Updated September 15, 2025.
Breastfeeding provides your baby with more than nutrition. It’s also an invaluable, shared bonding experience that supports growth, immune health, and emotional connection. Sometimes, however, many new parents face frustration and anxiety when discovering their baby struggles to feed properly. These challenges can create stress for the entire household, leading parents to wonder if something more than “colic” or a “phase” might be causing the issue. What can you do to save your growing family from this difficult situation?
At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Bret and our outstanding team are dedicated to correcting babies’ tongue and lip ties via safe, precise laser frenectomy, to ensure comfortable and effective nursing and development.
What Are Lip Ties and Tongue Ties?
Lip or tongue ties stem from overly tight oral tissue (called a frenum) that restricts the upper lip or tongue movement. This issue is more common than most parents realize and interferes not only with breastfeeding but also with bottle-feeding, swallowing, and eventually even speech development.
Common signs of lip or tongue ties include:
- Difficulty latching
- Especially gassy or fussy feedings
- A clicking sound when nursing
- Lagging weight gain
- Long feedings that leave your baby unsatisfied
- Pain for the mother while breastfeeding
Parents sometimes also notice that their baby tires quickly while eating or seems frustrated at the breast or bottle, further complicating feeding routines.
Why Choose a Laser Frenectomy?
Unlike traditional surgery, laser frenectomies are fast, minimally invasive, and highly precise. Using advanced laser technology, Dr. Jerger is able to release the tight tissue in minutes, usually with minimal bleeding and pain, with no need for stitches. The laser also reduces the risk of infection and promotes faster healing compared to traditional methods.
Many babies recover quickly after the procedure and begin feeding more efficiently immediately after. Parents often report an almost instant improvement in latch quality, feeding comfort, and their baby’s satisfaction.
Specialized Infant Care in a Family-Friendly Setting
At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the stresses of new parenthood and are committed to ensuring that proper feeding is not one of them. From the first phone call through every subsequent follow-up visit, Dr. Jerger and our experienced team will supportively guide you through every step of the process. We explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, and always make time to answer any questions that arise empathetically. Our family-friendly approach is designed to keep both parents and babies at ease.
Safe and Effective Laser Frenectomies 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.