LightScalpel CO₂ Laser Treatments
At HulaGrins Pediatric Dentistry, we use the advanced LightScalpel CO₂ laser to provide gentle, precise, and minimally invasive soft tissue procedures.
Our LightScalpel CO₂ laser treatment services include:
Frenectomies (Tongue- and Lip-Tie Releases) for infants, children, and teens. Supporting improved nursing, feeding, speech, and airway development.
Gingivectomies and Tooth Exposures to assist with eruption and overall oral health.
From Signs to Treatment
Recognizing the Signs
Speech delays, picky eating, mouth breathing, and snoring can all point to a tongue-tie or lip-tie worth evaluating.
A Consultation With Dr. Sena
We schedule an evaluation to assess whether the tissue is truly restricting function and whether a release is needed.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
We work alongside lactation consultants and speech-language pathologists trained in tethered oral tissues for the best outcome.
Your Child's
wellness is our highest priority
We care deeply about whole-child wellness and believe in a comprehensive treatment approach. We provide referrals to trusted support professionals, including lactation consultants and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have specific training in tethered oral tissues and myofunctional therapists.
The LightScalpel laser allows for faster healing, minimal bleeding, and greater comfort—making it an ideal choice for our young patients at every stage.
Please ask your pediatric dentist to see if your child may be a candidate for these procedures.
What is A
tongue tie?
During development, the tongue starts off completely attached to the floor of the mouth. Once the tongue is fully formed in utero around week 8 it begins to separate from the base of the mouth, becoming free to move around. The lingual frenulum is the connective tissue remnant under the tongue that supports and limits is movement in different directions.
The medical term for tongue tie is “ankyloglossia.” This is a condition whre tongue movement and function are restrcited due to a short, thick or tight string or tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
What is A
Lip tie?
Just like under the tongue, every baby is born with connective tissue under the upper lip, called the labial frenulum. This tissue helps to anchor the lip to the jaw for proper movement and facial development.
Almost 90% of babies are born with a frenulum that attaches to the lower edge of the gum line – the presence of the tissue is normal anatomy. As children get older and the jaw develops, the labial frenulum attachment has been shown to shift upward.
A lip tie is a condition where the lip is too short, or tightly attached to the upper and/or lower gum tissue thereby restricting function.
Children, Teens and Adults
possible signs and symptoms
While many of our frenectomy and gingevectomy patients are referred to us from other doctors, there are some recognizable signs and symptoms.
- Trouble with speech sounds, difficulty being understood by others, mumbling or speech delay
- Slow/picky/messy eater
- Difficulty chewing food
- Choking or gagging on foods or liquids
- Crooked, crowded teeth or narrow, high arched palate
- Thumb/finger sucking habit or prolonged pacifier use
- Restless sleep (kicking or moving while asleep)
- Grinding of teeth at night
- Sleeps with mouth open, snoring or noisy breathing
- Frequent headaches or neck, back and shoulder tension or pain
- Mouth breathing during the day
- Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
- Frequent ear/sinus/upper respiratory infections
- Hyperactivity or inattention
- Oral hygiene issues
If you suspect your child might need an evaluation, please make an appointment for a lip/tongue tie consultation at the office to have Dr. Sena evaluate your child’s condition.
FAQ - Laser Treatment
Open Door Policy
Our office has an open door policy, which means that you are welcome to be with your child in the operatory, with the exception of general anesthesia appointments.