can positively impact your family’s future.

CO2 Deka Laser for Frenectomies

At Camp Little Tooth Tongue Tie and Airway Center, we utilize the CO2 Deka laser for our frenectomy procedures, offering a precise, minimally invasive solution to treat tongue and lip ties in children and toddlers.

The CO2 Deka laser is a state-of-the-art technology that delivers focused laser energy to the targeted tissue, allowing for an extremely accurate and controlled treatment. This laser’s high precision ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues, leading to quicker healing times, reduced discomfort, and a more comfortable experience overall for your child.

Why the CO2 Deka Laser is Superior:

  1. Precision and Control: The CO2 Deka laser provides exceptional precision, ensuring that only the affected tissue is treated. This reduces the risk of unnecessary damage to surrounding areas.
  2. Minimal Bleeding: The CO2 laser effectively cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, leading to minimal bleeding during the procedure. This promotes a cleaner, safer treatment and enhances the healing process.
  3. Faster Healing and Reduced Discomfort: With its ability to minimize trauma to the tissue, the CO2 Deka laser allows for faster recovery times and significantly less post-procedure discomfort compared to traditional methods.
  4. Reduced Risk of Infection: The laser’s sterilizing effect helps reduce the likelihood of infections, ensuring a safer and smoother recovery for your child.
  5. Less Need for Sutures: Due to the laser’s precision, sutures are typically not required, simplifying the recovery process and making post-treatment care easier.

We are proud to offer this advanced technology for frenectomy treatments, ensuring that your child receives the highest level of care and the best possible outcome.