Toddler Tongue Tie Release & Lip Tie Release in Santa Rosa, CA
Gentle, Laser-Focused Care for Better Feeding, Speech, and Development
At NorCal Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in the safe and effective release of tongue ties (ankyloglossia) and lip ties in toddlers using advanced laser dentistry techniques. These conditions are often overlooked but can significantly affect your child’s ability to eat, speak, and thrive.
Our office is proud to be one of the only practices in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Sebastopol offering laser frenectomy procedures specifically tailored to toddlers — with a focus on comfort, education, and long-term function.
What Are Tongue and Lip Ties?
Tongue ties and lip ties occur when the frenulum — the small piece of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums — is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts natural movement and can interfere with your toddler’s:
- Ability to chew and swallow solid foods
- Speech development and clarity
- Oral hygiene and self-care
- Proper dental growth and alignment
- Sleep quality (due to mouth breathing or airway restrictions)
In toddlers, these tethered oral tissues often go undiagnosed because the challenges can look like picky eating, speech delays, or behavioral issues. A professional evaluation by Dr. Adam Hiné can help you understand whether a tie is contributing to your child’s symptoms.
Signs Your Toddler May Need a Frenectomy
Parents often come to us with concerns that may seem unrelated but are commonly linked to tongue or lip ties, such as:
- Gagging, choking, or difficulty eating solids
- Fussiness or frustration at mealtimes
- Delayed or unclear speech development
- Difficulty brushing teeth or resisting oral hygiene
- Frequent cavities or spacing issues between front teeth
- Mouth breathing, snoring, or restless sleep
We perform comprehensive evaluations to assess the function of the tongue and lip, not just the appearance. If a tie is impairing movement, we may recommend a laser frenectomy — a quick and effective treatment with lasting results.
Why Laser Tongue and Lip Tie Release?
Unlike traditional surgical methods, our laser frenectomy uses advanced light technology to gently and precisely release tethered tissues with minimal discomfort.
Benefits of laser release include:
- No stitches or scalpels required
- Minimal bleeding and swelling
- Reduced risk of infection
- Faster healing and recovery
- Improved comfort for toddlers
- Short procedure time — often completed in just minutes
Laser treatment also allows for greater precision and control, especially important in delicate areas like the mouth. Many toddlers return to normal activities — including eating — the same day.
Learn more about our laser dentistry approach and how it improves the patient experience.
Our Approach to Toddler Frenectomies
We know that seeking a tongue tie or lip tie evaluation for your toddler can feel overwhelming. That’s why we take the time to:
- Listen carefully to your concerns about feeding, speech, or sleep
- Perform a thorough evaluation of your child’s oral anatomy and function
- Review findings with you using clear, supportive language
- Discuss treatment options, including timing, aftercare, and follow-up
- Coordinate with other providers (like speech-language pathologists, pediatricians, or lactation consultants) when needed
Our compassionate team is experienced in treating young children and will ensure that you and your child feel comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
Post-Procedure Support & Aftercare
Successful outcomes depend not only on the procedure itself, but also on the right aftercare. We provide personalized instructions for:
- Wound care and oral stretches
- Reintroducing solid foods
- Encouraging proper tongue movement
- Monitoring healing and reattachment risks
We’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure progress and provide support throughout your child’s recovery. In some cases, we may recommend additional therapies such as speech therapy or myofunctional therapy to help your child achieve full functional benefits.
Supporting Long-Term Oral Health and Development
Releasing a tongue or lip tie is more than a single procedure — it’s a proactive step toward better overall development. A successful frenectomy can help prevent future issues like:
- Orthodontic complications from improper jaw growth
- Speech and articulation challenges
- Mouth breathing and airway restriction
- Behavioral concerns stemming from poor sleep
We may pair a frenectomy with other pediatric dental services like:
- Nutritional counseling to support healthy feeding habits
- Dental cleanings and exams to monitor enamel and tooth development
- HealthyStart® therapy if structural guidance is needed for jaw and airway growth
Your child’s care plan is always personalized based on their age, anatomy, and unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What age is best for a toddler frenectomy?
We typically perform tongue and lip tie releases in toddlers between 1 and 3 years old, when the effects on feeding and speech become more noticeable. Earlier intervention is often better, but we evaluate each case individually.
Will my child need sedation?
In most cases, laser frenectomies for toddlers are completed with minimal or no sedation. If needed, we may discuss options like nitrous oxide or oral sedation depending on your child’s comfort and medical needs.
Is the procedure painful?
Laser release is much gentler than surgical methods. Most toddlers experience only minor discomfort, and recovery is typically fast with proper aftercare.
Will my child’s speech improve right away?
Some improvements are immediate, while others — especially speech — may require time, exercises, or therapy. We often collaborate with speech therapists to support full functional gains.
What happens if we delay treatment?
Delaying treatment can lead to increased feeding issues, speech delays, or the need for more extensive intervention later. Early evaluation helps determine the best timeline for care.
Schedule a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie Consultation in Santa Rosa
If your toddler is struggling with feeding, speech, or oral development, a tongue or lip tie could be the cause — and relief may be just one visit away. Our pediatric team is here to guide you through every step of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with compassion and expertise.