Knowing when a frenectomy can make a real difference for your little one starts with the right information. If your baby is struggling to latch or your older child has trouble with certain sounds, Dr. Laura Mitchell offers gentle, laser-assisted frenectomy surgery for kids in Frisco, TX. Our pediatric office is built around one idea: dental care just for kids.
What Is a Frenectomy for Children?
A frenectomy is a quick procedure that releases a tight band of oral tissue, called a frenum, that restricts tongue or lip movement. The release restores normal function in just minutes and is safe for infants, toddlers, and older kids. At Frisco Mini Molars pediatric dentistry, Dr. Laura Mitchell uses a CO2 laser to gently free the tissue.
There are two frenums we focus on most often. The lingual frenum sits under the tongue, and when it’s too short or tight, it causes what most parents know as tongue-tie. The labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gums, and a restrictive one is called lip-tie. Both can affect feeding, speech, and dental development.
You may also hear the term frenotomy. A frenotomy is a simple snip of the tissue, while a frenectomy fully removes the restrictive band. Laser technology lets Dr. Mitchell perform either with minimal bleeding, less discomfort, and faster healing than traditional methods.
Every age group can need this procedure. Newborns often need it for breastfeeding, toddlers may benefit when speech delays appear, and school-age kids sometimes need release to support proper oral development.
Benefits of a Pediatric Frenectomy
Releasing a restrictive frenum can make feeding or talking noticeably easier for your child. From easier feeding in infancy to clearer speech in childhood, the benefits go well beyond the mouth.
Here’s what families typically notice after a laser frenectomy:
- Clearer speech development. A free-moving tongue helps kids form sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r” with greater accuracy.
- Better breastfeeding latch. Infants can often nurse more comfortably, reducing pain for mom and improving weight gain for baby.
- Easier eating and swallowing. Older kids may chew and swallow solid foods with less effort.
- Healthier dental development. Releasing a lip-tie can reduce the gap between front teeth and lower the risk of gum recession.
- Lower risk of speech delays. Early intervention supports natural language growth.
- Gentle recovery. Laser technology means less bleeding, less pain, and faster healing.
Laser vs. Traditional Frenectomy
| Feature | CO2 Laser Frenectomy | Traditional Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Minimal | Moderate |
| Procedure time | Just a few minutes | Longer |
| Stitches needed | Typically none | Often required |
| Recovery | Faster, gentler | Longer healing |
| Discomfort | Reduced | More noticeable |
Pro tip: If your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or speech therapist has mentioned tongue-tie or lip-tie, an evaluation with Dr. Mitchell is a smart next step.
The Pediatric Frenectomy Procedure in Frisco: What to Expect
A laser frenectomy at Frisco Mini Molars is a short, gentle procedure that typically takes just a few minutes from start to finish. Dr. Laura Mitchell uses a CO2 laser to release the restrictive tissue with minimal bleeding and no stitches in most cases. Comfort options are available based on your child’s age and needs, and healing usually wraps up within one to two weeks.
Here’s what your child’s visit looks like step by step:
- Consultation and evaluation. Dr. Mitchell examines your child’s tongue and lip function, reviews symptoms, and discusses your concerns. If a frenectomy is the right call, we walk you through every detail.
- Comfort preparation. For infants, a topical numbing agent is often all that’s needed. For older kids with anxiety, we may offer oral sedation to keep things relaxed.
- Laser release. The CO2 laser gently releases the frenum in just a few minutes. The laser cauterizes as it works, so bleeding is minimal.
- Aftercare guidance. We send you home with clear stretching exercises to prevent reattachment, plus tips for comfort and feeding.
Recovery and Healing
Most kids bounce back quickly. Infants nurse right after the procedure in nearly every case. Older kids feel mild soreness for a day or two, and children’s pain relievers and soft foods take care of it easily.
The stretching exercises are the key to healing well. We’ll show you exactly how and when to do them, typically a few times per day for one to two weeks. Following these instructions closely helps prevent the tissue from reattaching and keeps healing on track.
Is Your Child a Candidate for a Frenectomy?
