ORAL SURGERY & PERIODONTAL CARE
Laser Frenectomy for Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie in Cave Creek
If your baby struggles to nurse, your child mumbles certain words, or you've noticed a tight band of tissue under the tongue or lip, a frenectomy in Cave Creek, AZ may be the answer. At Refined Smiles, Dr. Madison Kapers, DMD treats tongue-tie and lip-tie in patients of every age, from newborns to adults, using a gentle soft tissue laser instead of a scalpel. We accept most dental insurance plans, and we're always happy to welcome new patients to our Cave Creek office.Call us at (623) 303-8089to ask whether a frenectomy could help your family.
WHY IT MATTERS
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases a small piece of tissue called a frenum. Everyone has these tissue bands, one under the tongue and one connecting the upper lip to the gums. Sometimes a frenum is thicker or tighter than it should be. When that happens, it can limit how far the tongue or lip can move. This is called tongue-tie or lip-tie. A frenectomy is part of the oral surgery and periodontal care we offer at Refined Smiles, and it's one of the more straightforward procedures we perform.
YOUR VISIT
Benefits of Laser Frenectomy at Refined Smiles
Dr. Kapers uses a soft tissue laser for most laser frenectomy procedures instead of a scalpel. This modern approach offers several advantages:
- Less bleeding, since the laser seals tissue as it works
- Little to no stitches needed
- A shorter, more comfortable appointment
- Reduced swelling and a smoother healing process afterward
For nervous parents or patients who feel uneasy about any dental procedure, we also offer sedation dentistry options to help you or your child stay relaxed and comfortable in the chair.
OUR APPROACH
Signs You or Your Child May Need a Frenectomy
Tongue-tie and lip-tie show up differently depending on age. In infants, you might notice trouble latching during nursing, clicking sounds while feeding, or slow weight gain. In toddlers and older kids, watch for speech delays, trouble with certain sounds like "l" or "th," or a growing gap between the front teeth. Adults may notice a tight feeling under the tongue, discomfort eating certain foods, or gum recession near the lower front teeth. Because these signs often show up first at routine visits, keeping up with children's dentistry checkups helps catch tongue-tie and lip-tie early.
Consequences of Leaving Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Untreated
Left untreated, tongue-tie or lip-tie can affect more than just feeding or speech. Some children develop dental crowding or a higher risk of cavities because brushing gets harder around a tight frenum. Adults may deal with jaw tension, gum recession, or discomfort that slowly gets worse over time. Addressing it early, whether through a frenectomy or another approach Dr. Kapers recommends, tends to make treatment simpler down the road.
OUR APPROACH
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Most frenectomy visits at Refined Smiles are quick, often finished in just a few minutes. Dr. Kapers numbs the area first so you or your child stay comfortable throughout. The laser then gently releases the tight tissue with minimal bleeding. Afterward, we'll walk you through simple aftercare steps, like gentle stretches for infants or soft foods for a day or two. Many patients compare the recovery to other minor procedures we perform, such as tooth extractions, though frenectomy healing is usually faster and involves less discomfort. Once healing is underway, we recommend scheduling a follow-up with our cleanings & exams team to keep an eye on things.
Ready to talk it over? Call us at (623) 303-8089 to schedule a frenectomy consultation.
SERVICE FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure since the area is numbed beforehand. Some mild soreness or tenderness is normal for a day or two afterward, similar to a small cut. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to manage any discomfort.
Recovery time is generally short, often just a few days. Infants may need gentle stretching exercises to keep the area from reattaching, while older children and adults may notice mild soreness that fades within a week. Dr. Kapers will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your situation.
Many dental insurance plans cover frenectomy procedures, especially when there's a clear functional need like feeding or speech difficulty. Our team can help verify your benefits before your visit so you know what to expect. We also welcome patients without insurance and are happy to talk through your options.
GET STARTED
A Simple Step Toward Easier Feeding, Speech, and Smiles
Our team is ready to walk you through every part of the process, from your first call to your follow-up visit.
Call Refined Smiles at (623) 303-8089 to schedule a frenectomy consultationContact Us to ask a question first
10 — BOOK
Request your visit.
Booking your first visit is simple, just call our Cave Creek office and our team will find a time that works for you.
Most new patients seen within 2 days