Gentle CO2 Laser Frenectomy for Infants & Children
A tongue tie or lip tie is a band of tissue – called a frenum – that is unusually tight or short, restricting how the tongue or upper lip moves. In some babies, it can interfere with feeding; in some children, with eating or speech. A release, also called a frenectomy, is a quick procedure that frees the restricted tissue – and at Kennedy Dental Care it is performed gently with CO2 laser technology, after an honest evaluation of whether a release will genuinely help your child.
The evaluation and the aftercare are where the real care happens – the procedure itself is one of the quickest in pediatric dentistry.
Everyone has frena – small bands of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the lips to the gums. A frenectomy (you may also see “frenotomy” – the terms are often used interchangeably for the release) simply frees a frenum that is too tight to allow normal movement. The process takes typically just minutes to complete.
A laser frenectomy uses light energy instead of a blade to release the tissue. At Kennedy Dental Care we use CO2 laser technology, and the advantages for little patients are meaningful: the laser is extremely precise, there is minimal bleeding because the laser seals as it works, stitches are typically not needed, and healing tends to be quick and comfortable. For a wriggly newborn or an anxious child, gentler and faster genuinely matter.
The procedure is brief – minutes – and comfort is managed appropriately for your child's age, with numbing used as needed. Babies typically fuss for a short time and settle quickly, and many are able to feed right after the release – which is both comforting for your baby and the first gentle exercise for the newly freed tissue. For older children, our full range of comfort options, including nitrous oxide, is available.
Tongue ties are having a moment – and not every tight-looking frenum needs a release. Here is how we help you tell the difference.
Feeding signs parents and nursing mothers often notice:
What you may see: a tongue that cannot lift or extend well, sometimes with a heart-shaped notch at the tip when it tries; an upper lip that cannot flange outward for a seal.
Our commitment: a real examination of how your child's mouth moves and functions, a plain-English explanation of what we find, coordination with your pediatrician or lactation consultant whenever that helps, and a recommendation we would give our own kids – including “this does not need treatment,” when that is the truth.
Every child deserves the right care, even when the right care is none.
Sometimes – a thick or low upper-lip frenum can contribute to a gap between the front teeth, and in select cases, releasing it is part of closing that gap. But gaps have several causes, and timing matters: this is a decision made case by case, often alongside orthodontic planning – another advantage of having Dr. Tim, our residency-trained orthodontist, under the same roof. An evaluation gives you the real answer for your child.
Book an AppointmentFew things are harder than watching your baby struggle to feed – and few internet rabbit holes are deeper than the one that starts with “is it a tongue tie?” Since 1969, Coastal Bend families have trusted Kennedy Dental Care with their littlest patients, and our approach to ties is simple: examine first, explain honestly, and treat only when a release will truly help.
55+
Years serving the Coastal Bend
04
Convenient locations
4.9★
Average patient rating
Coverage for frenectomy varies by plan and can depend on medical necessity – especially for infant feeding difficulties. We accept most insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and CHIP, our team verifies your benefits before anything is scheduled, membership plan families receive 25% off procedures, and CareCredit and Cherry financing financing are available. You approve the estimate first – always.
Book an AppointmentA release only when it genuinely helps.
Precise, gentle, and quick for the littlest patients.
A team that treats infants every week.
When a frenum and a gap intersect.
A 4.9-star average across 3250+ Google reviews, serving Coastal Bend families since 1969.
Pediatric Dentistry Team
III, M.S., D.D.S.
Dr. Paul Kennedy, known to his patients as “Dr. Paul,” is a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi with a deep passion for improving children's oral health.
He attended Windsor Park Elementary, Baker Middle School, and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Baylor University and a Master of Science from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Dr. Paul completed his dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Dr. Paul is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the Texas Dental Association (TDA).
Outside of the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Merritt, and their two children.
Kennedy Dental Care holds a 4.9-star average rating across 3,250+ Google reviews – a reflection of the care our team brings to every visit.
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
Watch for feeding signs – latching trouble, long exhausting feeds, clicking, nipple pain for the nursing mother – and movement signs like a tongue that cannot lift or a lip that cannot flange. These signs have more than one possible cause, so an in-person evaluation is the real answer.
A release performed with laser light instead of a blade – at Kennedy Dental Care, CO2 laser technology – offering precision, minimal bleeding, typically no stitches, and quick, comfortable healing.
The procedure takes minutes, comfort is managed for your child's age, and babies typically settle quickly – many feed right after the release.
Most children are back to normal within days, with the site fully settling over the following weeks. A follow-up visit confirms healing is on track.
Our Pediatric Dentistry Team performs evaluations and releases using CO2 laser technology – call (361) 992-9500 to schedule your child's evaluation.
Sometimes. A tight upper-lip frenum can contribute to a gap, and releasing it is occasionally part of the solution, decided case by case alongside orthodontic planning.
Coverage varies and can depend on medical necessity, especially for infant feeding difficulties. We accept most insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and CHIP, verify your benefits first, and membership families receive 25% off procedures.
A Compassionate Approach to Accessible Dental Care
Explore MoreBring us your observations, your questions, and your baby – and leave with a real answer. If a release will help, it is gentle, quick, and done with CO2 laser precision. If it will not, we will tell you that too. Call (361) 992-9500 to schedule an evaluation.
(361) 992-9500
