Fishers Frenectomy Surgery

A small procedure that fixes a very big problem

When feeding, speech, or spacing points back to a piece of tissue

The frenulum is the small band of tissue anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the upper lip to the gums. When it is too tight or attached too far forward, it restricts movement, and the effects show up somewhere other than the mouth.

For a newborn, that often looks like a painful latch, a feed that never seems to finish, or slow weight gain. For an older child, it can look like certain sounds not forming, or a stubborn gap between the front teeth. A Fishers frenectomy surgery opens that restriction.

Frequently asked questions

K

L

How old does my baby have to be?

There is no minimum. Feeding problems from a tongue tie are worth evaluating in the first weeks, since waiting can mean weeks of a painful latch and a stressed parent. Our Fishers frenectomy surgery is available for infants, toddlers, children, and teens when treatment is appropriate.

K

L

Does it hurt?

Infants usually fuss briefly and settle once they are back with a parent, often at the breast. Older children are numbed first. Most families are surprised by how quickly Fishers frenectomy surgery is over.

K

L

Will this fix my child's speech?

A Fishers tongue tie release removes the physical restriction. If the tongue could not reach the right position to form a sound, that changes. Habits formed around the restriction may still need speech therapy, and we’ll be honest with you about which of those you are dealing with.

K

L

Will the gap in my child's front teeth close on its own after a lip tie release?

Sometimes, particularly in younger children. Sometimes orthodontic treatment is still needed to bring the teeth together. We assess the gap and tell you what to expect rather than promise a result.

K

L

Can it grow back?

The site can reattach as it heals, which is why the stretches we show you matter. We schedule a follow-up to check healing and catch reattachment early.

K

L

Do you take our insurance?

We’re in-network with most major dental plans, and our team files on your behalf. If you don't have insurance, we offer CareCredit, Sunbit, Proceed Finance, and an in-house membership plan.

Signs worth having checked

An infant who struggles to latch, slips off the breast, or clicks while feeding
Nursing that is persistently painful for the parent despite good positioning
Slow weight gain paired with feeds that take a very long time
A tongue that cannot reach past the lower lip or lift toward the palate
A gap between the upper front teeth held open by a thick lip attachment
Speech sounds that stay unclear past the age you would expect them to resolve

Not every tight frenulum needs releasing. Plenty of children have one and never notice. What matters is whether it is causing a problem, and that is what the evaluation is for.

Why families come to us for this

Everything in one place

Pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and feeding support work together under one roof.

30+ years of experience

Dr. Carol McKown has spent decades caring for children with complex oral conditions.

Craniofacial expertise

Dr. Carol McKown is part of the St. Vincent Craniofacial Anomalies Team and has extensive experience evaluating infants.

No extra referrals

Get the answers and treatment your child needs without being sent from office to office.

What the visit looks like

We evaluate how your child’s tongue and lip move and ask about feeding or speech concerns.
If treatment is needed, the release usually takes just a few minutes.
Infants can typically feed right after the procedure, while older children may benefit from sedation or desensitization visits.
We’ll show you simple stretching exercises to support healing and schedule a follow-up to make sure everything is progressing well.

Jackson Family Dental front office kansas city

We accept most major insurance plans

We accept most major dental insurance plans and are in-network with providers like Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and more. Our team handles claims for you and works to maximize your benefits.

No insurance? We offer an in-house membership plan for affordable care. Financing options are also available through trusted providers like CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Sunbit.

Hear from our patients

Over 2,000 5-star Google reviews! »

Wow! Let me tell you — this place is amazing! From the moment you walk in, the staff goes above and beyond to be welcoming, professional, and helpful! I couldn’t recommend this practice enough — absolutely the best!

— Matt H.

I had the most amazing time today at the dentist's office. I love the teamwork here. Thank you all for such a wonderful job. She was a great listener and made me feel so happy about the job she did.

— Marlene T.

WOW! Jessica, Cheyenne, and Matthew on the Ortho team were absolutely incredible! I came in today for a consultation. They did a great job of getting to know me and my needs, making me feel comfortable, and helping me understand the process going forward. I am so excited to start my treatment plan!

— Lily T.

Very professional staff. Excellent care from the dentist and the entire staff. Alexa was outstanding as a hygienist. I highly recommend this facility. World class!

— Terry S.

I’ve had a few different hygienists over the years, and they have all been wonderful. The dentists are equally wonderful; they all have fantastic bedside manner and explain their rationale behind their recommendations. I highly recommend this office.

— Sarah C.

Best experience! Knowledgeable staff took the time to really explain all I have going on in my mouth. Full x-rays and other state-of-the-art tools that let me see exactly what they need to do. I felt so informed when I left!

— Hether D.

As always, everyone in your practice is so nice and helpful. Your office is efficient, thorough, and always upbeat and positive. I am always pleased with my visits.

— Kennetta B.

This office is amazing! My entire family has been going here for years, and I have recommended them to friends too.

— Nichole A.

This was my first time visiting Village Dental at Saxony. I'm usually very nervous about a new place, but everyone was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. I was really satisfied with my care.

— Pat S.

They're very welcoming, caring, and provide quality information for your dental health. I haven't been to the dentist in years, and they were very helpful and got me on a good track for consistent dental care.

— Shannon S.

Wonderful experience! The moment I was greeted, they welcomed me as a new patient. The hygienist and doctor were so knowledgeable and very friendly! 10 out of 10.

— Kathryn M.

All of the staff I’ve worked with in the past several years have been very professional and courteous. Their work has been excellent. When I had trouble getting a night guard that I could actually use at night, they worked with me until we got it right. I really appreciate their efforts.

— Steve C.