When a pediatric dentist recommends a frenectomy for your child, the conversation can feel overwhelming very quickly. Unfamiliar terminology, uncertainty about what the procedure involves and worry about how your child will feel afterward are all completely normal reactions. The good news is that when performed with a laser, a frenectomy is one of the most straightforward soft tissue procedures in pediatric dentistry, and recovery tends to be far gentler than most parents anticipate.
At University Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, tongue-tie and lip-tie treatment is one of the most distinctive services Dr. Funny offers, and it is an area where families travel from across the region to receive care. With over 18 years of experience in practice and a board certification in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Funny performs laser frenectomies with precision and a genuine commitment to keeping children comfortable throughout the process. Our team walks every family through what to expect before, during and after the procedure so nothing comes as a surprise.
What a Frenectomy Actually Is
A frenectomy is the release of a frenum, the small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gum. When this tissue is too tight or positioned in a way that restricts movement, it is referred to as a tongue-tie or lip-tie. These restrictions can interfere with breastfeeding in infants, speech development in toddlers and older children and even oral hygiene as kids grow. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes in its policy on frenulum management a restrictive frenulum may affect a child’s health in multiple ways and timely, appropriately indicated treatment is supported by current evidence.
A traditional frenectomy was historically performed with a scalpel, requiring sutures and a longer healing period. Laser frenectomy has largely replaced that approach in pediatric settings because of its meaningful advantages in comfort, precision and recovery.
How the Laser Procedure Works
The procedure itself is brief and follows a consistent sequence that our team has refined through years of experience with young patients of all ages and temperaments.
Preparation and Numbing
Before the laser is used, a topical numbing agent is applied to the treatment area. For most children, this is sufficient to keep them comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Funny takes time to help each child feel at ease before anything begins, explaining what they may feel and what sounds they may hear. Our laser dentistry approach is designed to be as calm and minimally invasive as possible.
The Release Itself
The laser releases the frenum by targeting the tissue with a concentrated beam of light energy. Because the laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes, there is typically little to no bleeding during the procedure. The release itself takes only a few minutes, no sutures are needed, and children are generally able to return to normal activities the same day. The laser’s precision also means surrounding healthy tissue remains undisturbed.
Immediately After
Most children experience mild soreness in the treated area for the first day or two. Swelling is minimal, and discomfort is generally manageable with infant or children’s pain reliever as directed. A white or yellowish patch may form over the release site during healing, which is a normal part of the process and not a cause for concern.
Recovery: What the First Two Weeks Look Like
The recovery period after a laser frenectomy is typically brief, but following aftercare instructions closely is essential to achieving the best outcome. Dr. Funny provides detailed guidance through our post-treatment instructions page, and our team is always available to answer questions as they come up.
Wound managementstretching exercises are a critical part of recovery. Performing these stretching exercises several times daily helps prevent the tissue from reattaching as it heals, which is the most common complication of a frenectomy. Most families find these exercises take only a few seconds each session and become routine very quickly. Feeding can typically resume shortly after the procedure, and breastfeeding families often notice improvement within the first few days.
University Pediatric Dentistry: Charlotte’s Trusted Frenectomy Team
At University Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the weight of this decision and take seriously the trust families place in Dr. Funny when they choose our office for their child’s frenectomy. Dr. Funny is a laser-certified, board-certified pediatric dentist who has performed countless frenectomy procedures and is known across the Charlotte area as a leading provider of tongue-tie and lip-tie care. Our sensory-friendly environment, experienced clinical team and thorough follow-up process ensure families feel supported well beyond the day of the procedure. For families without traditional dental insurance, we offer an in-house membership plan, and we also accept CareCredit, HSA and FSA funds, Delta Dental and all other PPO plans to help make care as accessible as possible.
If your child has been evaluated for a tongue-tie or lip-tie and you have questions about the laser frenectomy process, we are here to help. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward getting your child the relief they deserve.
