Frenectomy helps with feeding, nutritional intake, and oral milestones, supporting developmental success.

child with tongue tie in Highlands Ranch

Give Your Child a Great Head Start!

Tongue Tie Release in Highlands Ranch

mother with infant in Highlands Ranch, who is considering tongue tie release for child

Your baby is a fussy eater, not latching on or frustrated during feedings. You’ve tried all the tricks, but nothing works long-term. It may be time to bring your little one to the dentist for a tongue or lip tie check and to discuss an infant frenectomy.

At Sierk Children's Dentistry, we view a frenectomy not just as a procedure, but as a way to restore peace to your nursing nest and help your little one thrive.

At a Glance: Our Gentle Approach to Ties

The "Soft" Laser Touch: We use advanced lasers instead of traditional tools. It’s remarkably precise, meaning less discomfort and almost no bleeding.
A Tiny Time Commitment: The actual release often takes less than 10 minutes, so your baby can be back in your arms in no time.
Immediate Relief: Many babies find a better latch and more comfort during nursing immediately following their visit.
Comfort-First Environment: Our quiet rooms, weighted blankets, and "tell-show-do" philosophy ensure a sensory-friendly experience for even our tiniest patients.
Guided Healing: We don’t just perform the procedure; we walk with you through aftercare and myofunctional support to ensure your child’s long-term success.

How Tongue and Lip Ties Affect Parents and Caregivers

Of course, tongue and lip ties are challenging for babies and toddlers, but they also impact caregivers. Below, we share some of the impact.

Breast Health

Failure to latch or suck correctly may lead to nipple pain, cracks, and a painful infection called mastitis, making feedings difficult instead of joyful.

Parental Fatigue

When your baby can't latch or suck correctly, it means more frequent feedings and an exhausted caregiver. Your child's pediatric dentist can help.

Slow Milk Production

When the milk supply is not harvested correctly, it becomes challenging to produce enough milk for the baby. A frenectomy may be the solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What potential dental problems can babies experience?

Even before your baby's first birthday, their emerging teeth are at risk for dental issues. Understanding these potential problems and implementing early preventive measures are key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Sierk Children's Dentistry in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines, CO, we're here to guide you.

Common Baby & Toddler Dental Concerns

The most common concern is early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay), which can affect teeth as soon as they appear. This is especially true for infants and toddlers who frequently drink sugary liquids like formula, juice, or sweetened water from bottles or sippy cups, particularly at bedtime. These sugars pool around the teeth, leading to cavities.

Additionally, Dr. Jon offers comprehensive oral evaluations to assess for conditions like tongue tie, which can impact feeding, speech, and overall oral development. We can discuss services such as gentle tongue tie release and supportive myofunctional therapy when needed.

Preventing Dental Problems in Infants

Prevention starts early. During your baby's first visit, our pediatric dentist will help you establish a preventive strategy and demonstrate proper infant teeth brushing.

Dr. Jon and our team also emphasize:

Limiting Sugary Liquids: Avoid filling cups with sugary drinks.
No Sweetened Pacifiers: Never dip pacifiers in honey or other sweet substances.
Preventing Bacterial Transmission: Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning pacifiers in your mouth.
Promoting Water Intake: Encourage water throughout the day and after feedings to rinse away sugars.
No Bedtime Bottles: Dr. Jon and The American Board of Pediatrics strongly advise against putting children to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water.

Affordable Dental Care for Children

If you have any questions about your dental plan, LendingClub, or CareCredit, please call our dental office today. One of our friendly staff members can answer your questions and address your concerns. Call us to inquire about our complimentary examination for children under age of 3; without a dental plan.

We look forward to seeing you at Sierk Children’s Dentistry at our Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines location!

Will my child need sedation for the tongue tie release procedure?

Parents often wonder what to expect when their child needs a tongue tie release. The procedure, also called a frenectomy, is very common and usually quick. Whether sedation is needed depends on your child’s age, comfort, and specific needs.

For infants, infant frenectomy or tongue tie releases are typically performed with a laser or small surgical tool and require just a few minutes. In these cases, most babies don’t require sedation and can often breastfeed immediately afterward, which also helps with comfort and healing.

For toddlers and older children, some level of sedation may be recommended, especially if the child has anxiety, difficulty sitting still, or a more extensive release is needed. Sedation options in these instances range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to mild oral medications, depending on what is needed to keep a child calm and safe.

