Feeding, speaking, and smiling all depend on the freedom of movement inside the mouth. When a baby or child has a lip tie — a condition where the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums is too tight — these everyday functions can become difficult. At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we provide safe, gentle lip tie surgery in Lafayette, LA, helping families overcome challenges and giving children the chance to thrive.
Led by Dr. Hannah B. Noto, our board-certified pediatric dentist, we combine advanced techniques with compassionate, family-centered care. From newborns struggling to nurse to older children dealing with dental or speech concerns, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.
What Is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the band of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums (called the labial frenulum) is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts movement of the lip and can cause problems for infants and children.
Common issues associated with lip ties include:
- Infants — Trouble latching, prolonged or painful feedings, clicking sounds during nursing, or poor weight gain.
- Toddlers and children — Difficulty cleaning the front teeth, challenges with speech development, or gaps between the front teeth.
- Oral health concerns — Restricted mobility can sometimes contribute to gum recession or orthodontic issues later.
Not every lip tie needs treatment, but identifying and evaluating the condition early helps families make informed choices.
When Is Lip Tie Surgery Needed?
Lip tie surgery, also known as a frenectomy, may be recommended when the condition interferes with your child’s daily function or development. Reasons for treatment include:
- Feeding difficulties — Infants may nurse more effectively after a frenectomy.
- Maternal comfort — Relieving strain for mothers experiencing pain while breastfeeding.
- Speech clarity — Allowing children better lip movement for pronunciation.
- Dental health — Preventing gaps or gum issues caused by tight frenulum attachment.
- Improved oral function — Supporting natural development of the lips and jaw.
Our team evaluates each child carefully and recommends surgery only when it truly benefits the child’s health and well-being.
The Lip Tie Evaluation Process
At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we know that parents want clear answers and gentle guidance. A lip tie evaluation includes:
- Discussion of symptoms — We review your child’s feeding history, oral development, and any concerns.
- Gentle oral exam — Dr. Noto examines the lip and frenulum to check for restriction.
- Family-centered consultation — We explain findings in simple terms and provide recommendations.
- Next steps — Together, we decide whether monitoring or treatment is the best option.
Our goal is to give parents confidence and peace of mind, without pressure or confusion.
How Lip Tie Surgery Works
Lip tie surgery is a straightforward, safe procedure that takes only a few minutes. At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced techniques to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Here’s what to expect during a frenectomy:
- Comfort measures — Infants often need only minimal anesthesia, while older children may receive local anesthetic or nitrous oxide.
- Precise release — Using a sterile tool or dental laser, Dr. Noto gently releases the tight tissue to allow normal lip movement.
- Quick recovery — Most babies can nurse immediately after the procedure, while children can eat and drink the same day.
- Aftercare guidance — We provide simple stretches or exercises to support healing and prevent reattachment.
Parents are often surprised at how quick the procedure is — and how quickly they notice improvements.
Benefits of Laser Lip Tie Surgery
Modern dental lasers allow us to provide lip tie surgery with even greater comfort and precision. Benefits include:
- Minimal discomfort — Less need for anesthesia and quicker healing.
- Reduced bleeding — The laser seals tissue as it works.
- Lower infection risk — Gentle treatment minimizes trauma.
- Fast results — Most children recover quickly and return to normal feeding or speech right away.
Laser frenectomies are especially effective for infants and young children, making treatment safe, gentle, and efficient.
Life After Lip Tie Surgery
Many parents notice immediate changes after a lip tie release. Infants often feed more effectively, while older children may experience:
- Improved speech clarity
- Better oral hygiene and ability to clean teeth
- Reduced gaps or pressure on the gums
- More comfortable lip movement for smiling and eating
Follow-up support may include lactation consultations for infants or speech therapy for older children, depending on individual needs.
Why Families Choose Park Pediatric Dentistry
Parents from Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, and surrounding Acadiana communities trust us for lip tie treatment because we provide:
- Specialized pediatric expertise — Dr. Noto has advanced training in diagnosing and treating oral ties in children.
- Family-first care — We partner with parents, offering reassurance, clear guidance, and support.
- Gentle techniques — Options like laser treatment and nitrous oxide make surgery quick and comfortable.
- Comprehensive services — From preventive care to tongue and lip tie releases, we offer complete care for growing smiles.
We’re proud to be a trusted partner in your child’s health and development.
Schedule a Lip Tie Evaluation in Lafayette Today
If your baby struggles with breastfeeding or your child has difficulty with speech, eating, or oral development, a lip tie may be the cause. At Park Pediatric Dentistry, we offer gentle, effective lip tie surgery in Lafayette, LA, helping families overcome challenges and giving children the freedom to thrive.
Schedule your child’s evaluation today and discover why families throughout Acadiana trust Dr. Hannah B. Noto for compassionate pediatric dental care.