Tongue Tie and Frenotomy
What is Tongue Tie?
Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. It occurs when the ‘string’ or thin piece of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. This can affect various activities involving the tongue, such as infant breast and bottle-feeding, speaking, swallowing, breathing, and dental health.
What is Lip Tie?
Lip tie is a similarly associated condition, also present at birth, that restricts the upper lip’s range of motion. It occurs when the ‘string’ or thin piece of tissue (labial frenulum) connecting the inside of the top lip to the gumline is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. Like tongue tie, this can also affect infant breast and bottle feeding as well as dental health..
Signs and Symptoms:
People with tongue and/or lip tie might experience:
Difficulty sticking out the tongue past the bottom lip with jaw extended.
Trouble lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth.
Challenges breast and/or bottlefeeding, including poor latch or nipple pain for the lactating parent.
Difficulty feeding or growing/gaining weight as a child.
Easy/susceptibility to choking.
Speech difficulties, such as difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
Obstructive sleep apnea.
Evaluation Process:
Before deciding on a frenotomy, the provider will conduct a thorough evaluation. This will involve:
Medical history: the provider will ask questions about you or your child’s symptoms and any feeding, dental, speech, and other difficulties you're experiencing.
Breastfeeding assessment (for infants): If breastfeeding is an issue, the provider may observe a feeding session to understand the challenges.
Physical examination: the provider will assess the appearance and mobility of the tongue.
Procedure and Postoperative Care:
Fortunately, there's a simple and effective solution for tongue and lip tie called frenotomy. During this procedure, the provider will gently clip the lingual and/or labial frenulum to release the tongue and/or lip's restriction. It's a quick and minimally painful procedure that can be done right in the doctor's office.
After the frenotomy, it's essential to follow the provider’s instructions for post-procedure care. This will include:
Gentle stretches: Performing tongue and/or lip exercises to prevent reattachment of the frenulum.
Pain management: Using over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Monitoring: Keeping an eye on the area for signs of infection or other complications.
Benefits:
Frenotomy can lead to various benefits, including:
Improved infant feeding: Babies may latch more effectively, leading to better milk transfer and reduced nipple pain for parents.
Enhanced speech: Children and adults may experience improved articulation and pronunciation.
Better oral hygiene: Easier cleaning of the mouth and teeth.
Better sleep: Increased mobility of the oral airway.
Is Membership Required?
This service is available to the general public and membership in our primary care clinic is not required. However, we do offer reduced rates to our members and new members as a benefit.
Pricing:
Nonmembers:
Lingual (tongue) frenotomy: $645
Labial (lip) frenotomy: $95
Both: $740
Consultation only (no procedure): $195
New members (those who decide to bundle this service with enrollment in our primary care membership):
Lingual (tongue) frenotomy: $483.75
Labial (lip) frenotomy: $71.25
Both: $555
Consultation only (no procedure): Included in membership
Current members:
Lingual (tongue) frenotomy: $322.50
Labial (lip) frenotomy: $47.50
Both: $370
Consultation only (no procedure): Included in membership