In every case, your pediatric dentist will discuss options with you in advance and tailor the plan to your child. The goal is always to make the procedure as gentle, stress-free, and effective as possible.

Caring, Comfortable Frenectomy Procedures in Castle Pines, CO

At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we’re committed to ensuring that every child in need of a tongue tie release in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch receives the vital care they deserve in total comfort.

If you’ve noticed that your child struggles with feeding, speech, or restricted tongue movement, it may be time to consider a frenectomy. Contact Dr. Jon Sierk and our experienced dental team today to schedule a consultation and learn how this simple procedure can support healthier development.

What is the recovery time for a frenectomy?

Traditionally, a frenectomy can take several days to heal and be uncomfortable in the meantime. Fortunately, we perform a laser frenectomy in Highlands Ranch, eliminating the need for invasive treatment.

What Is a Frenectomy?

Sometimes children have a bit of skin, often tight, above the two front teeth. This piece of skin can make chewing, mouthing, and latching on during feedings challenging and sometimes impossible. This issue is referred to as a lip tie.

Fortunately, the dentist can free this bit of skin using a gentle laser. The laser means no scalpels or cutting, just a concentrated line of energy that gently separates the skin from the frenum. In many cases, when frenectomies are performed with a laser, there are no sutures and little to no bleeding. Laser dentistry also promotes prompt healing.

If your baby experiences feeding challenges, we recommend scheduling an evaluation with the dentist to rule out any oral issues.

In older children, a lip or tongue tie can result in poor speech development, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and other unusual mouthing behaviors.

Schedule a Consultation with a Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch or Castle Pines

For more information about tongue and lip ties or to schedule an evaluation with the pediatric dentist, call us today at (303) 865-4066.

How long does the laser frenectomy procedure take?

The laser frenectomy procedure itself is surprisingly quick, typically about 10 minutes once your child is comfortable and we numb the area. The entire appointment at Sierk Children's Dentistry, including preparation and post-procedure checks, usually takes less than an hour from start to finish.

What to Expect with Laser Frenectomy

Dr. Sierk begins by numbing the treatment area to ensure your child stays comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the numbing takes effect, he uses precise laser technology to release the tethered tissue. The laser seals tissue as it works, which means minimal bleeding and a more comfortable experience than traditional surgery.

After the procedure, Dr. Sierk will check your child's mouth and provide you with simple aftercare instructions. Most children can return to their normal activities the same day.

Fast Recovery with Laser Technology

One of the biggest advantages of laser frenectomy in Castle Pines is minimal discomfort and faster healing. Most children experience only mild soreness, and the treated area typically heals within a couple of weeks.

Parents often say they’re relieved by how quick and straightforward the process is. What was once a complex procedure is now a brief appointment that can make a significant difference in your child's overall development.

If you're considering a laser frenectomy for your child, contact Sierk Children's Dentistry in Highlands Ranch to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sierk.

Is a frenectomy (tongue-tie release) covered by insurance?

Many parents ask whether a pediatric frenectomy is covered by insurance. The answer is… it depends on medical necessity and your specific plan. A frenectomy (tongue- or lip-tie release) is often recommended when restricted oral tissue affects a baby’s feeding, speech development, or oral function.

When Does Insurance Cover a Frenectomy?

Some plans classify a frenectomy as a medical procedure, while others consider it a dental procedure, which can affect how benefits apply. In cases where a provider documents that the procedure is medically necessary, like when an infant has difficulty breastfeeding or older children suffer from speech challenges, insurance may cover part or all of the treatment.

For families researching pediatric frenectomy and Colorado insurance, it’s important to know that coverage can vary widely. Factors that may influence approval include:

The child’s symptoms and diagnosis
Whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary
Your plan’s medical vs. dental benefits
Required referrals or pre-authorizations

Even when insurance doesn’t fully cover the procedure, dental practices may offer guidance on financing or flexible payment options to make care more accessible.

How Do I Know?

The best first step is a professional evaluation. A pediatric dentist in Castle Pines can assess whether a frenectomy is appropriate and help you understand your insurance benefits before moving forward. This ensures there are no surprises and that your child receives timely, effective care.

Gentle Frenectomy Care in Castle Pines, CO

If you’re in Castle Pines or Highlands Ranch and want to learn more about pediatric frenectomies and insurance coverage, contact Dr. Jon and the caring, skilled team at Sierk Children’s Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

Recognizing the Signs: Is Your Baby Struggling?

A tongue or lip tie simply means the skin beneath the tongue or above the lip is a bit too tight or short, making the work of eating much harder than it should be.

