
Tongue tie is a kind of tissue extension that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If the tongue tie is longer than normal, it may cause difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Since it contains a soft tissue layer that does not contain vessels and nerves, necessary interventions can be performed safely.
A lip tie is a soft tissue fold extending from the lip to the chin in three different parts of the mouth, the largest in the middle. Longer than normal lip tie can cause aesthetic disorders, speech difficulties and gum recession. It is also known that the lip tie in the midline causes interdental spaces. Since it does not contain nerves and vessels in its structure, it can be shortened with a simple intervention. A long lip tie can also be the cause of the adult gum smile.
Frenectomy, also called lip tie surgery or tongue tie surgery, is a surgical treatment in which the frenulum, a small strip of tissue, is removed or replaced. There are two different types: lingual frenectomy, which involves removing the frenum under the tongue, and labial frenectomy, which involves removing the frenum between the upper lip and gums.
Frenectomy typically takes a few minutes to complete and is usually done under local anaesthetic. Depending on the type and extent of surgery, your dentist may remove or relocate the frenum using a scalpel or laser.
Some pain or swelling may occur after the operation, but these side effects can usually be reduced with the application of ice. To ensure healthy healing and avoid problems, it's good to follow the post-procedure advice given by your dentist.
The syndrome that causes babies to have a long tongue tie is called "Ankyloglossia". Rarely, it can cause problems with speech, feeding or breastfeeding. Long tongue ties can make it difficult to breastfeed or bottle feed a baby. It is recommended to watch for the following signs in your baby:
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it would be prudent to see a pediatrician or language therapist for a tongue-tie evaluation.
Pain as frenectomy is normally performed under local anesthesia or no pain is felt. It is normal to have pain or swelling after the procedure, but can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Simple gingival surgeries applied for frenectomy are completed in a short time. The procedures take an average of 30-60 minutes.
Tongue tie in babies can be removed by making a small incision, especially if they have other mouth problems that may impair their ability to speak or use their mouth properly.
There are some possible problems like infection or bleeding that can happen with a surgical operation. In order to get through the healing process without any problems, it is necessary to take care of oral hygiene and follow the recommendations of the dentist.
A person's recovery may vary depending on their metabolic rate of recovery and their oral hygiene. 3-5 days after treatment, most patients do not feel any discomfort.
Your dentist may diagnose the presence of a long tongue tie or lip tie during the examination. Complaints such as difficulty in pronunciation, difficulty in eating and brushing teeth may be caused by a long lip tie or tongue tie.
Gingival interventions performed in private dental hospitals and dental clinics are not covered by insurance.