Expert Lip & Tongue-Tie Specialist in Pinellas Park
A frenum (or frenulum) is a small piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the lips to the gums. When an infant is born with tissue that is too exceptionally tight, thick, or short, it results in a condition known as a lip or tongue-tie.At Kids 1st Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Carolina is a specially trained Lip & Tongue-Tie Specialist. We provide gentle, effective, and minimally invasive frenectomy procedures in Pinellas Park to help your child thrive.
Understanding the Impact of a Lip or Tongue-Tie
When left untreated, limited movement in the mouth can significantly impact your child’s health and development. Common issues associated with tethered oral tissues include:
- Infant Feeding Difficulties: Struggles with latching, painful breastfeeding for the mother, poor weight gain, and excessive colic or reflux.
- Speech Issues: Difficulty articulating certain sounds or a delay in speech development in toddlers.
- Dental Concerns: Frenul pull can cause localized gum recession, create gaps between the teeth (diastema), and increase the risk of tooth decay due to the inability to properly sweep away food.
- Airway and Facial Growth: Untreated ties can contribute to upper airway issues and affect proper facial and jaw growth.
The Frenectomy Procedure: Gentle & Fast
A frenectomy is a simple, minor surgical procedure to release the tight frenum, allowing for a full range of motion.
- Quick & Efficient: The procedure typically takes less than fifteen minutes to perform in our office.
- Minimal Discomfort: Postoperative discomfort is minimal, and infants can often nurse immediately following the release.
- Compassionate Care: Dr. Carolina will take the time to ensure your child’s comfort at all times, guiding parents through the entire process, including post-op stretching exercises.
Join Us for Tongue-Tie Tuesdays!
We dedicate specific time to focus deeply on these vital procedures. Ask our team about our “Tongue-Tie Tuesdays” for dedicated evaluation and treatment scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my baby has a lip or tongue-tie?
Signs include clicking noises while nursing, poor weight gain, milk leaking from the mouth, or maternal nipple pain. Toddlers may exhibit speech delays or difficulty swallowing solid foods. A proper evaluation by Dr. Carolina is the best way to get a diagnosis.
Is a frenectomy safe for my newborn?
Yes, it is a very safe, routine procedure. In fact, addressing a lip or tongue-tie early in infancy usually results in a faster, easier recovery and immediately improves feeding issues.
Does my child need to be put to sleep for a frenectomy?
No. We use a local anesthetic or numbing gel to keep your child comfortable. The procedure is very fast, and general anesthesia is not required.
Will the lip or tongue-tie grow back?
We will teach you simple, gentle stretching exercises to perform at home in the weeks following the procedure. These exercises are crucial and highly effective in preventing the tissue from reattaching as it heals.
Schedule a Lip & Tongue-Tie Consultation
If you suspect your child is struggling with a lip or tongue-tie, we can help. Call Kids 1st Pediatric Dentistry today at (727) 238-7722 or visit our Pinellas Park office for an expert evaluation.