Pediatric dentistry
Frenectomy for Kids in Lakewood, CO
A quick, gentle laser procedure to treat lip and tongue ties so your child can feed, speak, and smile comfortably.
Dr. Lawrence Musanje and Dr. Laya Bahrani provide frenectomies to treat tongue and lip ties and improve your child’s health and oral function. This simple procedure is performed using a dental laser to ensure it is as comfortable and effective as possible.
What is a tongue tie or lip tie?
A frenulum is a small band of tissue. Everyone has one under their tongue and another connecting their upper lip to the gum. When a frenulum is too short, too tight, or too thick, it restricts movement. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) limits tongue mobility, while a lip tie restricts the upper lip. Either can affect breastfeeding in infants, speech development in toddlers, and oral hygiene as children grow.
When we recommend a frenectomy
Not every tight frenulum needs treatment. We recommend a frenectomy when the restriction is causing real problems: difficulty latching or breastfeeding, speech delays, trouble with certain sounds, a gap between the front teeth, or difficulty keeping the teeth clean because the lip cannot move freely.
If you suspect a tie, bring your child in for an evaluation. We will examine the tissue, talk through what we see, and give you an honest recommendation. Sometimes the answer is to watch and wait, and when treatment is the right call, we will explain exactly what to expect.
What to expect
Your Child’s Frenectomy Appointment
A fast, gentle procedure with you right there the whole time.
Evaluation
We examine the frenulum, discuss your child’s symptoms, and determine whether a frenectomy is the right solution.
Comfort Prep
The area is gently numbed. For younger or anxious patients, laughing gas is available so they stay calm throughout.
Laser Release
Our dental laser releases the restricted tissue in seconds, with minimal bleeding and no sutures needed.
Quick Recovery
Most children resume normal feeding or activity the same day. We send you home with simple aftercare exercises.
Why our approach
Why Families Trust Our Frenectomy Care
Laser Precision
Our dental laser makes the procedure faster, gentler, and more comfortable than traditional methods, with minimal bleeding.
Quick and Simple
The procedure itself takes only minutes, and most children return to normal feeding and activity the same day.
Comfort-First Approach
No stabilization, ever. Parents are welcome in the room and we move at your child’s pace every step of the way.
Laser Dentistry for a Better Experience
Our dental laser makes frenectomies faster, gentler, and more precise. Minimal bleeding, no sutures, and quicker healing for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenectomies
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases a tight or short frenulum, the small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (tongue tie) or the upper lip to the gum (lip tie). When this tissue restricts movement, it can affect feeding, speech, and oral development.
How do I know if my child has a tongue tie or lip tie?
Common signs include difficulty breastfeeding or latching, a heart-shaped tongue tip when the tongue is extended, trouble moving the tongue side to side, speech delays or difficulty with certain sounds, and a gap between the front teeth caused by a tight lip frenulum. If you notice any of these, we can evaluate your child during a visit.
What age can a frenectomy be performed?
A frenectomy can be performed at almost any age. For infants with feeding difficulties, early treatment can make an immediate difference. For older children, the procedure can improve speech and oral function. We will evaluate your child and recommend the best timing.
Why do you use a laser for frenectomies?
Our dental laser makes the procedure faster, more precise, and more comfortable than traditional scissors or scalpel methods. The laser cauterizes as it works, which means minimal bleeding, no sutures, and quicker healing for your child.
Does a frenectomy hurt?
The area is numbed before the procedure, and the laser itself is very quick, often just seconds. Most children experience only mild soreness afterward that resolves within a day or two. Laughing gas is available for children who need extra comfort.
What is recovery like after a frenectomy?
Recovery is typically quick. Most children can resume feeding or eating normally the same day. We will send you home with simple stretching exercises to help the area heal properly and prevent reattachment.
Concerned About a Lip or Tongue Tie?
If your child is having trouble feeding, speaking, or you have noticed a restricted frenulum, bring them in for an evaluation. We will give you honest answers and a gentle plan.