A simple solution for all ages at Bold Dental.

When it comes to the well-being of your child—or even yourself—small things can make a big difference!

Tongue-tie and lip-tie might sound like minor conditions, but they can have a significant impact on oral health and everyday functions like eating, speaking, and even smiling. At Bold Dental, Dr. Williams and the team are dedicated to helping patients of all ages overcome these challenges with a simple, effective procedure known as a frenectomy.

Let’s dive into what tongue-tie and lip-tie are, how they can affect you or your child, and how a frenectomy can provide lasting relief and improved quality of life!

What are tongue-ties and lip-ties?

A tongue-tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too tight or short. This restricts tongue movement, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like speaking, eating, and even breathing properly.

Similarly, lip-tie happens when the tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums (labial frenulum) is too tight, limiting the lip’s movement. These conditions are often detected in infants, but if left untreated, they can persist into adulthood, causing ongoing challenges.

Common Symptoms and Complications

In babies, tongue-tie and lip-tie can make breastfeeding difficult, leading to poor latching, inadequate milk intake, and discomfort for both mother and child. As children grow, these conditions can contribute to speech delays, difficulty eating, and dental issues such as gaps between the teeth or gum recession.

Adults who were not treated as infants may experience difficulties with oral hygiene, speech impediments, and even social discomfort due to restricted tongue or lip movement. But here’s the good news—no matter your age, Bold Dental has a solution.

What is a frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that releases the tight or short frenulum, allowing for greater freedom of movement in the tongue or lip. This procedure can be performed on patients of any age, from newborns to adults. Dr. Williams performs frenectomies at Bold Dental using state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, and highly effective techniques.

What can I expect during and after the procedure?

Understanding what happens during and after a frenectomy can help ease any concerns you might have about the process.

During the Procedure

The frenectomy procedure typically takes just a few minutes and can be done using a laser or a small surgical tool. The process involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic (for older children and adults) or sometimes no anesthetic at all for infants, making it virtually painless. Dr. Williams will then precisely and quickly release the tie.

Recovery Tips and Aftercare Instructions

After the procedure, most patients experience little discomfort, if any. Babies often feed better almost immediately, and older children and adults can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Dr. Williams will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which may include gentle exercises to help with healing and ensure full mobility of the tongue or lip. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to achieve the best possible outcome.

Recovery typically involves keeping the area clean and avoiding any strenuous activity that might strain the treated area. You might be advised to eat soft foods for a day or two and to monitor the site for any signs of infection or unusual swelling. However, complications are rare, and the results are well worth the brief recovery period.

What are the benefits of a frenectomy?

Now that you know what a frenectomy is, let’s talk about the incredible benefits that come with this simple but highly effective procedure.

Improved Speech and Eating Abilities

A frenectomy can significantly enhance speech clarity for children and adults by allowing the tongue to move more freely, enabling proper pronunciation and articulation. This can be a game-changer for children learning to speak and for adults who have struggled with speech impediments for years.

Eating also becomes easier and more enjoyable, as the tongue and lips can perform their roles effectively, making it simpler to chew, swallow, and even taste food.

Enhanced Oral Hygiene and Reduced Risk of Dental Issues

Maintaining good oral hygiene becomes much easier with the tongue and lips free to move as they should. The tongue can effectively clean the mouth, reducing plaque buildup and the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, correcting a lip-tie can prevent or address gaps between the teeth and gum recession, promoting a healthier, more attractive smile.

Better Breastfeeding for Infants

A frenectomy can be life-changing for parents of newborns. Babies with tongue-tie or lip-tie often struggle to latch properly during breastfeeding, leading to frustration for both mother and child.

By releasing the tight frenulum, babies can latch more effectively, which not only makes breastfeeding more comfortable but also ensures that they are getting the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.

Bold Dental supports your family’s journey to better oral health.

At Bold Dental, we believe that every member of your family deserves to live free from the challenges posed by tongue-tie and lip-tie. Whether you’re seeking treatment for your newborn, teenager, or yourself, Dr. Williams and our team are here to provide expert care in a warm and welcoming environment.

Don’t let these conditions hold you back—take the first step toward improved oral health, better speech, and a brighter smile by scheduling a consultation with your favorite dentist in Tulsa today. We’re committed to helping you and your loved ones break barriers and live life to the fullest.