Laser Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Release in St. Augustine, FL
Gentle laser frenectomy for infants and children — performed by a pediatric dentists serving St. Augustine and St. Johns County. No referral needed.
Schedule an Evaluation Tongue-Tie OverviewLaser Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Release — What St. Augustine Parents Need to Know
If your baby is struggling to latch, seems frustrated during feeding, or you're experiencing pain while nursing — a tongue-tie or lip-tie may be part of the reason. These are common, treatable conditions, and you don't have to figure them out alone.
What Is a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie?
A tongue-tie (also called ankyloglossia) happens when the band of tissue under the tongue is too short or tight, limiting how freely the tongue can move. A lip-tie is similar — the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums restricts lip movement. Both conditions can interfere with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and, if left untreated, speech and oral development.
What Is a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy is the quick, gentle procedure used to release the restricted tissue. At Little Smiles in St. Augustine, we perform laser tongue-tie and lip-tie release using Waterlase™ technology — a specialized laser that is precise, virtually painless, and requires no stitches. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes, and most babies can feed immediately afterward.
Our laser frenectomies in St. Augustine are performed by Dr. Luis Cruz, our board-certified pediatric dentist with extensive experience treating infants and young children. No referral is needed — you can call us directly or request an appointment online.
Our St. Augustine Office
📍 Address:
1301 Plantation Island Dr, Ste 305
St. Augustine, FL 32080
📞 Phone:
(904) 471-8500
🕐 Hours:
Mon – Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Accepting new patients
No referral needed
Most insurances accepted
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie
Parents in St. Augustine and across St. Johns County often come to us after noticing these signs. If any of these sound familiar, an evaluation is a simple, low-pressure first step.
Feeding Difficulties
- Trouble latching or staying latched
- Clicking sounds while nursing or bottle feeding
- Long, exhausting feeding sessions
- Gassiness, reflux-like symptoms, or excessive air intake
- Difficulty transferring milk effectively
Your Baby's Comfort
- Slow or poor weight gain
- Frustration and fussiness during feeds
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty with both breast and bottle
- Colic-like symptoms
Signs for Nursing Mothers
- Pain or discomfort during breastfeeding
- Damaged or sore nipples
- Concerns about milk supply
- Recommendation from a lactation consultant
- Repeated mastitis or blocked ducts
Noticing these signs? An evaluation at our St. Augustine office is quick, calm, and low-pressure. Schedule yours today.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We know that bringing your baby in for any procedure can feel nerve-wracking. Here's exactly what your visit to our St. Augustine office looks like — from arrival to heading home.
Gentle Oral Evaluation
Dr. Cruz will do a thorough but gentle exam of your baby's mouth, tongue, and lip movement. This takes just a few minutes and is completely non-invasive.
Honest Discussion
We'll clearly explain what we find and whether a tongue-tie or lip-tie is present. We answer all your questions before recommending anything. If treatment isn't needed, we'll tell you that too.
The Laser Frenectomy (If Recommended)
If treatment is recommended and you'd like to proceed, the laser frenectomy itself takes just a few minutes. The Waterlase™ laser is gentle and precise — no stitches, minimal bleeding, and most babies settle quickly after.
Immediate Feeding
Most infants can nurse or bottle-feed immediately after the procedure. Many parents notice a difference in latch right away. We'll give you time and space to feed your baby before you leave.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Before you leave, we'll walk you through simple stretching exercises and aftercare instructions to support healing. We schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is progressing well, and our team is available if you have questions at home.
Gentle Laser Technology: The Waterlase™ Difference
We use the Biolase Waterlase iPlus — a specialized laser that uses a gentle stream of water and laser energy to release the restricted tissue. It is not a traditional "hot" laser, which makes it the safest and most comfortable option available for infants and young children.
❄️ Cool & Gentle
Water keeps tissue cool throughout the procedure. No burning, no heat, and no scary sounds that upset babies.
⚡ Fast Healing
The laser seals tissue as it works — meaning little to no bleeding, no stitches, and faster healing compared to traditional scissors or scalpel methods.
⏱️ Quick Procedure
The actual release takes just minutes. The whole appointment — including evaluation and consultation — is usually done in under an hour.
For older children or children with anxiety about dental procedures, we also offer safe sedation options to help them feel calm and comfortable during treatment.
Why St. Augustine Families Trust Little Smiles for Tongue-Tie Care
For over 18 years, families throughout St. Johns County have trusted our team with their children's care. Here's what sets us apart.
