Frenectomy

• whether they have a tongue tie
• whether it’s causing any functional problems
• if they’re a good candidate for a lip- or tongue-tie amendment (frenectomy)

What is a Tongue Tie?

A tongue tie is the congenital condition of having an especially tight frenulum. The lingual frenulum is the skin that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If this tissue is too thick or tight, it can restrict the tongue’s range of motion and may or may not cause problems with eating, talking, tongue posture, or breastfeeding in the case of babies. 

What is a Lip Tie?

A lip tie is a similar condition, but affecting the labial frenulum. This is the skin that connects the lip to the gum tissue. It can also cause functional problems, including difficulty breastfeeding in babies and gum recession in adults.

When to Fix a Tongue Tie or Lip Tie

Nowadays, many tongue and lip ties are identified and addressed in infancy. But plenty of people make it to adulthood without even knowing they have one. If it didn’t cause any problems in nursing when they were infants, or if they weren’t breastfed, it can easily escape awareness and cause problems later on.

What Problems Can a Tongue Tie Cause?

Pathologies are slightly different for infants, children, and adults. Very early in life, the primary problems associated with tongue and lip ties are:

• difficulty breastfeeding 
• resulting failure to thrive (low weight)
• delayed speech
• pronunciation issues as they acquire speech

Any of the following issues may occur later on in childhood and into adulthood:

• increased risk for tooth decay
• increased risk of gum disease
• irregularities in facial and jaw development 
• subsequent dental crowding or malocclusion
• diastema (gap) between front teeth
• digestive problems, including choking, gagging, and reflux
• sleep disordered breathing

Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie or Lip Tie

Tongue and lip ties are often overlooked by patients or their parents, healthcare providers, teachers, and other caregivers. They’re easy to identify, however, if you know what to look for. Some of the telltale signs and symptoms in infants include:

• difficulty latching while breastfeeding
• breastfeeding for a long time (significantly and regularly more than about 20 minutes per side)
• regularly falling asleep or appearing fatigued during breastfeeding
• weight loss or slow weight gain
• constant hunger
• making a clicking sound while breastfeeding
• mother experiencing pain from nursing

Tongue and lip ties can indeed go overlooked, especially if it didn’t cause any problems during infancy. For children and adults, signs and symptoms may include:

• gap between front teeth
• gum recession
• high, narrow palate
• crowded teeth
• recurring cavities
• mouth breathing
• chronic neck and shoulder tension
• being a slow eater
• difficulty swallowing pills
• grinding, clenching, or bracing jaw

What is a Frenectomy?

If you’ve read the above and are realizing you or your child may have a tongue tie or lip tie, don’t worry! Dr. Lena can help. A frenectomy is a quick and simple procedure in which we release the tongue or lip tie. 

Frenectomy Procedure Step-by-Step

For adults, we recommend myofunctional therapy before the frenectomy to break old habits and increase your benefit from it. Once you’ve completed that, you’ll come into the office for the procedure. It’s quick and straightforward:

1. An assistant will apply a numbing gel.
2. We administer local anesthesia.
3. The dentist will use the laser to snip the restrictive frenulum tissue. 
4. That’s it! No stitches or anything.

You’ll be sore for a few days, but NSAIDs will manage any pain just fine. Most people report feeling a difference in their range of motion and symptoms within a few days to a week.

Learn More About Getting a Frenectomy in NYC

To learn more about getting a frenectomy in NYC or book a consultation with Dr. Lena today.