Pediatric dentistry focuses on the dental and oral health needs of children as their teeth, jaws, and facial structures develop. From a child’s first teeth through the transition to an adult smile, regular dental care allows us to monitor growth, prevent dental problems, and address concerns as they arise.
Our approach extends beyond teeth and cavities. We also evaluate the oral structures that can influence function and development, including the tongue and surrounding tissues. When concerns such as a restrictive tongue tie are present, our doctors can evaluate whether treatment, including a frenectomy when appropriate, may be beneficial.
Early and consistent dental care allows us to monitor your child’s developing smile and identify concerns before they become more complex. Visits also give parents an opportunity to ask questions about tooth development, oral habits, home care, and changes they may notice as their child grows.
Your child may need dental care for:
We’ll recommend care based on your child’s age, development, oral health, and individual needs.
A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, the lingual frenulum, restricts normal tongue movement. The degree of restriction varies considerably, and simply having a visible frenulum does not necessarily mean treatment is needed.
When tongue movement appears restricted, our doctors evaluate both the anatomy and how the tongue is functioning before recommending treatment.
Our doctors evaluate the appearance, mobility, and function of the tongue to determine whether the frenulum is creating a meaningful restriction.
Depending on a child’s age and individual circumstances, restricted tongue movement may be associated with challenges involving oral function. Evaluation focuses on the individual child rather than appearance alone.
When treatment is appropriate, a frenectomy releases restrictive frenulum tissue to improve tongue mobility. The procedure is recommended only when our evaluation indicates that the restriction is affecting function.
When appropriate, laser technology may be used to perform a frenectomy with a precise, minimally invasive approach. We’ll explain the procedure, aftercare, and what to expect based on your child’s individual needs.
Good dental habits begin at home. Children may need help brushing and flossing until they develop the coordination to clean their teeth effectively on their own. We’ll provide recommendations based on your child’s age and help you establish a routine that works for your family.
If your child receives a frenectomy or another dental procedure, we’ll provide specific aftercare instructions based on the treatment performed. Regular dental examinations allow us to continue monitoring your child’s teeth, gums, bite, oral tissues, and development over time.
A child’s first dental visit is generally recommended by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits allow us to monitor development while helping parents establish healthy brushing, diet, and preventive-care habits from the beginning.
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, limits normal tongue movement. Tongue ties vary considerably, so evaluation should consider function and mobility rather than appearance alone.
No. The presence of a tongue tie does not automatically mean treatment is necessary. Our doctors evaluate the degree of restriction and how it is affecting oral function before recommending a frenectomy. Treatment should be based on the individual child’s needs rather than the appearance of the frenulum alone.
A laser frenectomy uses dental laser technology to release restrictive frenulum tissue. When appropriate for the patient, the laser allows the doctor to work precisely with the targeted tissue. We’ll explain the procedure, expected healing, and individualized aftercare before treatment.