The clearest signs include difficulty lifting or extending the tongue, trouble with certain speech sounds, feeding struggles, or a visible gap between the upper front teeth. If you notice any of these in your infant or child, a hands-on evaluation with Dr. Mitchell can tell you whether a release will help.
Not every tight frenum needs treatment, but certain signs point to a real restriction that’s worth evaluating. Dr. Mitchell looks at function, not just appearance, when deciding whether a release is recommended.
Signs of tongue-tie in infants and kids include:
- Difficulty lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth
- Trouble sticking the tongue past the lower lip
- Speech issues, especially with certain sounds
- Feeding difficulties or slow eating
- A heart-shaped tongue tip when extended
Signs of lip-tie include:
- A noticeable gap between the upper front teeth
- Latch difficulties during breastfeeding
- The upper lip can’t flange outward easily
- Tightness or blanching when the lip is lifted
Infants who struggle with breastfeeding (painful latch, poor weight gain, clicking sounds, falling asleep at the breast) are often great candidates. Older kids with persistent speech challenges, difficulty eating certain foods, or dental spacing concerns may also benefit.
The only way to know for sure is a hands-on evaluation. Dr. Mitchell will assess your child’s specific situation and recommend release only when it’ll truly help.
Why Families Trust Frisco Mini Molars
Choosing the right place for your child’s frenectomy matters, and our mini molars family knows we treat every child, every visit with care that’s built specifically for kids.
- Pediatric-focused expertise. Dr. Laura Mitchell is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has earned the richard c. pugh award for her standing on the pediatric dental board exam, a credential that places her among the top performers nationally.
- Advanced laser technology. Our CO2 laser allows for gentle, precise releases with less bleeding and faster healing.
- Experience with infants and older kids. From newborns with feeding challenges to school-age children with speech concerns, we’ve helped families across every stage.
- A fun, energetic and kid-friendly atmosphere. Our pediatric office is designed to put kids at ease the moment they walk in, and our whole team is committed to making every visit a positive one for both kids and parents.
We believe in delivering world-class dental care that’s tailored to growing smiles, and that promise guides everything from your first hello to your child’s final high-five on the way out the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a frenectomy hurt?
Laser frenectomies are remarkably gentle. The CO2 laser causes very little discomfort during the procedure, and most infants don’t need anything beyond topical numbing. Older kids may feel mild soreness for a day or two afterward, which is easily managed with children’s pain relievers and soft foods.
How long does recovery take?
Most kids heal within one to two weeks. Infants can usually feed right after the procedure, and older children typically return to normal eating within a day. The stretching exercises we provide carry the most weight during recovery, helping prevent reattachment and supporting full healing.
Will it improve my child’s speech?
In many cases, yes. When a tight lingual frenum is the root cause of speech issues, releasing it gives the tongue the range of motion needed to form sounds correctly. Some kids benefit from working with a speech therapist afterward to build new muscle patterns, especially if compensations have formed over time.
Is laser frenectomy safe for infants?
Yes. Laser frenectomy is widely considered one of the safest, gentlest options for newborns and infants. The procedure takes only minutes, requires no stitches, and allows babies to nurse almost immediately afterward. Dr. Laura Mitchell has experience working with even the youngest members of our mini molars family.
How much does a frenectomy cost in Frisco?
Cost varies based on whether it’s a tongue-tie or lip-tie release and your child’s specific needs. We’ll provide a clear, detailed estimate during your consultation so there are no surprises. Our in-house membership plan is also available for families without dental insurance.
Does insurance cover pediatric frenectomy?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and the medical necessity of the procedure. Many dental and medical insurance plans cover frenectomies, especially when feeding or speech issues are documented. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before your visit.
Schedule Your Child’s Frenectomy Consultation in Frisco
If you suspect your child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, we’d love to help. Dr. Laura Mitchell and the team at Frisco Mini Molars pediatric dentistry offer gentle, laser-assisted frenectomy surgery for kids in Frisco, TX, with the warm, kid-friendly care your family deserves.
Call us at (214) 872-3434 or book a visit online. Our pediatric office at 5110 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 600 in Frisco, TX is conveniently located for families across Frisco, McKinney, Lewisville, Plano, and North Dallas. Reach out during regular business hours and our team will help you find a time that works. We can’t wait to welcome your little one to the mini molars family.