Is feeding frustrating your little one? We can help bring back the peaceful moments. If you’ve noticed that feeding is a struggle (perhaps your baby has trouble latching, takes a very long time to nurse, or is consistently fussy at the breast or bottle), it might signal a tongue or lip tie.
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jon Sierk gently identifies the issue and provides the specialized, compassionate care needed to bring back the calm and connection during these vital early moments with your baby.
What Is a Frenectomy? A Simple Explanation
A pediatric frenectomy is a quick, gentle procedure designed to relieve restriction caused by a tight band of tissue (frenulum) under the tongue or upper lip. When this tissue is too short, it can restrict your baby's natural movement, making feeding difficult and potentially interfering with comfortable speech development. We perform this minor procedure to help bring relief and ease to your baby's important early milestones.
Spotting the Signs of Feeding Struggles
Sometimes, those little bands of tight tissue (tethered oral tissues) can turn everyday feeding into a real challenge for your baby. While every child is unique, there are some common signs that might gently point toward a tongue or lip tie in your little one:
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding or struggling to keep a seal on the bottle.
- Hearing clicking sounds while your baby nurses or bottle feeds.
- Slow weight gain, even though you feel like you're feeding them often.
- Excessive fussiness, gas, or colic-like symptoms due to swallowing too much air.
If any of these sound familiar, please know you're not alone. We're here to help you gently identify the root cause and restore peaceful, successful feeding moments.
The Benefits of a Frenectomy: Comfort, Confidence, and Growth
This simple procedure is a powerful step toward positive change. Releasing the tie helps your baby latch more easily, reduces their feeding frustration, and promotes healthy weight gain and development.
Long-Term Health and Developmental Advantages
A frenectomy is an investment in your child’s development. In addition to easier feeding, this minor procedure helps support clearer speech, healthy swallowing habits, and strong oral development as your child grows. By addressing the issue early, we can often help children avoid the need for further intervention by other oral health specialists in the future.
Support for Your Baby’s First Steps in Feeding
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jon and our team provide compassionate, expert care to help babies and parents thrive. If your pediatrician or care provider has suggested consulting with Dr. Jon about a frenectomy, please contact our caring and knowledgeable team today to learn more about how this minor procedure may benefit your child. We welcome you to arrange an appointment online. We are conveniently located in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch.