A laser frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that releases a tight or restrictive frenulum — the small band of tissue that can tether the tongue or lip — using a soft-tissue laser instead of a scalpel.
Who Needs a Frenectomy?
A frenectomy may be recommended when a tight frenulum causes:
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) — restricts tongue movement, affecting breastfeeding, speech, or swallowing
- Lip-tie — upper lip can't flange properly, creating a poor latch during nursing
- Dental spacing issues — a prominent labial frenulum pulls the gum tissue and creates a gap between upper front teeth
Dr. Le performs laser frenectomies for newborns, children, and adults.
Why Laser Instead of Traditional Surgery?
Traditional frenectomy uses scissors or a scalpel and requires sutures. Laser frenectomy at Le Dentistry uses a soft-tissue diode laser, which means:
- No sutures — the laser seals tissue as it works
- Less bleeding — the laser cauterizes on contact
- Faster healing — most patients heal within 1–2 weeks
- Less post-procedure discomfort — especially important for infants
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes. For infants, a topical numbing gel is applied and the procedure is complete before they know it happened. Breastfeeding improvement is often noticed within the first few feeds.
For older children and adults, local anesthetic is used. You'll receive a simple set of stretching exercises to do at home after the procedure to prevent reattachment.
Serving Oshkosh and the Fox Valley
Le Dentistry is one of the few practices in the Fox Valley offering laser frenectomy for all ages. If your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or speech therapist has recommended a frenectomy evaluation, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vy Le.