Frenectomy (Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Treatment)
at Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant
Feeding struggles, speech delays, or trouble moving the tongue may leave you wondering if a tongue tie or lip tie is holding your child back. It’s not always easy to get clear answers. Online opinions vary, and even experts can disagree. That’s why we take a practical, personalized approach at Kids Teeth. We look at your child’s full story before talking about tongue tie treatment, also known as a frenectomy. We work with infants, children, and teens at our Johnnie Dodds and Park West offices here in Mt. Pleasant. If you’ve been wondering about a possible tongue tie, we’re here to help.
What Are Tongue Ties and Lip Ties?
A tongue tie happens when a band of tissue under the tongue (called the lingual frenum) is short or tight and limits movement. A lip tie is a similar issue with the upper lip. Some kids have visible frenums that cause no problems at all. But when these connections are too tight, they can affect feeding, speech, or even the ability to clean food off teeth.
We look at how the tongue and lips actually work — not just how they look. We don’t rely on pictures or checklists. Your child’s function, symptoms, and daily comfort guide any recommendation we give.
Common Signs of a Tongue or Lip Tie
In babies, symptoms may show up as feedings that take too long, clicking noises during nursing or bottle feeding, or poor weight gain. Some parents feel pain during breastfeeding even after working with a lactation consultant.
Toddlers or older kids may have trouble sticking out their tongue, licking their lips or ice cream, or speaking clearly. They may also struggle to chew or clean their teeth well. These signs don’t confirm a tongue tie by themselves, but if you notice more than a few, it makes sense to come in to our Mt. Pleasant pediatric dental office. We can look at what’s going on and talk through your options.
How We Evaluate a Possible Tongue Tie
Your visit starts with us listening. You know your child best. We’ll ask about feedings, speech, and any habits or behavior patterns that may relate. We check how the lips and tongue move, and we look at where the frenum attaches.
We use gentle movement to see the tongue’s range and let your child stay as calm as possible. For school-age children, we talk through what we’re doing so they feel part of the visit.
We only recommend treatment if we believe it will make a difference for your child’s function and comfort.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the tissue under the tongue or lip. This can boost movement right away and help with feeding or speech. We’re trained in a few different methods, including laser treatment, and we choose the option that best fits your child’s needs.
These treatments happen right in our offices here in Mt. Pleasant, and we always review what to expect beforehand. Releasing a tie may be only one part of treatment. Good results often depend on follow-up care like feeding support or speech exercises.
Frenectomy Step-by-Step at Kids Teeth
If you decide to go ahead, we walk through the entire process with you. We use topical and local anesthesia to keep things comfortable. Babies are swaddled or supported in a safe position. Older kids sit in the chair and are guided through what we’re doing, using language they can follow.
We lift the lip or tongue, locate the tight tissue, and use a small laser pass to release it. The process is quick and we manage bleeding right away. You’ll be able to see the change in movement before you leave.
We go over homecare and feeding/oral tips based on your child’s age. If follow-up stretches are needed, we show exactly how to do them in ways that feel doable.
Healing and What to Expect After Treatment
Most kids heal fast. You may see a small white area under the tongue or lip as it heals. Babies might be more fussy for a day or two, and older kids might describe the area as sore or tight.
We give custom care plans for comfort, including cold packs, rest, and when to use regular pain relief medications. If exercises help prevent tight healing, we’ll teach you exactly what to do and how often.
We schedule follow-up appointments so we can check healing, answer your questions, and watch tongue or lip movement as your child adapts.
Let us know if something seems off, like unusual bleeding, fever, or a big change in feeding or comfort — we’re here and ready to help.
How Frenectomy May Help
Releasing a tongue or lip tie can improve how a child eats, speaks, and feels. We’ve seen babies with better latches, kids who brush easier, and children who do better in speech therapy once their tongue has more freedom.
Why Mt. Pleasant Families Choose Kids Teeth
Life here moves fast. Between schools, sports, and activities, your time matters. That’s why we offer evaluations and treatments at both our Johnnie Dodds and Park West offices.
The Johnnie Dodds office works well for families near central Mt. Pleasant and the Charleston bridge. The Park West location serves neighborhoods and schools farther north.
You can explore directions and office photos ahead of time to plan for the appointment. Whether this is your first visit or you’ve been part of our patient family for years, we meet you with care that fits your child.
Common Questions About Tongue Tie Treatment
How do I know if my child really needs the procedure?
We check how the tongue or lip moves and how it affects eating, speech, or hygiene. We focus on function, not just how things look.
Is the process painful?
We numb the area first, so your child feels pressure, not pain. Afterward, some kids feel sore, but it fades.
When is the best age for a frenectomy?
We treat all ages, from newborns through teens. The right time depends on symptoms and goals.
Will fixing the tie solve feeding or speech problems?
It may help, but it’s not always a fix-all. Therapy and practice still matter. In these cases, we can refer you to helpful resources.
How long is recovery?
Most kids feel better in a few days. Full healing takes about one or two weeks.
Let’s Take the First Step Together
If you’ve been wondering about a possible tongue tie, don’t wait. A short visit can give you answers, clarity, and a better path forward for your child. We’re here to listen and help you decide what’s best without pressure or guesswork. Take the next step and request an evaluation with our team. Appointments are filling fast, so reach out today — we’re ready when you are.