Pediatric Frenectomy in Ayrsley, NC
- Most major insurance accepted
- NC Medicaid provider
- In-house dental savings plan
- All major credit cards
If your baby is having trouble latching while breastfeeding, your toddler has a speech delay, or your child’s dentist has noticed unusual tissue pulling at the tongue or gums, you may have heard the word “frenectomy” come up. It can feel like a lot to take in, especially when your child is so young, and you just want to make sure they get the right care without anything unnecessary.
All Kids Pediatric Dentistry has been helping families in the Charlotte area make informed decisions about frenectomy and tongue tie care since 2014. Our pediatric dentists take a thorough, thoughtful approach to evaluating whether a procedure is truly needed, and we walk families in Ayrsley and throughout Southwest Charlotte through every step with clarity and care. All Kids. All Smiles.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases a small piece of tissue in the mouth called a frenulum. There are two types most commonly addressed in children: the lingual frenulum, which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the labial frenulum, which connects the upper lip to the gums. When either of these is too tight or too short, it can restrict normal movement and affect feeding, speech, or oral development.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes that a restrictive oral frenulum may affect a child’s health by limiting their ability to breastfeed or speak clearly. Our pediatric dentistry team follows an evidence-based approach to frenulum evaluation, which means we carefully assess whether a child’s symptoms are truly connected to a restricted frenulum before recommending any procedure.
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What Are the Signs a Child May Need a Frenectomy?
The signs of a restricted frenulum look a little different depending on the child’s age and which frenulum is involved. Understanding what to watch for helps parents bring up concerns at the right time. Some of the most common signs our team hears about include the following:
- Newborns and infants: Difficulty latching while breastfeeding, poor weight gain, clicking sounds during feeding, or maternal nipple pain during nursing may point to a tongue tie.
- Toddlers and preschool-aged children: Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, limited tongue mobility, or trouble licking the lips may be connected to a lingual frenulum restriction.
- Older children: A gap between the two upper front teeth that persists after permanent teeth come in can sometimes be related to the labial frenulum attachment.
If you have noticed any of these patterns in your child, our team is happy to take a look and talk through what we see. A thorough evaluation is always the first step.
What Does a Pediatric Frenectomy Involve?
Once our pediatric dentists have determined a frenectomy is the right path forward, the procedure itself is typically straightforward and brief. For infants, a simple release of the tissue can often be done quickly with very little discomfort. For older children, a local anesthetic is used to keep them comfortable, and the release is completed in just a few minutes.
Recovery is generally smooth. Your child may experience some mild tenderness in the area for a day or two, and our team will share specific aftercare instructions before you leave. For some children, follow-up exercises or a referral to a speech-language pathologist or lactation consultant may be recommended to support the best outcome. If you have any concerns during recovery, our team is available to guide you. You can also find helpful information about what to expect on our tongue tie frenectomy recovery page.
Why Choose All Kids Pediatric Dentistry for Frenectomy Care Near Ayrsley?
Choosing the right practice for your child’s frenectomy means finding a team that will take the time to truly evaluate the situation rather than rushing to a recommendation. Our pediatric dentists focus entirely on children, and our approach is built around making sure each family feels heard and informed. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to frenulum treatment, and we will always explain our findings and your options in plain language.
For children who feel nervous about dental procedures, we offer sedation dentistry options to help them feel calm and comfortable. Our team speaks Spanish, Russian, and Portuguese, so we can communicate clearly with families from a wide range of backgrounds throughout the Ayrsley area. We accept virtually all insurance plans, and for families without coverage, a dental savings plan is available, so cost is never a reason to delay the care your child needs. You can also learn more about what parents should know about tongue tie release procedures on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Frenectomy
Parents often come to us with questions before committing to an evaluation or procedure. Here are some of the most common ones we hear from Ayrsley families.
How Do I Know If My Baby's Tongue Tie Is Causing the Problem?
Not every tongue tie causes functional issues, and many children with a visible frenulum never need treatment. Our team will assess your child’s tongue mobility, feeding patterns, and other factors to determine whether the frenulum is truly contributing to the difficulty you are seeing.
Is a Frenectomy Painful for My Child?
For very young infants, the procedure is typically done without anesthesia and causes minimal discomfort. For older children, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area before any tissue is released. Most children recover quickly and comfortably.
Will My Child Need Follow-Up Care After the Procedure?
Many children do well with just the release, but some benefit from follow-up exercises or a referral to a speech therapist or lactation consultant. Our team will discuss any follow-up recommendations with you before and after the procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Frenectomy?
Coverage varies by plan and depends on the child’s age and the reason for the procedure. Our team will help you review your benefits and work with you on any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer a dental savings plan for families who need it.
Schedule a Frenectomy Consultation at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry
When something seems off with how your child is feeding, speaking, or moving their tongue, getting a professional opinion is always a worthwhile step. All Kids Pediatric Dentistry welcomes families from Ayrsley and across Southwest Charlotte for frenectomy evaluations and a full range of pediatric dental care. Our team is here to give you clear answers and a caring environment where your child feels comfortable from start to finish.
To schedule a consultation, request an appointment online or call us at (980) 263-2330 for Arrowood, (980) 425-3100 for The Plaza, or 704-684-4451 for Indian Trail. We look forward to meeting your family.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!
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Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