Pediatric-Only Dental Care
Your baby's tongue-tie release is performed by Dr. Luis Cruz, a pediatric dentist with deep experience in infant frenectomies. Our entire practice is dedicated to children — not adults.
Advanced Waterlase™ Technology
We use state-of-the-art Waterlase laser technology — the gentlest, most precise option available for infant tongue-tie and lip-tie release. No scissors. No stitches.
Compassionate, Unhurried Care
We know this can feel overwhelming. We slow down, answer every question, and never rush you or your baby. Our team genuinely loves what we do — and parents feel that the moment they walk in.
A Calm, Child-Friendly Space
Our St. Augustine office is designed to feel welcoming and gentle — for babies, toddlers, and parents. The environment is intentionally calm so everyone feels at ease from the moment they arrive.
Clear, Honest Communication
We explain exactly what we find, what we recommend, and why — in plain language you can understand. If a procedure isn't necessary, we'll tell you that too. No pressure, ever.
Serving All of St. Johns County
Our office on Plantation Island Drive is easily accessible for families in Anastasia Island, Nocatee, World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra, Palencia, Vilano Beach, Fruit Cove, St. Augustine Beach, and Historic Downtown. Free parking on-site.
Also serving Palm Coast families? We offer the same expert tongue-tie and lip-tie release at our Palm Coast office on Cypress Point Parkway.
What St. Augustine Parents Are Saying
"My son had tongue procedure and Dr. Cruz did great! Love all the ladies that work up front. Super kid friendly and welcoming office."
"My son recently had a frenectomy done... exceptional. We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Dr. Cruz and the entire staff!"
"We've since had three tongue-tie releases, along with cleanings and X-rays, and our children truly feel cared for. The entire team is amazing, and Angela at the front desk always makes us feel remembered and welcomed."
Your Questions About Tongue-Tie Release in St. Augustine, Answered
We hear these questions from parents every day. If yours isn't here, call us — we're happy to chat before you book.
Is laser tongue-tie release safe for newborns?
Yes. Laser frenectomy using Waterlase™ is gentle, precise, and widely used for infants. At our St. Augustine office, Dr. Cruz uses this technology daily to ensure minimal discomfort and faster healing. Most newborns settle quickly and can feed right away.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No referral needed. You can call our St. Augustine office at (904) 471-8500 or book online anytime. If your pediatrician or lactation consultant has concerns about a tongue-tie, we welcome that information — but you don't need to wait for a formal referral.
How long does the frenectomy procedure take?
The laser release itself is usually done in just a few minutes. Your full appointment — including the evaluation, our discussion with you, and aftercare instructions — typically runs under an hour. We never rush.
Will my baby need therapy afterward?
Some infants benefit from feeding therapy or bodywork to help retrain tongue movement. We'll guide you on whether additional support is a good idea for your baby specifically. Our St. Augustine team works with local lactation consultants when helpful and provides detailed exercises to do at home.
Can tongue-tie affect older children too?
Absolutely. Untreated tongue-ties in older children can impact speech clarity (especially sounds like L, R, T, D, and S), jaw development, and oral hygiene. We treat children of all ages — not just newborns. If your child has speech concerns or mouth breathing, a tongue-tie evaluation is worth discussing.
What areas of St. Johns County do you serve?
Families come to our Plantation Island Drive office from all over St. Johns County — Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, World Golf Village, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palencia, Fruit Cove, and Historic Downtown St. Augustine. We also welcome families from Palatka and surrounding communities.
Explore More Pediatric Services in St. Augustine
Preventive Dental Care
Routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to keep your child's smile healthy from the very beginning.
Learn About Preventive Care →Sedation Options for Anxious Kids
For children who need extra comfort, we offer safe nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation — right here in our St. Augustine office.
View Sedation Options →Pediatric Emergency Dental Care
Accidents happen. We offer same-day emergency appointments for children in St. Augustine and St. Johns County.
Emergency Dental Guide →Ready to Schedule? We're Accepting New Patients in St. Augustine.
You don't need a referral. You don't need to wait. If something feels off with your baby's feeding — trust that instinct and give us a call. A quick evaluation can give you real answers.
Book an Evaluation Online Call (904) 471-85001301 Plantation Island Dr, Ste 305 · St. Augustine, FL 32080 · Mon–Thu 8–4, Fri 8–2
Proudly serving Anastasia Island, Vilano Beach, Nocatee, World Golf Village, Ponte Vedra Beach, and all of St. Johns County.