You might notice your little one experiencing:

Feeding Frustration: Difficulty staying latched, "chewing" while nursing, or getting tired and falling asleep before they are full.
Tummy Troubles: Extra fussiness or colic from swallowing too much air while trying to feed.
Tired Muscles: Visible tension in their lips or a tongue that doesn't seem to move freely.
Slow Growth: Heartbreakingly slow weight gain despite your best efforts to feed them.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Jon Sierk

Dr. Jon has been serving the children and families of Colorado since completing his pediatric specialty training in 2003 and is proud to be a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

"I am humbled by the trust our patient families have in the care that my team provides. When a child is in our care, they are treated as if they are one of our own.”
-DR. JON SIERK

After growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, Dr. Jon graduated from Northwestern University in 1996 where he divided his time between studies ...

Gentle Frenectomy for Children in Castle Pines

A frenectomy means the pediatric dentist gently excises the tight or short section of skin that’s been restricting your child’s tongue or upper lip.

While some dentists rely on scalpel methods to perform frenectomies, we take a much gentler approach, using a precision laser. Laser frenectomy allows for precision, with no cutting of nearby oral tissues.

Other benefits include:

Minimally Invasive: Your little one will enjoy a prompt recovery and minimal to no discomfort.
Reduced Bleeding: In some cases, light bleeding ceases before you leave the dental office.
Less Need for Sutures: Laser dentistry often mitigates the need for stitches.
Quick Treatment: Due to its precision, the dentist can perform the laser procedure efficiently and promptly.

Frenectomy for Older Children and Toddlers

It is a common misconception that tongue and lip ties only affect breastfeeding. In reality, tethered oral tissues (TOTs), the clinical term for these restrictions, don't simply go away as a child grows. If left unaddressed, these tissues can continue to impact a child's development, health, and confidence.

In older children, you may notice the following signs if they have a lip or tongue tie:

Swallowing and eating issues
Speech challenges and delays
Dental hygiene challenges
Gaps between teeth

Featured Blog Posts - Frenectomy

January 5, 2026

Understanding Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) After Infancy

child after frenectomy procedure in castle pines, co

Most parents associate tongue tie with nursing difficulties in newborns. In fact, tethered oral tissues (TOTs) don't disappear after infancy; they can continue affecting your child’s development, sleep, and oral health well beyond.

Common Signs and Symptoms in Toddlers

If your toddler or young child has a tongue tie, they might experience

Difficulty with speech sounds (especially "l," "r," "t," or "d")
Messy eating habits
Trouble licking their lips
Eating more slowly because the effort is tiring or frustrating
A feeling that their tongue feels “stuck”
Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side or touching the ...

September 23, 2025

From Frustration to Feeding: The Benefits of Infant Frenectomy

family smiling in group photo near lake in Highlands Ranch, CO

Is feeding frustrating your little one? We can help bring back the peaceful moments. If you’ve noticed that feeding is a struggle (perhaps your baby has trouble latching, takes a very long time to nurse, or is consistently fussy at the breast or bottle), it might signal a tongue or lip tie.

At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Jon Sierk gently identifies the issue and provides the specialized, compassionate care needed to bring back the calm and connection during these vital early moments with your baby.

What Is a Frenectomy? A Simple Explanation

A ...

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Myofunctional Therapy: Pre- and Post-Frenectomy

toddler sleeping soundly after myofunctional therapy in Highlands Ranch Pre-frenectomy therapy concentrates on the muscles and tissues before laser surgery, including preparation for post-frenectomy therapy. It helps prepare your child’s oral anatomy for the coming treatment, exploring tongue or oral restrictions.

Post-frenectomy therapy focuses on promoting rapid recovery and functional success by retraining the oral muscles and tongue posture to function correctly. Myofunctional therapy post-frenectomy also helps prevent recurrence.

Myofunctional therapy (pre- and post-frenectomy) sets your child up for success, now and in the future. It gives your little one the ability to enjoy feeding times and thrive. Further, it aids in oral and speech development.

Gentle Frenectomy in Castle Pines and Highland Ranch

Frenulum surgery doesn’t have to be painful for your infant or child. With laser dentistry, we can provide gentle treatment and faster recoveries than ever before.

If you’re searching the internet for “pediatric frenectomy near me,” look no further. Call us today to get started. We have locations in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines for your convenience.

We accept CareCredit and LendingClub.

Because Oral Function Matters