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Frenuloplasty of the tongue and lip

Frenuloplasty of the tongue and lip is a surgical procedure that releases overly short tongue or lip frenula. It helps improve oral functions such as sucking in infants, swallowing, speech development, and proper tooth positioning. The procedure is quick and helps prevent future problems.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Tauri Narits

Oral, maxillofacial, and jaw surgeon

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Feeding difficulties in infants: A short tongue-tie can interfere with effective sucking.
  • Speech problems: Restricted tongue movement affects pronunciation.
  • Bite issues: A lip-tie can pull on the gums and create a gap between the front teeth.
  • Gum recession: A short lip-tie can pull the gum away from the tooth neck.
  • Oral hygiene difficulties: Limited tongue or lip movement makes cleaning the mouth more difficult.
  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties: Restricted tongue movement affects food processing.
  • Aesthetic concerns: A noticeable gap between the front teeth.

Common symptoms

  • Gum recession in the front teeth area
    Gum recession in the front teeth area caused by a short lip-tie.

  • Hygiene difficulties

    Problems cleaning teeth in the area of the frenulum.

  • Infant breastfeeding or bottle-feeding difficulties

    Due to a short tongue tie, an infant has difficulty sucking from a bottle or breastfeeding.

  • Large gap between front teeth

    Large gap between front teeth due to a short lip-tie.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Bring with you: ID card or other identification document.
  • Write down: your main questions and concerns you wish to discuss with the doctor.
  • Information about: previous dental procedures, medications used, and your general health is helpful.
  • No special preparation: (e.g. fasting) is necessary unless agreed otherwise.
  • For infants: it is recommended to feed the child immediately before the procedure.

What to expect during your appointment

Consultation and diagnostics

We discuss your concerns, assess the condition of the frenulum, and take photos if necessary.

Treatment planning

The diagnosis is explained and suitable treatment options are presented.

Local anaesthesia

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia to ensure it is painless.

Frenulum release

The overly short tongue or lip frenulum is surgically released.

Wound closure

The wound is closed with sutures if necessary.

Aftercare instructions

Detailed instructions are provided for post-operative care and exercises.

Follow-up appointment

A follow-up visit is scheduled to monitor healing.

Specialists providing this service

On a life long mission

UUS: pakume äriklientidele tööandja ravikindlustust

Payment & Appointment Info

Payment methods

Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Dental Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

Referral

You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.

Clinics offering this service

Related services

  • Oral, maxillofacial and facial surgery
    The work of an oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgeon involves the treatment of various diseases, traumas, and defects in the head, neck, jaw, and or

  • Tooth extraction
    Tooth extraction, including wisdom tooth removal, in cases where the tooth can no longer be preserved in a healthy or pain-free condition.

  • Tooth transplantation
    Autotransplantation, or tooth transplantation, is the removal of a damaged tooth and its replacement with a suitable tooth within the same person’s mo

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tongue-tie and lip-tie?

A tongue-tie is a fold of mucous membrane that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A lip-tie is a fold of mucous membrane that connects the lip to the gum.

Why is frenuloplasty necessary?

A short frenulum can cause feeding difficulties in infants, speech problems, bite abnormalities, and gum recession.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, making it painless. After the anaesthesia wears off, mild pain and swelling may occur.

How long does frenuloplasty take?

The procedure is quick, usually lasting only a few minutes.

What should I do after frenuloplasty?

It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for wound care and perform specific exercises to prevent reattachment of the frenulum.

Is frenuloplasty performed on infants?

Yes, frenuloplasty is often performed in infants when feeding difficulties occur to improve breastfeeding.

Does frenuloplasty help with speech problems?

Yes, if speech issues are caused by restricted tongue movement, frenuloplasty may improve pronunciation.

Is frenuloplasty safe?

Frenuloplasty is a routine and safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries certain risks such as bleeding or infection.

When is the right time to perform frenuloplasty?

It depends on the issue. In infants it is done early, while in children and adults it is performed based on symptoms and need.

Is orthodontic treatment needed after frenuloplasty?

In some cases, especially when bite abnormalities have developed, orthodontic treatment may be required after frenuloplasty.