Watching your baby struggle to nurse or hearing your toddler work so hard to form simple words can break your heart. You wonder if something’s wrong, if there’s a fix, or if you’re just overthinking things. At A Kids Place Dentistry for Children, we help families in Renton and West Seattle figure out whether infant and children frenectomies Renton might be the answer. Our team knows how stressful these moments feel, and we’re here to walk you through every question and concern with care.
Sometimes a small strip of tissue inside your child’s mouth—called a frenum—causes bigger problems than you’d expect. When that tissue is too tight or restrictive, it creates what dentists call a tongue-tie or lip-tie, and that’s when parents start noticing feeding trouble, speech delays, or even dental spacing issues down the road.
What Exactly Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases or removes the tight band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the upper lip to the gums. Think of it like snipping a too-tight rubber band so everything can move freely again. Dr. Keith McDonald, Dr. Christine Do, and Dr. Ashley Huynh perform this procedure using gentle laser soft tissue surgery, which makes the process quicker and more comfortable for little ones. We treat every patient like family, whether brand new babies or energetic preschoolers.
Signs Your Baby Might Need Frenectomies
Spotting tongue-tie or lip-tie isn’t always obvious at first. Some signs immediately appear during those early nursing sessions, while others reveal themselves as your child grows. Here are some red flags that parents often notice:
For Infants and Nursing Babies
- Your baby struggles to latch onto the breast or bottle
- Nursing sessions feel painful for mom (cracked nipples, sore breasts)
- Your little one makes clicking sounds while feeding
- Feedings take forever, and your baby seems frustrated or exhausted
- Your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected
- You notice milk dribbling out of your baby’s mouth during feeds
For Toddlers and Older Children
- Speech sounds fuzzy or unclear, especially with sounds like “L,” “R,” “T,” or “D”
- Your child has trouble sticking their tongue out past their lips
- The tongue looks heart-shaped when they try to poke it out
- You see a noticeable gap between the upper front teeth
- Eating solid foods becomes a messy, frustrating battle
- Your child complains that their tongue feels “stuck”
If you’re nodding along to several of these signs, let’s schedule an evaluation at our Renton office. Early intervention often makes the biggest difference.
How Infant and Children Frenectomies in Renton Help With Development
When that restrictive tissue gets in the way, it doesn’t just affect one development area—it creates a domino effect. Babies who can’t latch properly might not get enough milk, affecting their growth and stress levels. Toddlers with tongue-tie might struggle to explore new foods or communicate their needs clearly. Releasing the frenum through a frenectomy opens up possibilities that were blocked before.
Parents always tell us about the changes they notice after infant and children frenectomies. Babies suddenly latch better, and nursing becomes less painful and more rewarding for everyone. Older kids start pronouncing words more clearly, and mealtimes feel less like battles. We’ve even seen kids gain confidence because they can finally say their names correctly or eat foods they’d always avoided.
These aren’t just minor improvements—they’re life-changing moments for Renton and West Seattle families searching for answers.
What Happens During Your Child’s Frenectomy Visit
Walking into a dental office with your child can feel nerve-wracking, especially when a procedure is involved. That’s why we make everything as calm and straightforward as possible. During your first visit, one of our dentists will gently examine your child’s mouth, checking how the tongue and lips move. We’ll chat with you about what you’ve noticed at home and answer every question (yes, even the ones you think might sound silly—they’re not).
If we recommend infant and children frenectomies in Renton, we’ll explain exactly what the procedure involves and what to expect. The actual frenectomy takes just minutes. Our team uses laser soft tissue surgery, which creates minimal discomfort and promotes faster healing than traditional methods. Most children handle it remarkably well, especially babies too young to feel anxious about dental visits.
After the procedure, we’ll give you clear aftercare instructions. You should do simple stretching exercises with your baby’s tongue to prevent the tissue from reattaching. These exercises take just seconds and become part of your daily routine. We’re always available if questions pop up during healing—just give us a call.
Why Families Choose Our Practice for Pediatric Care
Choosing where to take your child for pediatric dentistry in Renton and West Seattle matters. You want dentists who genuinely understand kids, not just teeth. Our practice focuses exclusively on children, which means everything from our office design to our communication style revolves around making kids comfortable. We have toys in the waiting room, cartoons playing during appointments, and a team that can turn nervous frowns into giggles.
Dr. Keith McDonald, Dr. Christine Do, and Dr. Ashley Huynh bring years of specialized training to every appointment. They stay current on the latest techniques in pediatric care and approach each child as an individual with unique needs. Some kids need sedation dentistry options for more involved procedures, and we offer those too—but frenectomies are typically quick enough that most children do great without sedation.
Ready to Learn More?
If your gut tells you something’s not quite right with your child’s feeding, speech, or oral development, trust that instinct. Early evaluation makes a huge difference, and we’re here to provide honest guidance without pressure. Whether in Renton, West Seattle, or anywhere nearby, A Kids Place Dentistry for Children welcomes your family with open arms.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and find out if infant and children frenectomies in Renton might help your little one thrive. We serve families throughout Renton and West Seattle and are ready to support you every step toward healthier, happier smiles.
