Laser Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment in Spartanburg, SC
For Infants and Children
Tongue and lip ties can interfere with proper feeding, speech, and development, especially in newborns. Foothills Pediatric Dentistry provides gentle laser frenectomy treatment for infants, toddlers, and children throughout Spartanburg and surrounding areas. We accept referrals from lactation consultants and therapists, offering infant-focused care with fast access to evaluation for babies just days old.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
Tongue and lip ties occur when the frenum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gum) restricts natural movement. This condition can impact feeding in infants, speech development in toddlers, oral posture, breathing patterns, and overall dental health.
We only treat cases where functional impairment is clearly documented, following best practices that go beyond simple visual assessment to comprehensive functional evaluation.
Common Symptoms of Tongue or Lip Ties in Infants and Children
Infant Signs:
- Poor latch during breastfeeding
- Clicking sounds when nursing
- Reflux or frequent spit-up
- Gassy or colicky behavior
- Extended feeding times
- Failure to gain weight appropriately
- Blisters on lips from poor latch
Toddler/Older Child Signs:
- Speech delays or articulation difficulties
- Picky eating or texture aversion
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep disturbances
- Messy eating patterns
- Gum recession or dental issues
How We Diagnose Tongue and Lip Ties at Our Spartanburg Office
At Foothills Pediatric Dentistry, we use comprehensive functional assessments rather than visual checks alone to evaluate restrictions. Our tongue tie specialist Spartanburg team is trained to work with infants just days old, coordinating closely with lactation consultants, feeding therapists, speech therapists, and myofunctional therapists.
We only accept referrals from trained specialists who perform functional evaluations. This collaborative approach ensures surgical outcomes are optimized through pre- and post-release therapy that addresses root causes of dysfunction.
Gentle Laser Frenectomy for Infants and Children
The gold standard for treatment is CO2 lasers like the LightScalpel that we use in our office. They are fast, precise, and minimize bleeding, providing superior outcomes compared to traditional methods.
For infants, the procedure only takes a couple of minutes and no sedation is needed. In coordination with the therapist, we prescribe stretching exercises every 4 hours for 3 weeks to modify the normal healing pattern and reduce reattachment of the ties. For older children, we place sutures to close the lingual wound, which eliminates the need for stretches and greatly reduces the risk of reattachment.
What Is a Laser Frenectomy?
A laser frenectomy uses a soft-tissue CO2 laser to safely release the restrictive frenum tissue in a bloodless, precise manner. This advanced technology allows for faster healing and reduced post-operative complications compared to traditional methods.
What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure
For infants, the procedure takes only a couple of minutes with no sedation needed. Our team supports both parent and child through gentle swaddling techniques, feeding guidance before and after, and clear communication throughout the brief procedure. For older children, we place sutures to close the wound, eliminating the need for stretches and greatly reducing reattachment risk.
Before and After Tongue Tie Treatment – What to Know
Recovery varies by individual, with some infants showing immediate feeding improvements while others benefit from continued therapy. For infants, we prescribe stretching exercises every 4 hours for 3 weeks to modify normal healing patterns and reduce reattachment. Our team provides comprehensive post-procedure support and follows up to ensure optimal healing.
Post-Treatment Exercises and Support
Our team teaches parents proper stretching techniques to prevent tissue reattachment for infant patients. We coordinate with your referring therapist to ensure continuity of care and provide ongoing support throughout the healing process.
Why Spartanburg Parents and Therapists Trust Foothills Pediatric Dentistry for Tongue Tie Treatment
We specialize in treating newborns just days or weeks old, with same-day evaluations available for urgent cases. Our dentist for tongue tie accepts referrals only from qualified specialists, ensuring appropriate patient selection. Dr. Michael is available to answer questions via call or text, providing the accessibility families need.
We perform hundreds of procedures annually, working exclusively with top-tier therapists in the region to maintain the highest standards of care.
Serving Families Across Spartanburg and Nearby Communities
Families travel from Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Whitney Heights, Valley Falls, Hilltop, Drayton, and Fernwood for our specialized tongue tie expertise, knowing they’ll receive evidence-based evaluation and treatment from experienced specialists.
We offer same-week access for newborns and infants requiring urgent evaluation. Our infant-experienced team provides comfort-first care for the youngest patients.
Call today to discuss your child’s needs or submit a therapist referral. Serving Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, and surrounding neighborhoods with evidence-based tongue tie treatment that prioritizes functional outcomes over volume.
