Dr. Nhung Phan is a skilled expert specializing in frenectomies, helping patients achieve improved comfort and functionality with this advanced procedure. Using the precision of the Solea® laser, Dr. Phan safely removes restrictive frenula that cause lip- or tongue-tie, ensuring a gentle, comfortable experience and optimal results. With extensive experience in performing frenectomies, she provides trusted care for patients in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Phan, call Lotus Dental Associates at (803) 548-8858 today.
A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects one part of your mouth to another. In some cases, we may need to remove or modify a frenulum to improve the function and health of your smile; this type of treatment is called a frenectomy. The two most common types of frenectomy are lingual frenectomy and labial frenectomy. The lingual frenulum connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this frenulum is abnormally short or thick, it can result in a condition known as ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. This often inhibits the patient from chewing, eating and speaking properly. To alleviate these problems, our friendly dentist may recommend a frenectomy. A labial frenectomy is used to remove the frenulum that attaches the top lip to the gums above the front teeth. In some cases, this frenulum can cause recession of the gums, contribute to a gap between the upper front teeth or cause problems for denture wearers.
The frenectomy process is simple and quick. Our dentist can typically complete the removal of a frenulum in just one visit to our office, and we will ensure that you or your child are comfortable during the entire treatment. We will also provide you with detailed care instructions to ensure proper healing. We welcome you to call us today for more information and to schedule your next appointment.
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure that removes or modifies a frenulum—the small band of tissue connecting structures in your mouth. There are two main types: lingual frenectomy, which addresses the tissue under the tongue, and labial frenectomy, which targets the tissue between the upper lip and gum. This procedure is needed when the frenulum is too short, tight, or thick, causing restrictions that affect daily functions. In infants, signs include difficulty breastfeeding, poor latch, clicking sounds while nursing, or slow weight gain. Children may experience speech difficulties, particularly with sounds like “L,” “R,” “T,” and “S,” or develop a gap between their front teeth. Adults might notice gum recession, difficulty with dentures, limited tongue mobility, or jaw discomfort. At Lotus Dental Associates, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine if a frenectomy is the right solution for improving your oral function and quality of life.
A laser frenectomy is essentially the same procedure as traditional frenectomy, but uses a laser instead of scissors or a scalpel, which minimizes the risk of infection and blood loss. Traditional frenectomy uses surgical scissors or scalpels to cut the tissue, which may require stitches and typically involves more bleeding. Laser technology offers several significant advantages: it seals blood vessels as it works, resulting in minimal to no bleeding; it sterilizes the treatment area, reducing infection risk; it requires no sutures in most cases; and it promotes faster healing with less post-operative discomfort. The laser is extremely precise, allowing us to target exactly the right amount of tissue without affecting surrounding areas. At Lotus Dental Associates, we use advanced laser technology to provide a more comfortable experience with quicker recovery times, allowing infants to nurse immediately and older patients to return to normal activities faster.
A frenectomy takes only a few minutes and is straightforward, causing only slight bleeding, with the skin healing within a few days. Pain impacts infants the least during this procedure, while other patients may feel mild discomfort for a day or so afterwards. We use local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, ensuring you or your child feels no pain during the procedure itself. For infants, many don’t require anesthesia at all since the procedure is so quick. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Newborns can usually feed within an hour after the procedure, and older children typically return to school the next day. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including gentle stretching exercises that are crucial for preventing the tissue from reattaching during the healing process. Most patients experience complete healing within two weeks, with significant improvement in function noticed within days.
General dentists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons may all perform frenectomies, depending on the complexity of the case. While multiple healthcare professionals have the qualifications to perform this procedure, choosing an experienced provider with specialized training makes a significant difference in outcomes. At Lotus Dental Associates, our team has extensive experience performing frenectomies on patients of all ages, from newborns just weeks old to adults. We use state-of-the-art laser technology and follow evidence-based protocols to ensure the safest, most effective treatment. Our comprehensive approach includes thorough evaluation, expert surgical technique, detailed aftercare guidance, and follow-up care to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Whether your frenectomy is needed for feeding difficulties, speech improvement, orthodontic treatment, or periodontal health, our skilled dental professionals provide compassionate, precise care tailored to your specific needs.
Follow-up therapy is often an important component of successful frenectomy outcomes, particularly for functional issues. For infants with breastfeeding difficulties, working with a lactation consultant before and after the procedure significantly improves success rates by helping establish proper feeding techniques and addressing any compensatory patterns. Children with speech difficulties typically benefit from speech therapy to retrain tongue placement and improve articulation now that the physical restriction has been removed. Some patients may also benefit from myofunctional therapy, which involves exercises to strengthen oral muscles and establish proper tongue posture and movement patterns. At Lotus Dental Associates, we take a team-based approach and coordinate with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. We’ll assess your child’s specific needs during the consultation and provide personalized recommendations. Most patients see improvements within 2-3 weeks, with continued progress as they work with their therapy team to maximize the benefits of their frenectomy.
