Breastfeeding is about more than just nourishing your baby. It should also serve as an invaluable bonding experience. Unfortunately, many parents find themselves dealing with undue stress when their baby can’t latch or feed effectively. What to do??
At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in Decatur, Dr. Bret Jerger and our caring team provide gentle and precise laser frenectomies to correct tongue ties and lip ties, enabling infants to nurse comfortably and effectively during this crucial developmental stage.
What Are Lip and Tongue Ties?
Lip and tongue ties are caused by overly tight oral tissue (called a frenum) that restricts the movement of the upper lip or tongue. These conditions are more common than many parents realize and can interfere with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and even speech development. Signs your baby may have a lip or tongue tie include:
- Difficulty latching
- Especially gassy or fussy feedings
- Clicking sounds while nursing
- Poor weight gain
- Long or frequent feedings that leave the baby unsatisfied
- Pain for the breastfeeding mother
Why Choose a Laser Frenectomy?
Unlike traditional surgical methods, laser frenectomies are precise, quick, and minimally invasive. Using advanced dental laser technology, Dr. Jerger can release the tight tissue in just a few minutes, typically with minimal discomfort and bleeding and without the need for stitches. Many babies recover smoothly after the procedure and can feed more efficiently immediately afterward.
Specialized Infant Care in a Family-Friendly Setting
At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how stressful being a new parent can be—and how overwhelming feeding can be on top of everything else. Dr. Jerger and our experienced pediatric dental team are committed to making the process as easy and supportive as possible. We’ll guide you through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and are always here to answer your questions afterward.
Let's work together to make sure your little ones are future Smile of the Month Gallery members!
Safe, Effective, Pain-Free Laser Frenectomy in Decatur, IL
If you’re in Decatur and think your baby may be struggling due to a lip or tongue tie, contact Dr. Bret Jerger and the caring and skilled Jerger Pediatric Dentistry team to schedule a laser frenectomy consultation.