Lisp Surgery in Emeryville: Can a Laser Frenectomy Help? [Video Explainer]

Do you find yourself struggling to pronounce certain words? You might think your lisp is caused by habits, and that speech therapy is the only effective way to achieve proper speech. For patients with an underlying structural issue, speech therapy may require more time and effort because compensatory habits have formed. One speech therapist who was a patient of Dr. Magno’s spent years learning to compensate for her problem pronouncing certain words through therapy and practice alone. Dr. Magno could have addressed the underlying restriction of the patient’s speech issues in just minutes through lisp surgery, medically known as a frenectomy.

This procedure involves releasing the lingual attachment, called the frenum, using a laser. This helps release the restrictive tissue, which many describe as a tongue or lip tie, allowing for improved tongue or lip movement. In some cases, Dr. Magno may significantly shorten the time needed to improve speech by performing a frenectomy on the upper or lower frenum, so the restrictive tissue no longer limits your mouth movements.

Lisp Signs and Causes

A lisp occurs when you can’t make certain sounds correctly. Some lisps form because of tongue positioning and muscle control. Others are physically caused by a structural issue with the soft tissues of the mouth. The frenum is the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth, or the upper lip to the gums. When your lingual frenum (under the tongue) is too tight, your tongue may have a limited range of motion. You may struggle to position the tongue low enough to make S and Z sounds. A tongue that is too restricted makes it difficult for you to achieve the T, D, and L sounds. When your labial frenum (which attaches the upper lip) is too tight, you might struggle to move your lips to P, B, M, or W sounds.

As you get older, the frenum may become harder, and your lisp may be more pronounced. People often don’t realize they have a lisp, especially if they’ve always spoken like that. They might also believe it is simply an accent, especially if they moved from one geography to another. Speech therapy can help some people compensate, but when there’s a physical restriction, treating that restriction may help improve movement and support clearer speech.

Who Could Benefit From Lisp Surgery?

Lisp surgery can be an effective treatment when a tongue tie or lip tie is limiting normal movement, especially in adults who have developed a stronger lisp over time. But tongue and lip-tie intervention can be helpful at any age. Based on her decades of experience in dentistry, Dr. Magno has found the laser frenectomy to be a powerful treatment for restoring mouth function.

Although we’re predominantly discussing the impact of a tight frenum on speech, restricted oral tissue can affect function at many ages. Her youngest patient was a six-month-old who struggled to drink from a bottle. After the procedure, the baby was able to suck the bottle immediately.

A frenectomy might not make sense if habits or other factors create your speech issues. Dr. Magno is happy to help you determine whether the treatment is right for you during your consultation.

Lisp Surgery: Laser Frenectomy Explained

A frenectomy releases the frenum, the restrictive tissue, to improve mobility. A traditional frenectomy used to involve cutting the ligament with a scalpel. It would also require stitches and a longer healing time.  On the other hand, Dr. Magno uses a dental laser. This means you’ll heal faster after treatment than with the incision approach. The laser seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it works. You’ll likely experience less bleeding, swelling, and post-procedure discomfort compared to the scalpel-based surgical approach.

Dr. Magno does a screening to determine whether a tongue or lip tie is contributing to the lisp. The procedure itself takes just 5–10 minutes. First, she numbs the area. Then, she uses a laser to release the connective tissue, which doesn’t require stitches afterward. Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day, although healing continues over the following days. You could think of it as comparable to a small cut on the lip, healing quickly. Patients often find improved tongue or lip movement right away. Once the frenectomy is complete, you’ll notice it’s easier to move the tongue smoothly in your mouth. This can support clearer speech, especially when combined with practice or speech therapy.

Text or Call To Take the Next Step To Clearer Speech

A lisp caused by a tongue tie or lip tie doesn’t have to be permanent. When a tongue tie or lip tie is contributing to speech issues, a laser frenectomy is a quick procedure that may improve tongue or lip movement right away. Speech clarity may continue to improve with practice or speech therapy. Over time, this combination can help you speak more clearly and confidently.

Dr. Magno’s passion is providing a lasting outcome for patients. Frenectomies are a prime example of how she enables long‑lasting improvement in your life with a treatment that takes just minutes. Text or call Dr. Magno at 510-591-0091 to schedule a consultation.