At Kids Tooth Team – Michigan, we use advanced CO₂ laser technology to perform soft tissue procedures like tongue tie and lip tie releases with unmatched precision and comfort. These treatments, called frenectomies, can make a world of difference for a child’s feeding, speech, and oral health. By choosing laser dentistry, your child benefits from a faster, gentler procedure, minimal bleeding, and quicker healing compared to traditional surgical methods.
Dr. Kasey Stark is specially trained in pediatric CO₂ laser dentistry, ensuring each procedure is tailored to your child’s needs and comfort. Whether you’re here for a newborn feeding concern or an older child’s speech challenge, we’re here to help.
Lip and tongue ties occur when the band of tissue (frenulum) under the tongue or inside the lip is too short or tight. This can limit movement and affect a child’s ability to nurse, bottle-feed, swallow, or speak clearly.
Frenectomies aren’t just about comfort—they can be crucial for healthy growth and development. Without treatment, oral restrictions can lead to feeding frustrations, speech delays, dental spacing issues, and even challenges with oral hygiene. Using CO₂ laser technology, we can address these concerns with a quick, precise, and kid-friendly approach.
Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
At Kids Tooth Team – Michigan, we focus on two main types of pediatric frenectomy procedures:
Tongue Tie Release (Lingual Frenectomy) – Frees the tongue to improve feeding, swallowing, and speech development.
Lip Tie Release (Labial Frenectomy) – Frees the upper lip to help with latching, oral hygiene, and preventing gaps between teeth.
Our CO₂ laser allows us to complete both procedures quickly—often in just minutes—without stitches or scalpels.
It matters who’s doing the procedure.
Laser frenectomies require specialized training for safe, effective results. Dr. Kasey Stark has extensive pediatric laser training, ensuring your child’s procedure is precise, gentle, and tailored to their comfort.
It matters what technology they use.
Not all lasers are the same. CO₂ lasers provide pinpoint accuracy with minimal heat spread, which means less swelling, less discomfort, and faster healing compared to scissors or diode lasers. We’ve invested in the most advanced technology to ensure your child receives the best care possible.
Your child’s comfort is our priority. Here’s what to expect:
We assess your child’s oral anatomy, symptoms, and history to determine if a frenectomy is needed.
For most patients, only a small amount of topical or local anesthetic is used. Infants often do not require numbing.
The CO₂ laser frees the restricted tissue in seconds with minimal bleeding.
The CO₂ laser frees the restricted tissue in seconds with minimal bleeding.
We guide your child through gentle stretches to ensure proper movement.
Dr. Kasey Stark combines advanced pediatric dental training with state-of-the-art CO₂ laser technology to deliver the best possible outcome for your child. She regularly participates in continuing education for pediatric airway, feeding, and oral function, ensuring Kids Tooth Team – Michigan remains a trusted leader in laser frenectomy care.
Improve Feeding – For infants, releases can make nursing and bottle-feeding more comfortable and effective.
Support Speech Development – Tongue mobility is essential for proper pronunciation.
Prevent Future Dental Issues – Addressing restrictions early can help avoid spacing, bite, and hygiene problems.
Minimal Discomfort – Laser energy seals nerve endings, reducing post-op soreness.
No Stitches Needed – The tissue heals naturally without sutures.
Quick Recovery – Most children feed, speak, and play normally within hours.
Lower Risk of Infection – Laser cauterization minimizes bacteria in the area.
Precise & Gentle – Targets only the restricted tissue without harming surrounding areas.
Before: We’ll review feeding, speech, or comfort concerns and may recommend a lactation consultant, speech therapist, or myofunctional therapist for collaborative care.
After: Stretching exercises and follow-up visits help ensure the release heals properly and does not reattach.
In many cases, medically necessary frenectomies are covered by dental or medical insurance. Coverage can vary based on the provider and policy. We’re happy to help you navigate your benefits before treatment.
Some Tenderness Is Normal – Mild discomfort may last a day or two; infants often feed right away.
Pain That Worsens Is Not Normal – If your child experiences significant pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact us promptly.
Frenectomies can be performed at any age, but earlier intervention—especially for feeding concerns—is often ideal. Infants can have the procedure within days of birth, while older children may benefit when speech or dental issues arise.
When performed with proper technique, complications are rare. Potential downsides include temporary soreness, mild swelling, and, in some cases, the need for follow-up stretching to prevent reattachment.
Benefits include improved feeding, clearer speech, better oral hygiene, and prevention of orthodontic or spacing issues. For many children, the results are noticeable immediately.
With CO₂ laser technology, discomfort is minimal. Most children experience only mild soreness for a day or two, and many resume normal activities the same day.
Let’s make feeding, speaking, and smiling easier—book your child’s evaluation today!
%20(1).jpg)
Proudly serving patients in Lake Orion and the surrounding communities.
© Kids Tooth Team 2020 | Se Habla Español | Website by Wonderist Agency | Privacy Policy
.svg)
