Tongue Tie Release Tongue tie release, also known as frenotomy or frenulotomy, is a simple surgical procedure performed to correct a condition called "ankyloglossia, " commonly known as tongue tie. Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition where the thin strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual or restricts the tongue's movement. Tongue tie can cause various issues, particularly in infants and young children, such as: Difficulty with breastfeeding: A tight lingual frenulum can make it challenging for an infant to latch onto the breast properly and may lead to poor feeding and weight gain issues. Speech difficulties: In some cases, tongue tie can affect speech development, making it difficult to articulate certain sounds or words. Oral hygiene problems: Limited tongue movement can make it harder to clean the mouth and teeth properly, potentially leading to dental issues. The tongue tie release procedure is relatively quick and straightforward. Here's how it is typically performed: Assessment: A healthcare professional, often a pediatrician, pediatric dentist, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, evaluates the tongue tie to determine whether the procedure is necessary. Anesthesia: Depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the tongue tie, the procedure may be done with or without anesthesia. For infants, a numbing cream or local anesthesia is usually sufficient. In older children or adults, general anesthesia might be used. Frenotomy: The surgeon uses a sterile pair of scissors or a laser to carefully snip or release the tight lingual frenulum. The procedure is usually quick, taking only a few seconds to a minute. Post-procedure care: After the procedure, the patient may be monitored for a short time to ensure there are no complications. Postoperative care typically involves keeping the area clean and using pain relief if necessary. Follow-up: In most cases, no sutures are required as the incision is small and heals quickly. Regular follow-up visits may be scheduled to check on the healing progress and assess any improvements in breastfeeding or speech. Tongue tie release is considered a safe and effective procedure with minimal risks. It can provide relief for infants struggling with breastfeeding and improve speech and oral hygiene in older children and adults. If you suspect that you or your child may have a tongue tie and are experiencing related issues, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional who can assess the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. They will be able to guide you on whether a tongue tie release procedure is necessary and safe in your specific case.