03
Adults
Often never diagnosed as a child. Chronic discomfort, oral hygiene difficulty, speech issues, and periodontal problems such as gum recession.
Frenectomy in Katy, TX
Frenectomy
Releasing a tongue-tie or a lip-tie with a laser. Under fifteen minutes, and no stitches.
Is this you
Three ages, three different problems.
The same restriction causes something different at every stage of life, which is why it is so often missed after infancy.
The two conditions, and what each one restricts
- Tongue‑tieAnkyloglossia. The lingual frenum — the fold under the tongue — is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. Speech impediments, difficulty swallowing, and complications with breastfeeding.
- Lip‑tieThe labial frenum, joining the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth, is overly restrictive. It prevents proper lip movement, can contribute to a gap between the front teeth, and makes brushing and flossing harder.
The Treatment
What it is, and what it involves.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenum is a small fold of connective tissue in the mouth. When one is too short or too tight it restricts movement. A frenectomy removes or modifies it, and the restriction goes with it.
In the practice’s words
A frenectomy is a minimally invasive dental procedure that involves the removal or modification of a frenum — a small fold of connective tissue located in the mouth. The lingual frenum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth; the labial frenum connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth.
Both conditions are more than just physical restrictions — they can impact emotional well-being, social interactions, and everyday comfort. The goal is to restore mobility and eliminate these restrictions, improving oral function and overall comfort.
Why it is done with a laser here, and not a scalpel
- PrecisionOnly the necessary tissue is removed, leaving what is around it untouched. Minimal trauma.
- Minimal bleedingThe laser cauterises blood vessels as it works.
- No stitchesIt seals the tissue, so sutures are rarely needed. That matters most for the youngest patients.
- Less swellingLess damage to adjacent tissue means less inflammation afterwards.
- Faster recoveryMost patients return to eating and speaking within hours.
- Lower infection riskThe laser’s sterilising effect on the site.
Why This One
What it does for you.
A tongue-tie sounds like a small thing until you are three weeks into a feed that is not working.
Dental spacing
A restrictive labial frenum can hold a gap open between the front teeth.
You can clean your teeth properly
Brushing and flossing become possible where the lip or tongue would not move out of the way.
Less strain, for adults
Improved tongue range of motion and reduced muscular strain, decades after it should have been caught.
Gum recession slows
A pulling frenum is a periodontal problem as well as a functional one.
Your dentist
Dr. Dave Cho, DMD
Dr. Dave Cho performs these for adults, working alongside speech therapists where the case calls for it.
- 15Minutes, usually under
- 0Sutures, in most cases
- 24–48Hours for swelling to settle
Also on the teamDr. William Sung, DMDFellow of the Academy of General DentistryWhy patients across Katy come here for this one
- Advanced dental laser technology. Minimises bleeding, reduces discomfort during and after, and promotes faster healing than traditional surgical methods.
- Personalized consultations. The practice conducts a thorough evaluation and customises each plan — a newborn’s tongue-tie and an adult’s speech difficulty are not the same appointment.
- Minimally invasive technique. Less trauma to surrounding tissues, so less post-operative swelling, pain and infection risk.
- A supportive environment. Patient education is central: every question answered, so parents feel confident about the decision before it is made.
The Path
What happens, step by step.
Comprehensive consultation
A detailed examination of the oral tissues, looking at speech, hygiene and physical limitation.
Diagnosis and planning
Whether there is a tie and how severe it is, then the procedure explained in full — benefits, aftercare and expected outcome — before anything is agreed.
The laser procedure
The tight frenum is gently released. Usually complete in under 15 minutes, with no sutures and no extended downtime.
Aftercare instructions
Oral stretches to ensure proper healing and prevent the tissue reattaching. This is the part that decides whether it worked.
Follow-up
Healing and function checked. Where feeding or speech is involved we may work alongside your lactation consultant or speech therapist.
Start with the consultation.
It costs nothing to have someone look. If there is no tie, you will be told there is no tie.
Book an appointmentOr call (281) 769-8878
The Alternatives
How it compares.
Laser, against the scalpel this used to need.
LaserScalpel or scissors
Blood vessels cauterised as it works.Bleeding during and after.
Sutures rarely needed.Stitches, and a stitch check.
Under 15 minutes.Longer, with more preparation.
Normal function within hours.Longer healing times.
Sterilising effect lowers infection risk.An open wound to keep clean.
The same laser does the practice’s other soft-tissue work — see laser dentistry.
Afterwards, and the one thing not to skip
Recovery is quick and uncomplicated. The stretches are not optional — released tissue can reattach.
- Daily stretchesThe oral exercises the practice sets, done as instructed. This is what prevents reattachment.
- AdultsMaintain good oral hygiene, and avoid hard or spicy food for a short while.
- Follow-upsAttend all of them. Healing and function are checked, not assumed.
- ExpectMinor discomfort only. Swelling or mild bleeding resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
The Cost
What it costs, before it starts.
Quoted at the consultation, once the practice has seen whether there is a tie at all and which frenum is involved.
One appointmentPlus a follow-up
The procedure, the aftercare instructions and the follow-up visit that checks the healing.
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What moves the number
Whether it is a lingual or labial release, or both, and the patient’s age.
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Insurance and financing
A frenectomy is a functional treatment rather than a cosmetic one. See insurance and financing.
The Proof
What Katy patients say about being here.
My son had his cleaning and X-rays this week. The staff was incredibly efficient and really detailed about the whole process. Even though my son had a huge fit since it was his first time getting X-rays, I feel like the staff genuinely cared about how he felt and tried their best to comfort him throughout the process.
Everyone there is very nice. They were able to see my son within a day of calling. My son had a horrible experience with an extraction as a little boy and he was nervous to have a tooth pulled again. They made him feel at ease. Afterwards he said he didn’t feel a thing.
LeeLee P
Found our family dentist!
Melissa Merino
Very friendly staff and were willing to help in every way! Felt more comfortable here than at any other dentist office in the past, highly recommend!
Gabriel Sanchez
Questions
Questions patients ask before they decide.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself is usually complete in under 15 minutes, and requires no sutures or extended downtime.
Does it hurt?
Patients report little to no discomfort during or after, thanks to the laser. Minor swelling or mild bleeding resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
Will the tissue grow back?
It can reattach, which is why the daily oral stretches the practice prescribes are the most important part of aftercare. Do them as instructed and attend the follow-up.
I am an adult. Is it too late?
No. Some tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions persist into adulthood, causing hygiene difficulty, chronic discomfort, speech issues or gum recession. A laser frenectomy improves tongue range of motion, reduces muscular strain and supports better dental health at any age.
Do you work with our lactation consultant?
Yes. In cases involving feeding habits or speech development we work collaboratively with lactation consultants and speech therapists. Bring their notes to the consultation.
The Invitation
Ask about this one.
If feeding is not working and nobody has looked under the tongue, that is the appointment. Call and say it is about a possible tongue-tie.
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 9am to 6pm
Thu 9am to 5pm
Fri to Sun Closed - Emergencies
- Call the practice. We keep same day slots for pain, breaks and knocked out teeth.
