Frenectomies

Make mealtime and speaking easier for your child with a safe and gentle frenectomy procedure.

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Frenectomies

Make mealtime and speaking easier for your child with a safe and gentle frenectomy procedure.

Free Consultation
(262) 233-9399

New Patient
Specials

Book a Free Consultation

Request a consultation: (262) 233-9399

Request A FREE
Frenectomy Consultation

Book a free frenectomy consultation with Dr. Lori Kerber, a passionate expert on pediatric care. Fill out the form below or call now!

LORI KERBER, DDS

Call us today

(262) 233-9399

2901 35th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Click for map & directions

Meet Your Lip-Tie and Tongue-Tie Expert, Dr. Lori Kerber

As a mother of three children, Dr. Lori Kerber understands the importance of the mother-child bond during breastfeeding and how difficult it is when a tongue-tie makes feedings a challenge. That’s why you can trust her with your child’s frenectomy procedure. A board-certified pediatric dentist since 2008, she also has an Associate Fellowship with the World Clinical Laser Institute. With her advanced techniques and use of modern technology, she’ll ensure the procedure goes smoothly and as painlessly as possible for your child.

Signs Your Child Needs a Frenectomy in Kenosha

The frenum, the piece of skin that looks like a cord underneath your child’s tongue, or the frena, the piece of skin inside the top and bottom lip that connects to their gum tissue, can be too tight or appear tied down, leading to many issues with your child. While you’ll need our expert team to confirm if your child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, you may notice symptoms at home too.

You may observe red flags such as:

Feedings:

Difficulty latching on
Clicking sounds as infant loses suction
Longer nursing times
Falls asleep during feeding
Older children may have difficulties eating certain foods

Other Physical Symptoms:

Excessive gassiness
Trouble gaining weight
Older children may have difficulties making certain sounds or words

Mothers May Experience:

Pain during and after feedings
Damaged or sore nipples
Blocked milk ducts
Low milk production

Loosen a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie With a Frenectomy

When your child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, Dr. Kerber will use a safe and gentle laser to loosen the skin under the tongue or lips. With the help of this frenectomy procedure, you’ll discover:

You have less pain and discomfort during feedings
Reduced stress which improves mother-child bonding
Your child increases their weight thanks to improved milk intake
Minimized fussiness and colic with your infant
Older children have clearer speech and easier mealtimes

Let Our Expert Team Treat a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie

If you believe your child needs a frenectomy in Kenosha, we make it simple for you to get the help you need. Whether feedings with your infant have been a challenge or your older child has speech problems, give us a call so we can help. You can trust our experienced team to perform the procedure. More importantly, we only recommend this treatment if it’s absolutely necessary. There’s no need to worry about any unnecessary procedures at our practice.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

If your infant is having trouble latching on during breastfeeding or onto a bottle or your older child seems picky about certain foods and can’t form certain words, they may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie.

While it isn’t always necessary to treat a tongue-tie or lip-tie, they can cause development problems later down the road. Finding treatment as soon as possible is important.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Kerber has years of experience treating infants and children. You can rely on her expertise to determine if a frenectomy procedure is necessary. She’ll perform a thorough examination and evaluate your child to see if they have a tongue-tie or lip-tie. If confirmed, she’ll walk you through what to expect.

During and After the Procedure

It’s important that you and your child are prepared for the frenectomy treatment. Dr. Kerber will use a safe and gentle laser that is more comfortable and precise than cutting and stitching methods. Your child will also heal more quickly and easily. Best of all, you’ll be able to begin feeding right away.

Visit Us for Regular Checkups

We know how much your child’s smile and oral development matter to you. It’s why we encourage parents to bring their child in every six months for regular checkups. We monitor the growth of their smile and make recommendations that ensure their good oral health over the years. After your child’s frenectomy, we can schedule their next checkup.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Frenectomies

With any kind of dental procedure, we know you have questions. We’ve addressed many of the common questions parents or primary caregivers may have about a frenectomy procedure. If you don’t see your questions here, give us a call and we’ll see you get answers before your appointment with Dr. Kerber.

What happens if I don’t have the tongue-tie or lip-tie corrected?

If you do not treat your child’s tongue-tie or lip-tie, the problems go beyond just troubles with nursing. It may delay development as your child isn’t getting proper nutrition. It can also cause oral health issues later on, leading to a possible increase in cavities and gum disease. It may also make speech more difficult, since children with tongue-ties or lip-ties have trouble making certain words and sounds.

How can I prepare my child for the frenectomy procedure?

Accordion Sample DescriptionLuckily, infants will have little to no idea of what is going on during the procedure. You’ll just want to focus on making them feel comfortable. For a child that’s a bit older, you’ll want to avoid using scary language associated with pain when talking about the procedure at home. Other than that, bring along a favorite toy or stuffed animal they can hold during the appointment.

How does Kerber Smiles make my child feel comfortable?

We make sure your child feels right at home the moment they come through our doors. We have a fun seating area filled with games they can play while you wait. In addition, if needed, we can provide sedation through safe and gentle laughing gas. We also have stronger sedation options, if necessary.

How soon after the frenectomy can I nurse my baby?

Immediately! In fact, the antibodies in breast milk can help prevent any infection. While your child may have minor difficulties adjusting, soon they will become accustomed to the changes in their mouth. Depending on their age, they may need to relearn how to nurse properly. It may benefit you to see a lactation specialist within a few days after the procedure to help speed up the process.