Infant Tongue & Lip Tie
What is a Frenectomy?
A frenotomy or frenectomy is a procedure that consists of releasing the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion.
Does my child have a tongue or lip tie?
Children may be born with a combination of conditions called a tongue-tie and/or lip-tie. These attachments can cause restrictions in movement, resulting in difficulty with breastfeeding. In some cases, other health problems such as dental decay, speech and airway difficulties, and digestive issues may arise. These concerns can generally be improved by a simple release done with a soft tissue laser.
Making the decision to breastfeed is a very personal matter. It is also one that elicits strong opinions and emotion. The process can be a challenging one for some mothers.
One common cause of nursing difficulties is a restrictive frenum attachment of the tongue and/or lip. Revising the tongue and/or lip may only treat part of the problem, and we always encourage Mothers to have a supportive team in place after the procedure. These specialists include Lactations consultants, Craniosacral therapists, Chiropractors, and Feeding Specialists. Our team is happy to provide guidance on referrals if needed.
Laser Frenectomy, and how it works
Treating a tongue or lip tie is a simple procedure that can be done in the dental office without anesthesia using a laser. Soft tissue lasers have various capabilities. The CO2 laser has the ability to focus energy at a very small target point and can be used for soft tissue incision, excision and ablation.
The qualities make the laser very efficient at cutting and coagulating soft tissue with the least amount of thermal damage, little to no bleeding, and less post operative discomfort. Because our soft tissue lasers are also bactericidal, the risk for infection is little to none. The result is beautiful tissue and less chance of relapse.
Dr. Darcy Rindelaub
is a board certified pediatric dentist who continues to educate and expand her knowledge in new aspects of her practice. One of these interests is helping breastfeeding moms and infants as well as evaluating oral and myofunctional challenges. Dr. Darcy was one of the first dentists in Minnesota and Wisconsin to offer laser releases to infants with feeding challenges, and continues to be one of the most experienced. She provides education on the topic by speaking with local groups and health organizations. Dr. Darcy has completed multiple Laser Proficiency Certification in hard and soft tissue lasers.
I was nervous about the "unknowns" of tongue tie, and why breastfeeding was so painful for me. Dr. Darcy and her amazing staff are warm, welcoming and professional from the start! I felt comfortable and informed the whole time.
St. Croix KiddsToday, I took all three of my kids here. My middle has had horrible experiences at the dentists and hates going, but they made him so comfortable.
Blaine KiddsDr. Michelle is amazing with my son. He has autism and his first few visits were not very successful. They have gotten a little better with each appointment, thanks to the patience, kindness and flexibility shown by Riverdale.
Riverdale KiddsSt. Croix Kidds is the place to go to help kids feel good about the dentist. All of the staff are caring and responsive to questions or dental concerns. The dentists are thorough and positive. My kids look forward to their six-month check ups.
St. Croix KiddsThe staff was friendly and the office is kid friendly. They were very good with both my kids. Happy with our experience and will be happy to call them our dentist.
Blaine KiddsI scheduled appointments for all 3 of my kids at the same time. We were in and out in about 20 minutes! The staff here is incredible! We recently moved 45 minutes away, but I continue to bring my children here.
Riverdale KiddsSuch a great dentist! Between the environment, to the care they give kids it’s a great experience every time! They understand kids fears and make it an enjoyable experience every visit. Highly recommend for kids on the spectrum.
St. Croix KiddsThe staff here is amazing and super friendly. Dr. Tyler was amazing with my son today. Most patient office I’ve ever walked into. I am definitely pleased with our service today and can’t wait to go back.
Blaine KiddsI took my infant son for evaluation of a tongue tie. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming over looking the St. Croix river. The staff is kind compassionate and you can tell they really love what they do.
St. Croix KiddsWow! Great staff, Amanda was amazing and helped my son feel at ease. She is very good at her job and obviously loves working with kids. Dr. Megan was great!
Riverdale KiddsOur first experience at this office fantastic! He let them do everything! They were so patient and explained everything before they did it! It was my Littles first appointment at the dentist and she loved every minute! Great experience.
New Richmond KiddsHad a great day with my two boys at St. Croix Kidds. They were both very engaged in their appointments and the Assistants and Dr. Darcy explained the procedures well. I would highly recommend this pediatric office.
St. Croix KiddsAmazing dentist office for kids! All the staff were so friendly and engaged with my son. The office decor and all the staff's positive happiness was so wonderfully kid-centered. They were patient and caring.
New Richmond KiddsWe just had our first appt here and WOW!!! Love the office and the staff is all so nice. The dentist we saw is spectacular!
Blaine KiddsFriendly staff, easy to make appointments especially in an emergency! The kids like that they can watch a movie while having their teeth worked on.
St. Croix KiddsToday was my 3 year old son's 1st visit to the dentist. I was very impressed with how they interacted with my son and how they made it fun. I will definitely recommend this dentist office.
Riverdale KiddsFriendly, caring and courteous staff. Never feel pressure to "do more." And we are in and out in a flash. Love this place! And so do my kids!
St. Croix KiddsSuper welcoming staff, great dental assistant and dentist! The office is clean and had tons of things for kids to do. We were really happy with the experience overall and would definitely recommend this office to anyone!
Riverdale KiddsSt.Croix Kidds is amazing! The staff is very friendly, patient and make dentist visits fun! My boys (5yr and 3yrs) love going and always walk away with a smile!
St. Croix KiddsThe kids and I love the staff here. They have my kids comfortable in going to the dentist and they are very clear before and after what is being done or needs to be done. Thank you all for a wonderful job!
Riverdale KiddsMy toddler actually likes going to the dentist! I don't know if it's the way they talk to him, how the office is sooo kid friendly (movies, horse saddle, etc), or the fact he knows he gets a brand new toothbrush and toy to pick himself!
New Richmond KiddsDr. Megan and her team at New Richmond were amazing today! My son had to have sedation dental work completed. They were understanding of my sons needs and took great care of mom as well.
Richmond KiddsSo glad we switched to a pediatric dentist! The focus on children is so much more apparent and our daughter can't wait for her next visit! We couldn't be happier with our choice!
Riverdale KiddsI am so impressed with the care given to my boys at St. Croix Kidds! I just wish I could go there to get my teeth cleaned!
St. Croix Kidds
