Functional Healing: How a Frenectomy Can Improve Feeding, Speech, and Sleep

There’s nothing more heart-wrenching than watching your baby struggle to feed, or seeing your child become frustrated while trying to speak. Many parents feel helpless, not knowing why these challenges are happening, or how to help. In many cases, the issue stems from something often overlooked: a tongue-tie or lip-tie limiting normal oral function. 

Fortunately, the path to healing may be simpler and far less intimidating than it sounds. A gentle, laser-assisted frenectomy could be the key to improving your child’s feeding, speech, and sleep, bringing peace to your home and comfort to your child.

What Is a Functional Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure that releases the tight tissue (called a frenum) under the tongue or upper lip. When these tissues are too restrictive, they can prevent the tongue or lips from moving freely, a condition often referred to as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie.

More than just a physical release, a functional frenectomy supports the body’s natural development. At Thomas Family Dental in Columbia, MO, we perform laser-assisted frenectomies using advanced LightScalpel CO2 technology, delivering a comfortable and precise experience for your child or infant.

How Tongue- and Lip-Ties Impact Daily Life

The impact of a tongue- or lip-tie can reach far beyond breastfeeding struggles. Left untreated, these ties can result in:

• Difficulty latching during nursing or bottle feeding
• Chronic gas, reflux, or poor weight gain in babies
• Articulation issues or delayed speech in children
• Mouth breathing, snoring, or interrupted sleep
• Facial development concerns due to restricted tongue movement

These challenges often leave parents feeling overwhelmed, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, healing is possible. That’s where a functional frenectomy comes in.

Explaining The Benefits Of Frenectomies

Healthier, Easier Feeding

Newborns with tongue-ties often can’t create a strong seal around the nipple, leading to long, painful feedings for both baby and mom. After a frenectomy, many parents report an immediate improvement. Jaw tension is reduced, suckling strength improves, and feedings become more efficient, giving everyone in the family a little relief.

Clearer, More Confident Speech

Toddlers and young children may struggle with forming certain sounds if their tongue can’t reach the roof of the mouth or move side to side. Releasing a tongue-tie gives the tongue the mobility needed for correct articulation, particularly for sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r.” While some children may benefit from ongoing speech therapy, a frenectomy lays the groundwork for long-term speech success.

Better Sleep Through Airway Development

A restricted tongue can interfere with proper tongue posture and nasal breathing. This may contribute to issues like mouth breathing, night waking, or even sleep-disordered breathing. Releasing the tie helps the tongue rest in the correct position, promoting better airflow and supporting healthy development of the palate and airway structure. That often results in more restful sleep, for both children and their families.

Why Families Choose Thomas Family Dental for Frenectomies

Led by Dr. Letrisha Thomas, our practice is among the first in Columbia to offer gentle, laser-assisted frenectomies. With years of experience and referrals from trusted pediatricians, ENTs, and lactation consultants across Mid-Missouri, families know they’re in compassionate, capable hands. Here’s what makes our approach unique:

• Advanced laser technology with LightScalpel CO2: Minimizes discomfort and reduces healing time with high precision and minimal bleeding or swelling.
• Whole-child focus: We evaluate each child’s facial development and airway health to ensure function drives the decision to treat.
• Personalized, empathetic care: We take the time to answer every question and create a treatment plan that reflects your child’s individual needs, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

What to Expect During the Frenectomy Process

Personalized Evaluation

We begin with a thorough consultation where Dr. Thomas evaluates tongue and lip mobility, discusses feeding or speech concerns, and screens for airway issues. Collaboration with lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, or pediatric providers may also be incorporated.

Gentle Laser Release

We use the LightScalpel CO2 laser for precision and comfort. Treatment takes just minutes, with minimal discomfort, even for infants. Many babies can nurse immediately after the procedure.

Post-Procedure Support

We’ll guide you through simple at-home stretches and follow-ups. Our team remains available to answer questions as healing progresses and collaborates with other professionals if extra feeding or speech support is needed.

FAQs About Frenectomies

Is a frenectomy painful for babies or children?

Thanks to the precision of our laser technology, most infants experience only brief discomfort and can feed immediately afterward. For older children, we provide gentle numbing and a calm, reassuring approach to minimize anxiety during treatment.

How soon will we see improvements?

Feeding often improves within days, while speech and sleep benefits may emerge more gradually as the body adapts. Each child’s outcome is unique, and we walk beside your family every step of the way.

Does a child always need therapy afterward?

Not always. However, additional supportive therapy like lactation support, myofunctional therapy, or speech therapy can help maximize the frenectomy’s benefits. We work closely with a trusted network of providers across Columbia to get your child the best results.

Let’s Help Your Child Thrive, Starting Today

At Thomas Family Dental, we understand the deep desire to see your child healthy, thriving, and free from the daily frustrations of feeding difficulties, speech delays, or sleep disruptions. With our advanced, compassionate approach to laser frenectomies, we help make that vision a reality in an environment where your family feels genuinely cared for.

If you suspect your child may benefit from a frenectomy, or simply want insight into their feeding, airway, or oral development, we’re here to help. Call our office at (573) 449-2858 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas. We’d be honored to be part of your family’s healing journey.