Laser Frenectomy
Dr. Kelly Jobe | Pediatric Dentist | St. Louis, MO
Laser Frenectomy
At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our primary focus is to provide exceptional dental and oral care for your children. Among our wide range of pediatric dental services, Dr. Kelly Jobe and her team specialize in laser frenectomy. This is a minimally invasive procedure that efficiently addresses tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions in children. Utilizing state-of-the-art LightScalpel laser technology, we ensure optimal precision, efficacy, and comfort during the procedure.
By offering laser frenectomy, we aim to address functional and developmental challenges associated with tongue-tie and lip-tie, which can affect speech, feeding, and overall oral health. Our cutting-edge laser technology allows for precise and gentle treatment, minimizing discomfort and promoting a swift recovery for your little one.
We take pride in being one of the few pediatric dental practices in the greater St. Louis, MO region to provide this advanced frenectomy solution. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovations enables us to offer the latest techniques and technologies for the benefit of our young patients. Rest assured, your child’s well-being and satisfaction are our top priorities, and our compassionate team will go above and beyond to ensure a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your little one.
As Seen On
Understanding Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
Tongue-tie and lip-tie are conditions present at birth that restrict the tongue’s or lip’s range of motion, respectively.
They occur when the thin piece of tissue under the baby’s tongue (the lingual frenulum), attaching the upper lip (the labial frenulum) or attaching the cheek (buccal frenum) is longer, wider and/or thicker than usual. These conditions may lead to difficulties in breastfeeding, sleep quality, speech development, or oral hygiene, and might also affect your child’s palate development and optimal nutrition absorption.
Is Your Child Showing Signs of Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
Babies with tongue-tie or lip-tie may exhibit symptoms such as a poor latch, falling asleep or sliding off the nipple while attempting to latch, colic symptoms, reflux symptoms, poor weight gain, difficulty holding a pacifier in the mouth, or inability to use a bottle. These conditions can also lead to short sleep episodes and frequent refeeding.
It’s important to note that tongue-tie and lip-tie can also affect the nursing mother, causing sore, chafed, or blanching nipples, intense pain, poor or incomplete breast drainage, plugged ducts, nipple thrush, or oversupply. If you or your baby are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to Kids Smiles to schedule a consultation.
What to Expect During a Laser Frenectomy in St. Louis, MO
Your child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Our frenectomy procedure is designed to be swift, simple, and stress-free.
The procedure takes less than a minute per frenum. Depending on the age of the patient, we may begin by applying a specially formulated topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Our precise LightScalpel laser then releases and seals the tissues, causing very little to no bleeding at all.
After some preoperative snuggles and discussion, one of our staff members will transfer your child for treatment. He/She will be comfortably swaddled and held by a member of our caring staff during the procedure.
Post-Frenectomy Lactation Suite
Immediately after the procedure, gentle massage of the tissues decreases discomfort and encourages healing at the site.
Once the release is complete, your family will be reunited in our private lactation suite where you can feed and comfort your child. We will also go over homecare and any follow-up instructions before you leave to ensure the maximum results for your family.
This is a rewarding moment for both you and your little one, marking the beginning of easier feeding and better overall oral health. You and your little one will notice the immediate effects of the laser frenectomy procedure.
The Advantages of LightScalpel Laser Frenectomy
Laser frenectomy using the LightScalpel laser brings numerous benefits to your child’s treatment:
- Minimized Bleeding: The LightScalpel laser seals small blood vessels, reducing bleeding and often removing the need for sutures.
- Less Swelling and Discomfort: The laser seals lymphatics, leading to less post-operative swelling and discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: The sanitizing effect of the laser reduces the risk of infection and promotes faster healing.
- Shortened Surgery Time: The improved visibility from minimized bleeding speeds up the procedure, reducing the surgery’s duration.
- Faster Recovery: The laser’s gentle touch means less trauma, leading to faster recovery. In most cases, your child can return to their normal routine the same day.
- Reduced Risk of Scarring: CO2 laser-irradiated areas heal with less wound contraction and scarring, ensuring better cosmetic results.
Questions for Dr. Jobe or the Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team?
Dr. Kelly Jobe and the team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are committed to providing the best pediatric dental care in the greater St. Louis, MO area! Please contact us with any questions regarding your kid’s dental health, we are here to help!
What Our Patients Say
Dr. Kelly Jobe & her staff are passionate about providing the best pediatric dental care in St. Louis, MO!
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Contact Info
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Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
9735 Landmark Parkway Dr.
Suite #16 St. Louis, MO 63127 - (314) 270-5817
- info@kidssmilesdentist.com
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