Tongue-ties (ankyloglossia) and lip-ties are conditions where a band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the lip to the gums restricts movement. These tethered oral tissues (TOTs) can cause speech and feeding difficulties, sleep issues, and a wide range of other concerns. We offer specialized services for tongue and lip tie releases designed to improve oral function and comfort.

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Dr. Katelyn performs a thorough, comprehensive functional assessment of every child prior to performing frenectomies with a CO2 laser. She values a collaborative, team-based approach between lactation consultants (IBCLCs), chiropractors, pediatricians, speech language pathologists, myofunctional therapists, and other colleagues when assessing for a possible tongue-tie and/or lip-tie.

  As the mom of children with both tongue and lip-ties, Dr. Katelyn has gone the extra mile to obtain education, training, and certifications in tethered oral tissues (TOTs) to provide her patients with the highest level of care. She has additional certification through The American Board of Laser Surgery.

  For her, it’s important to identify when to treat, when not to treat, and when referral to other services is best to help ensure a positive outcome for the mother-infant dyad.

• Laser Frenectomy:  ‍If the frenectomy (release of the TOTs) procedure is indicated, it will often be offered the same day for infants utilizing our non-touch, DEKA CO2 laser in our Zionsville location. This sedation-free procedure precisely and quickly removes TOTs with minimal to no bleeding, minor discomfort, and faster healing without requiring stitches.

• Post-Procedure Support: Guidance on exercises and follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and improved mobility after the release.

  Post-surgery stretches are crucial to good wound healing and maximizing the mobility of the oral tissues. These stretches will be demonstrated with your child to support healthy healing and help achieve the best possible outcome.

  Post-treatment visits with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) are recommended within 2 days after your infant’s procedure to ensure baby and mom have the support needed for nursing. If you do not have an IBCLC, we have a list of local providers who are able to do home visits to help accommodate your needs.

Frenectomies aim to enhance feeding, speech development, and overall health in infants and children, making a profound functional difference in their lives.

Do you suspect your baby or child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie? Review and consider completing our assessment.

Restorative treatment in pediatric dentistry focuses on repairing and preserving children's teeth while promoting comfort and minimizing anxiety.

• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Such techniques have become a key component of modern care, aiming to reduce discomfort and preserve healthy tooth structure.

  One method we employ is the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a topical agent that slows tooth decay without the need for removing tooth structure, making it especially suitable for young or medically complex patients.

  Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) is a gentle, minimally invasive way to treat cavities, especially for young children or patients who may feel anxious about dental care. The process uses our SDF medication to arrest tooth decay and then a tooth-colored filling is placed at a separate appointment to protect and restore the tooth. This approach often avoids drilling or numbing, making the treatment quicker, more comfortable, and effective at preserving healthy tooth structure.

• Functional and Esthetic Restorative Care: For more extensive decay or damage, tooth-colored restorative options such as composite resin fillings and Sprig (white zirconia) crowns are available. Sprig crowns provide a natural appearance with strong, biocompatible materials designed to fit the unique shape of children's front and back teeth, with excellent esthetics and longevity.

• Precision Anesthesia Delivery: To enhance patient comfort during restorative procedures, the use of advanced technology like the Soan is highly beneficial. This electronic device delivers local anesthesia with greater precision, targeting only the treatment area, which significantly reduces pain during injections (s-h-o-t-s) and minimizes post-procedure numbness. This targeted approach helps maintain a positive dental experience for children, reducing fear and reluctance to return for future care.

We understand many children feel nervous about dental visits, which is why our team offers several anxiety management options to help them feel safe and comfortable.

• Parents in Treatment Rooms: We welcome parents to join and support their child(ren) in the room during both preventive and operative appointments.

• Tell-Show-Do Guidance: Tell-show-do is a gentle technique we use to help children feel comfortable and confident during dental visits. We first tell the child what will happen in simple, friendly language, then show the instruments or steps in a non-threatening way, and finally do the procedure carefully once the child feels ready.

  We also encourage patients to bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll, so we can examine their toy together—often with the child helping as the “dentist.” This playful approach builds trust, reduces fear, and helps children feel proud and involved in their care.

• Social Story: Our social story video uses simple words and friendly visuals to walk a child through a visit to our Zionsville office. Reading it together ahead of time can help children feel prepared for their appointment from beginning to end.

• Nitrous Oxide (N2O, Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective technique used to produce analgesia and manage dental pain and anxiety. N2O is administered through a nasal hood (low-profile mask) that allows your child to relax while remaining conscious. It wears off quickly, enabling a fast recovery, with children typically returning to school the same day. This add-on service is ideal for children who experience mild anxiety, have strong gag reflexes, or need help staying calm during treatment.

Completing dental treatment under general anesthesia is especially helpful for children requiring extensive dental work, those with special healthcare needs, or with severe dental anxiety. Care is provided in collaboration with a dedicated anesthesia team, including an anesthesiologist, that continuously monitors your child’s breathing, heart rate, and vital signs. Using general anesthesia ensures your child is fully asleep and feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure, making it easier to complete all treatment in one visit.

• In-Office General Anesthesia: We provide treatment under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. These appointments are scheduled in our Zionsville office, where we have a specialized room designed for dental surgeries under general anesthesia. Redundant systems and hospital-grade medical gas equipment support comprehensive treatment in a controlled environment.

• Hospital-based General Anesthesia: We also provide treatment in a hospital-based, operating room setting for children who need extensive dental care but for whom an in-office setting may not be appropriate. Dr. Katelyn has privileges at Witham Health Services in Lebanon and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

• Post-Surgery Support: After the dental surgery, our team provides thorough post-surgery care to support a safe and comfortable recovery. Parents and caregivers receive a detailed explanation of the completed procedures, along with clear verbal and written post-operative instructions covering pain management, diet, oral care, and activity guidelines. We remain available to answer any questions during recovery and will schedule follow-up visits as needed to monitor healing and support your child’s continued oral health.

Our goal is always to help your child achieve a healthy and happy smile in a safe, supportive environment. Our team will evaluate your child's needs and medical history to recommend the most appropriate surgery option.