Laser Frenectomy in Kansas City
Gentle, Precise CO₂ Laser Releases Focused on Function and Healing
At Root Holistic Pediatric Dentistry, a laser frenectomy is never treated as a quick or isolated procedure. Often we hear a frenectomy called a "revision" which is an inaccurate term. A frenectomy is the removal of the frenulum or frenum. A frenectomy is performed to improve function, not just appearance. Restricted oral tissues can interfere with nursing in infants, tongue mobility in children, proper oral posture, and nasal breathing in all ages.
We use a LightScalpel CO₂ laser, the gold-standard technology for frenectomies. This technology allows us to perform precise incisions, stay away from large blood vessels, cauterize small vessels, avoid infections, encourages proper healing, and ultimately improves long-term success. Combined with pediatric-specific training, airway evaluation, and guided aftercare, our approach is designed to deliver better outcomes than procedures performed without this level of assessment, technology, and follow-up.
What Is a Laser Frenectomy—and Why The Instrument Matters
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases a restrictive frenulum—such as a tongue tie or lip tie—that limits normal movement of the tongue or lips. While the concept may sound simple, how the release is performed makes a meaningful difference in comfort, healing, and functional results.
We exclusively use a LightScalpel CO₂ laser, which allows tissue to be released with exceptional precision while simultaneously sealing small blood vessels. This results in:
- Minimal bleeding
- Reduced inflammation and swelling
- Faster, cleaner healing
- Lower risk of excessive scar tissue or reattachment
In contrast, diode lasers rely on heat transfer through a hot fiber tip, which can cause deeper thermal damage to surrounding tissue. Cold steel techniques (scissors or scalpel) often involve more bleeding, may require sutures, and can lead to increased post-operative discomfort and longer healing times. The accuracy of a CO₂ laser allows us to release only the tissue that is truly restrictive—nothing more, nothing less—which is especially important when working with infants and growing children.
A Functional, Airway-Focused Approach for Nursing Infants
In nursing infants, restricted oral tissues can significantly interfere with feeding, comfort, and early development. Tongue and lip restrictions may contribute to poor latch, prolonged or inefficient feeds, maternal nipple pain, clicking during nursing, reflux-like symptoms, excessive gassiness, and overall frustration for both baby and parents.
We take a team-based approach when evaluating infants for a frenulum release. We deeply respect and rely on the expertise of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), who are often the first to identify functional feeding challenges. Their detailed assessment of latch, milk transfer, and feeding mechanics is invaluable in determining whether restricted oral tissues may be contributing to difficulty with nursing.
We also frequently collaborate with pediatric bodyworkers and chiropractors, who are exceptional at identifying tension patterns in infants. Tension in the neck, jaw, shoulders, diaphragm, or pelvis can limit an infant's ability to feed comfortably and efficiently. In some cases, fully releasing that tension may depend on first addressing a restrictive frenulum that limits normal tongue movement and neuromuscular coordination.
Our goal in infant releases is not to "clip ties," but to release only the tissue that is truly restricting normal function and ultimately improve breast feeding outcomes because it plays such an important role in a child's development! When indicated, a precise CO₂ laser release can allow the tongue to elevate, lateralize, and move more freely—often supporting improved latch, more efficient feeding, and a calmer, more comfortable baby. Just as importantly, we guide parents closely through healing and follow-up so function improves rather than regresses.
Supporting Function, Growth, and Breathing in Children
As children grow, restricted tongue mobility can continue to affect oral posture, long term health, swallowing patterns, sleep quality, facial development, and airway health. In older children, a frenulum release may be indicated based on findings from a comprehensive airway assessment or limitations encountered during myofunctional therapy.
We continue to work collaboratively with IBCLCs, pediatric bodyworkers, and chiropractors throughout childhood, as tension patterns can persist or re-emerge during growth spurts. The tongue is deeply connected to the rest of the body through muscular and fascial chains, and restricted mobility can influence posture, breathing patterns, and oral function over time.
When a release is recommended for a child, it is always performed with function as the primary goal—to support proper tongue posture, improve oral muscle coordination, encourage nasal breathing, and promote proper growth and development. While a frenulum release can have aesthetic benefits, our focus is on restoring mobility so the tongue can rest where it belongs and actively support healthy breathing, swallowing, and development.
Why Words Matter: "Release" vs. "Revision"
It is important to use precise language when discussing frenulum procedures. In our office, we perform releases, not "revisions." A revision refers to treatment performed after another provider has already attempted a frenectomy.
When a release is indicated at Root Holistic Pediatric Dentistry, it is part of a thoughtful, intentional plan designed to improve function and support long-term success—not a reaction to a failed procedure.
Expert Training, Guided Aftercare, and Ongoing Support
Laser technology alone does not guarantee a good outcome. Proper training, assessment, and follow-up are essential. Our pediatric dentist completed advanced frenulum release training under Dr. Richard Baxter at the Alabama Tongue Tie Center and Dr. Bobby Ghaheri, a nationally recognized airway-focused ENT based in Portland, Oregon.
This advanced education emphasizes not only precise surgical technique, but also thoughtful patient selection, wound management, and integration with feeding therapy, myofunctional therapy, and airway development. This interdisciplinary perspective is especially important in complex infant and pediatric cases.
Parents are never left to "just figure it out." We provide:
- Clear, hands-on instruction for post-release stretches
- Scheduled follow-up visits to evaluate healing and progress
- Ongoing monitoring to reduce the risk of reattachment
- Direct access to the doctor after the procedure for questions or concerns
A frenectomy should not be offered as a quick in-office service—often without airway evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration, or structured aftercare—our pediatric-focused, airway-centered approach recognizes how growth, muscle function, and breathing are interconnected. By combining precise CO₂ laser releases with education, collaboration, and follow-up, we help children achieve better functional outcomes and healthier development.