.png)
If your baby struggles with nursing, seems unusually fussy during feedings, or your child has trouble speaking clearly, a tongue or lip tie might be the culprit. These common oral restrictions can impact everything from feeding and speech to sleep and overall comfort. The good news? There’s a gentle, modern solution that doesn’t involve the stress many parents fear.
At Kids Tooth Team in Buda, we’ve moved beyond old-school surgical tools and embraced advanced CO2 laser technology. Our CO2 laser frenectomy is designed to be quick, precise, and far more comfortable for children of all ages.
With shorter healing times and minimal discomfort, families can focus on what really matters: helping their kids eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Led by nationally recognized pediatric dentist Dr. Alex Otto, our team is proud to offer expert care in a warm, kid-friendly environment where comfort and safety always come first.
What Is a Tongue or Lip Tie?
Tongue and lip ties occur when the thin band of tissue (called a frenulum) that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums is too tight, thick, or short. This restriction can limit natural movement and function.
While these ties may be present from birth, they don’t always cause obvious problems right away. In some children, symptoms become noticeable during infancy, while others may experience challenges later in childhood.
When left untreated, tongue and lip ties can interfere with essential daily activities such as breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, swallowing, speech development, and even oral hygiene. Over time, these challenges can lead to frustration for both children and parents, as well as potential developmental delays. Common signs of a tongue or lip tie include:
- Trouble latching during breastfeeding
- Prolonged or painful nursing sessions
- Clicking sounds, gagging, or milk leakage while feeding
- Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, or frequent fussiness during meals
- Difficulty transitioning to solid foods
- Gaps between the upper front teeth or gum irritation
- Delayed speech development or difficulty enunciating certain sounds
Because every child is different, not all ties require treatment. Dr. Alex and the team at Kids Tooth Team use advanced diagnostic tools to carefully evaluate your child’s oral anatomy and functional needs.
Our goal is to provide clear answers and thoughtful recommendations. We only recommend treatments when they are truly the best option for you and your little one. That’s high-tech care with a gentle touch.
CO2 Laser Frenectomy: A Kinder, Faster Option
Traditional frenectomy techniques often involved surgical scissors or scalpels, which could lead to more bleeding, longer procedures, and extended healing times. With today’s technology, there’s a far better alternative. A CO2 laser frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses focused light energy to precisely release the restrictive tissue.
The CO2 laser vaporizes the targeted tissue with incredible accuracy, sealing blood vessels as it works. This means significantly less bleeding, reduced swelling, and a much more comfortable experience for young patients.
In many cases, the procedure takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Here are just a few reasons why parents love the CO2 laser approach for frenectomies at Kids Tooth Team:
- Shorter procedure time, often under 10 minutes
- Minimal discomfort during and after treatment
- Faster healing compared to traditional methods
- No sutures required in most cases
- Reduced risk of infection and inflammation
- Often no need for general anesthesia
- Improved feeding, speech, and oral function outcomes
At Kids Tooth Team, we pair this advanced technology with a truly kid-centered environment. Ceiling-mounted TVs, noise-cancelling headphones, and a friendly, supportive staff help children stay calm and relaxed throughout their visit. For parents, that means less worry and a smoother overall experience.
Why Experience Matters with Frenectomies
While a frenectomy may sound like a simple procedure, experience and training make a critical difference in both immediate comfort and long-term results. Proper evaluation, precise technique, and thoughtful follow-up care are essential to ensure optimal healing and function.
Dr. Alex Otto brings years of hands-on experience and award-winning expertise to every frenectomy she performs. As President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she is recognized nationally for her leadership and commitment to advancing pediatric dental care.
Beyond her credentials, parents appreciate her warm, approachable style and her ability to connect with children at their level. At Kids Tooth Team, our comprehensive approach sets us apart from other family dentists and pediatric specialists. We offer:
- A full spectrum of sedation options, including general anesthesia when appropriate
- Close collaboration with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other specialists
- Customized treatment plans based on each child’s needs
- Ongoing follow-up visits and post-procedure support
From your baby’s first successful latch to your child’s confidence in the classroom, we’re here to support healthy development at every stage.
What to Expect After a CO2 Laser Frenectomy
One of the biggest advantages of a CO2 laser frenectomy is the smoother recovery process. Most children experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities quickly. Feeding improvements may be noticed almost immediately, while speech and mobility benefits often continue to develop over time. Here’s what parents can typically expect after treatment:
- A short, monitored recovery period immediately following the procedure
- Little to no bleeding and mild tenderness at the treatment site
- Simple at-home stretches or exercises to prevent reattachment and promote proper healing
- Gradual improvement in feeding efficiency, comfort, and oral mobility
- Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress
Our team provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions and remains available to answer questions throughout the healing process. You’re never on your own. We’re committed to supporting your family every step of the way.
Book a CO2 Laser Frenectomy Consultation in Buda
If you’re in Buda and suspect your child may have a tongue or lip tie, Kids Tooth Team is here to help. Early evaluation and treatment can make a meaningful difference in your child’s comfort, development, and quality of life.
With advanced CO2 laser technology, expert care from Dr. Alex Otto, and a compassionate, kid-focused approach, we make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Call us today at (512) 523-4774 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a CO2 laser frenectomy can help your child thrive.